Can a PSU cause lockups?

[Ualdayan]

I had a stability problem when I first got my i7 860 setup built last fall, I tried RMAing the motherboard, replacing the memory, nothing seemed to help. Then suddenly the lockups just went away. Recently they came back though, started becoming more and more frequent. If I turn the computer off and leave it off overnight, it'll work for a short time the next day, but then once it locks up once it starts happening more frequently to the point it barely can make it to Windows. That seems to say temperature, but my CPU is 24C, my motherboard (EVGA P55) says VRM is 34C so it isn't any of the components I'd normally consider heat related failures for.

I noticed I can go without lockups if I turn on all of Intel's power saving features, and don't stress the system. (EVGA's tool reports voltage of 0.870V). Go the other direction though and the lockups just happen more often (same CPU speed, but higher voltage).

It's a Corsair 520HX, and it's powering an i7 860, and a single 5870. I've had the 520HX for 4 or so years I think. I know as a power supply ages it becomes unable to put out as much power, but shouldn't it be turning off - not just making the system lock up? Also, could a 520HX have aged enough by this point to be unable to power an i7 860?

 

[HumblePie]

simple answer. Yes a PSU can cause lockups.

 

[Ualdayan]

If the only parts that haven't been replaced are the CPU, and the power supply - and the lock ups happen MORE often if CPU voltage is set to a higher value, would you recommend replacing the CPU or the PSU next?

 

[taltamir]

I'd have tried a different PSU much earlier in the process.

I'd RMA the PSU before I do the CPU (although it can really be either one)

 

[SparkyJJO]

Yes it can be the PSU. I had a PSU causing random BSOD issues on one machine.

Can be CPU, I've had a defective CPU before. REALLY weird, it was rock stable under load but would lock up within minutes of being idle

The HX520 isn't a unit I'd call suspect normally. And it should still handle that system no problem even with aging taken into consideration. But it still could be an issue. Do you have another PSU you could test with?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Have you tested the ram kit?
Is the Heat sink seated properly?
Is your bios up to date and support the chip?
Have you tested the ram kit?

 

[Ualdayan]

I'd have tried a different PSU much earlier in the process.

I'd RMA the PSU before I do the CPU (although it can really be either one)

My other power supplies I had on hand only had 4 pin connectors for the motherboard, whereas this motherboard had an 8 pin connector. When I found out you could put a 4 pin PSU connector into a 8 pin motherboard I did so, and the system was stable (and the other one is a lower rating too so it appears my system wasn't coming close to consuming 520 watts). Appears my HX520 is simply defective; thanks to Corsair's long warranty period I've already requested an RMA.

So, to answer my own question - apparently yes, a power supply can be defective in a way that your computer doesn't randomly turn off, doesn't restart, but simply freezes/locks up and generally be unstable.

 

[taltamir]

My other power supplies I had on hand only had 4 pin connectors for the motherboard, whereas this motherboard had an 8 pin connector. When I found out you could put a 4 pin PSU connector into a 8 pin motherboard I did so, and the system was stable (and the other one is a lower rating too so it appears my system wasn't coming close to consuming 520 watts). Appears my HX520 is simply defective; thanks to Corsair's long warranty period I've already requested an RMA.

So, to answer my own question - apparently yes, a power supply can be defective in a way that your computer doesn't randomly turn off, doesn't restart, but simply freezes/locks up and generally be unstable.

glad to hear you solved your problem.