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Question

Computer Shuts down at random times please help

Mar 20, 2018 11:53AM PDT

Hi so I have had this computer that I have built for a little more than a year now. Ever since I got it has been crashing at random times from multiple times a day to maybe twice a week. I have done benchmark tests numerous times and nothing alarming shows and it doesn't crash. I thought it was the power source, but it is more than what is recommended for my components. I thought it was the graphics card but even on low settings it will do it even with nothing running in the back ground sometimes when playing a game such a Total War Warhammer. When it does crash, it will either freeze and the sound will stutter or it will immediately shut off. I only get the kernel power error. I have looked on many forums and still have not found a solution, also all drivers are up to date. Anything would help....

System Specs:
Motherboard: MSI Gaming 970 Gaming AM3+/AM3 AMD 970 and SB950 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Power Supply: CORSAIR RMx Series RM750X 750W 80 PLUS GOLD Haswell
Processor: AMD FX-8350 Black Edition Vishera 8-Core 4.0 GHz (4.2 GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 125W
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3
Hard Drive: WD Blue 1TB Desktop Hard Disk Drive - 7200 RPM SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD10EZEX - OEM (Also have a SDD Samsung 500 gb)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970
Case: Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-ALPHA (CC-9011085-WW) Black / Red Steel ATX Mid Tower

Thank you for your time...

Post was last edited on March 20, 2018 11:55 AM PDT

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
How old is each part?
Mar 20, 2018 12:04PM PDT

This is one of the usual builds you see at the repair counter and it's usually a major component like motherboard or another part. If you see this build you estimate on the high side with motherboard, CPU, GPU and PSU if it's over a few years old. Can really upset the owner that thought they would get 5+ years out of it.

The kernel power error is common too on these which points mostly to motherboard power issues or a PSU issue.

If your client denies changing those parts then you return it and don't spend time on that job.

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Personal Comp bought 2 summers ago
Mar 20, 2018 1:54PM PDT

This is actually my computer, sorry for the misinformation and all the parts were bought at the same time all from Newegg brand new. It said I needed an average of 500 wattage with a wattage calculator for a computer and I decided to be on the safe side and get the 750 PSU would I actually need more? Also if you don’t mind, if you think it’s the motherboard causing the issues what would be a good recommendation as an upgrade just on the motherboard for my specs?

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Yes.
Mar 20, 2018 2:08PM PDT

For example a single rail 500 Watt PSU could easily outperform and outlast a 750 Watt Quad Rail PSU.

Details matter. As it stands now it's just one of the many PCs we've seen too many times. I've already noted the usual parts you replace but can't go any further. Remember that because of the build choice it might be more than one part. In a shop setting you swap what you suspect and move on from there.

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PS. I forgot to check the PSU specs
Mar 20, 2018 2:20PM PDT

It's a good PSU with a single rail. I don't suspect that part.

However the motherboard has lots to read about.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1&ei=sHqxWsa2G9CijwP45YLYBg&q=MSI+Gaming+970+Gaming+reboots&oq=MSI+Gaming+970+Gaming+reboots&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i22i29i30k1.5134.7652.0.7892.9.9.0.0.0.0.218.1286.1j7j1.9.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.9.1280...0j0i67k1j0i22i30k1j0i22i10i30k1.0.Z3XXzaoXaUU

Be sure to start with simple things. Go ahead and clean the heatsinks, check fans, leave case cover off, BIOS is up to date and replace heatsink compounds that gives you a chance to see fi the heatsink fits as expected.

Remember this is a common PC you see at repair counters after a year or two.