computer shuts down during gaming NOT PSU

[j-slo]

Hey all,
A year ago I played a new video game and my computer started turning off. When I got starcraft 2, playing was fine until it hit summer (when my room got scortching). Since then, the computer turns off every time I play it unless I have a big fan next to my case blowing air on the computer and it is at night. Even then it sometimes shuts down.

I just installed a brand new Corsaire GS700, a 700 watt PSU, up from 430. Fired up Starcraft 2, same thing, computer turns off after about five minutes. ONLY happens when I game, happens with a brand new PSU as well. What could this be? All help is appreciated.

If you have ideas, please tell me suggestions too to fix it, Im pretty computer dumb.

 

[j-slo]

Oh and by shut down I mean turns off, as if someone unplugged it. Total power off. When I push the power button, it powers back up NORMALLY. No 'windows safe mode' and no error messages or anything.

 

[C1]

You may have damaged a thermistor somewhere because of excessive heating. Often excessive heat can result in a permanent alteration of component value and/or response characteristics.

This could be in the PSU or on the MB.

Pretty tricky to trouble shoot. I would start with checking the CPU temps against those reported in the BIOS.

A possibility is to do component isolation using chunks of dry ice which can be purchased at most grocery stores. For example, this will allow you to run the system while using the "ice" to just cooling only the PSU or only the CPU or only the RAM, etc.

Anyway, it most likely will be a PITA and you might want to let a PC shop diagnose it as they have the swap parts.

 

[munkle]

What your gpu and cpu temps?

 

[j-slo]

THanks so far but I don't even know HOW to check temps normally, much less during a video game OR recording a log right of the crash. Any help in how to do that?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

It's either your CPU or GPU overheating. If you are overclocking your CPU or GPU, stop and test again. If you aren't overclocking and it still crashes, try underclocking either of them until you isolate the culprit. You may even want to try burn-in tests such as furmark for GPU or prime95 for CPU.

I will say, though, it sounds like your CPU is hitting it's thermal shutdown temp. Check your BIOS for that setting, and see if it's enabled, but I don't recommend disabling it.

 

[munkle]

Gpu-z will tell you your gpu temps, core temp or real temp can tell you your cpu temp.

 

[j-slo]

My GPU temp just browsing the internet is 62degrees. Using Core Temp I get a Min temp of 50c and a max of 53C. Thoughts? No clue how to test this during a game.

 

[munkle]

My GPU temp just browsing the internet is 62degrees. Using Core Temp I get a Min temp of 50c and a max of 53C. Thoughts? No clue how to test this during a game.

Just leave them running while you game, and minimize and look at the temp. Both of those temps seem pretty high, the gpu especially at idle.

For reference my gtx 570 is 38ish C browsing the web and my 2600k is around 36ish C as well.

 

[j-slo]

could dust buildup affect that if I haven't blown out the fans in, like, literally YEARS?

 

[munkle]

could dust buildup affect that if I haven't blown out the fans in, like, literally YEARS?

Yes very much so. If it is super clogged take and post pics!

 

[j-slo]

i have nowhere to post pics too but there is a TON of dust in there. If you have an email I can forward the pic.

 

[munkle]

i have nowhere to post pics too but there is a TON of dust in there. If you have an email I can forward the pic.

Imageshack.com is a free image hosting service and you can just link them on the forums.

 

[j-slo]

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4614/fanvn.jpg

that is JUST my GPU fan...there was a LOT of crap in it. Cleaned it out well, hard to get to the CPU fan so I just blew on it best I could. Need a can of air tomorrow. Thoughts?

 

[j-slo]

so my GPU temp is now 45 and my CPU is now 42, just browsing like I was beofre. Thoughts?

 

[munkle]

That was pretty clogged! Try and game and see how high the temps go.

 

[j-slo]

seems to work now! THANK YOU!

THoughts on whether I take the new PSU back or not? The old one is 4 years old, 430 watts, thermaltake or something like that. New one is a Corsaire GS700, 700 watts I think. Thoughts?

 

[SparkyJJO]

Eh, if you aren't hurting for money I'd keep the new PSU. It would serve you well for a build upgrade later on down the road.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Yeah, keep the new PSU. It's most likely more efficient and would work well for future upgrades.

 

[munkle]

Keep the new one, if the 430 is a tr2 it's trash.