Dell XPS 9000/ Formerly XPS 435

ScLegacy

Prominent
May 5, 2017
3
0
510
So, before I start, I am new to this forum. So whatever information is needed other than that that I provide, please tell me.

I purchased a Dell XPS 9000/435 from someone that he did not use. I took it home and cleaned the inside out with compressed air. The computer was originally on Windows Vista, I upgraded from that to 8.1 and then to Windows 10. I finally got to download my games. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, and Subnautica. They both run very well on this PC. I have had the PC for about a month. The only upgrade I made on the computer was adding 2 8Gb RAM sticks.

About a week ago, I started to have an issue where I will boot up StarCraft II, play a game or two, then either during or after a game my computer will reboot. Then, I will try getting back into StarCraft and once it reaches the main menu it will reboot. The reboot ONLY happens while I am in game. I have the computer in an area that gets decent airflow, I have tried reinstalling Windows 10 AND StarCraft II. I am not sure if it may be the Power Supply or GPU. I planned on replacing the GPU with a GeForce GTX 950. I have also cleaned the fans in the PSU, the Intake fans, and the GPU fan. Nothing changed.

Here are the specs of the computer:


Intel Core i7 920 / 2.66 GHz
Intel X58 Express
ATI Radeon HD 4870
1 GB GDDR5 SDRAM

 

Lutfij

Titan
Moderator
The reboot ONLY happens while I am in game.
That reads out a lot like your PSU is failing to delivery the necessary power for your entire system when taxed or the GPU/motherboard may be showing it's age.

If you can borrow a reliable branded PSU from your friend/neighbor then that should be something to test out and see if the reboots occur. FYI, you're going to need at least a 500W unit by a reputed brand to test out if your existing PSU is giving up. Speaking of existing, are you yet on the PSU that came bundled with the XPS?

Make sure your motherboard BIOS is up to date as well.
 

ScLegacy

Prominent
May 5, 2017
3
0
510
That is what I was thinking. I have a 475W power supply already in the computer. If I were to purchase a 520W power supply, would there be any chance of frying anything?

I am looking at an Insignia 520W ATX Power Supply.

I also didn't purchase it from a friend. Just a person near where I live that posted it online. From what I have read, PSU's tend to die after a while and need replacements.

The other thing is that I also tested to see if unplugging the computer from the power strip and plugging it straight into the wall would help. Unfortunately that failed.

Lastly, how would I update the BIOS if needed?