Power Surge Crash when Gaming or Benchmarking.

[MaTu_Wolf]

Hi, during lockdown I've been using my time to update my old PC as its very dated, my old specs were:-

CPU - i7-4770k 3.5GHz
Motherboard - Z87M-Plus
RAM - 8gb
GPU - AMD HD7850 2gb
HDD - 1tb Seagate
PSU - VS450 Corsair 450w
Standard stock CPU cooler
Extra Coolermaster fan

All my upgrades have worked fine up until I changed my GPU, my new specs:-

CPU - i7-4770k 3.5GHz
Motherboard - Z87M-Plus
RAM - 16gb
GPU - Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660 Super Gigabyte oc 6gb
SSD - 500gb Seagate (now boot drive)
HDD - 1tb Seagate
PSU - VS450 Corsair 450w
Standard stock CPU cooler
Extra Coolermaster fan

While upgrading I used the time to clear all the dust out of my case and fans being very careful with a can of compressed air and nothing more.

Boot up is so much faster and general browsing and running low demanding games have been great. I started to try out some of my more demanding games such as Total War Series which I could only play in low/medium settings before my upgrades. Changed settings to recommended and they all turn to Ultra/High brill. Run the game and its perfect no latency clear and stunning to look at but after a few minutes of gaming my PC will shut down and reboot giving me the prompt message of Anti-Surge protection detected, Power Surge occurred possibly because of an unstable PSU.

I've tried some basic troubleshooting such as benchmarking to check temperatures for CPU this was fine using cinebench. However Heaven benchmark will crash within a few minutes so I assume it's either a GPU error or my PSU can't supply enough power to the GPU to work properly thus the shut down for safety?

What would be my next test to do? Or is this evidence showing that I need to upgrade my PSU?
Please help xD

 

[Regeneration]

Corsair VS series are infamous for making trouble. Made by HEC, rebranded as Corsair, "generic" quality and price. Try with another PSU and see it how it goes.

I'm Regeneration, and I approve this message.

 

[dont whant to set it"']

Get a better PSU , like now! would be best if still keen on bench ... etc. Not to attack you pocket but yes the elephant in the room, each to their count/reckoning is wat Google translate yelded.

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

that factory overclock on that card might need a bit more head room from the PSU. Use something like HWinfo64 or GPUz to see what kind of power the GPU is pulling during that time period before the shut down. Both can save a log file.

 

[Hyderz]

i would also get a better case and add some fans, your system is gasping for air my friend
if you plan to upgrade in the future

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

Thank you all for the responses so quick it has definitely helped me. I will be looking into a new fan and case for the future but for now I'm going to purchase a new psu which should hopefully fix my crashing issue.

I've run some tests and used pcpartpicker and others to assess my components and what wattage i'll be using, roughly 600w+ is the number I'm getting to so it does seem to be my psu.

Would something like this be acceptable?
EVGA 750 Watt GQ 80+ Gold Hybrid Modular ATX PSU/Power Supply

 

[Regeneration]

Any PSU from a reputable vendor with the exception of Corsair VS/RM/other cheap models. Seasonic makes excellent PSUs. Be quiet is great too.

And by the way, do yourself a favor and get a proper CPU cooler. Noctua high-end products (NH-D) worth every penny. Your CPU getting old, with a good cooler you could gain more performance by overclocking.

 

[Bill_Bright]

PSU - VS450 Corsair 450w

As suggested above, the VS (and CS) series from Corsair has a less than stellar reputation. And for now, replacing the PSU should be your first step. You can look at replacement cases, coolers, etc. later.

And for the record, that EVGA Gold would work just fine but is WAY more power than you need. You could easily get by with an EVGA SuperNova 550W G2 or G3 and still have enough head room for future upgrades and quiet operation. If you want a little more buffer space, a 650W EVGA Gold is plenty.

 

[hat]

Gotta side with everyone else picking on the poor Corsair PSU. Strange crashing issues after upgrading like that screams PSU issue. It's not strong enough to power the new stuff.

As a rule of thumb, I like anything by Seasonic, FSP, or Silverstone. Of course, it's not always that simple, but it's a good start.

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

Thank you all for the responses so quick it has definitely helped me. I will be looking into a new fan and case for the future but for now I'm going to purchase a new psu which should hopefully fix my crashing issue.

I've run some tests and used pcpartpicker and others to assess my components and what wattage i'll be using, roughly 600w+ is the number I'm getting to so it does seem to be my psu.

Would something like this be acceptable?
EVGA 750 Watt GQ 80+ Gold Hybrid Modular ATX PSU/Power Supply

there are a couple useful links in my signature so you can ultimately decide for yourself

 

[EarthDog]

Yikes...

1. Your system overclocked isn't using close to 600w.
2. That psu, if it can still output its label rating is plenty of power.
3. That psu is MEH at best... I'd try another too..
4. Though first, you're using the stock Intel cooler... what are loae Temps before it crashes?

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

Yikes...

1. Your system overclocked isn't using close to 600w.
2. That psu, if it can still output its label rating is plenty of power.
3. That psu is MEH at best... I'd try another too..
4. Though first, you're using the stock Intel cooler... what are loae Temps before it crashes?

I’m deffo looking into a new psu, thinking 550-600w to be safe, I know it gives me about 20-30% buffer but as I’m still fairly new to pc builds I’d rather be safe than sorry.
its an intel cpu cooler, from what I’ve read apparently there isn’t such a thing as a stock version so possible just an old cooler, I will look into this if the problem persists after a new psu. Temps are generally fine while under load, around 40s-50s range.

my budget is around £50-£100 as I now understand the importance of this pc componen.

Is something like this more appropriate?
BeQuiet! System Power 9 600W Power Supply
80 Plus Bronze, 600w, Non-Modular, Temperature Controlled 120mm fan, 3 Year Warranty

Any PSU from a reputable vendor with the exception of Corsair VS/RM/other cheap models. Seasonic makes excellent PSUs. Be quiet is great too.

And by the way, do yourself a favor and get a proper CPU cooler. Noctua high-end products (NH-D) worth every penny. Your CPU getting old, with a good cooler you could gain more performance by overclocking.

Thanks, once I’ve sorted my psu a proper cpu cooler is on my list

 

[EarthDog]

I know it gives me about 20-30% buffer

At least. Your system as listed would be lucky to pull 300W. 600W is a solid choice, however, to make sure it can take any future upgrades (more powerful GPU, CPU, etc).

What does the cooler look like, bud? Pictures are worth..............................



One of those? ^^

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

Although this model has better specs ‍

BeQuiet! pure power 11 600W PSU/Power Supply
600W, Non-Modular, 80 Plus Gold, up to 22.9dBA, 120mm Fan, Rifle Bearing, Active PFC, 5 Year Warranty

 

[EarthDog]

How about looking at the PSU tier list and picking one off of there instead of shotgunning examples here.

Best Power Supply Buying Guide (Jun 2020)

This guide will help you find the best power supply for your gaming system, productivity PC, or workstation. We look at eight categories in total for PSU recommendations. As expected, Corsair and Seasonic are at the top of our list. We'll update this post regularly.

www.techpowerup.com

You can stay in the lines (like AXi, Seasonic Focus, etc... to fit the need.

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

At least. Your system as listed would be lucky to pull 300W. 600W is a solid choice, however, to make sure it can take any future upgrades (more powerful GPU, CPU, etc).

What does the cooler look like, bud? Pictures are worth..............................

View attachment 158296

One of those? ^^

Yes I would say that is the one, unfortunately I can’t take a photo to prove it right this minute as its like 11:52pm where I am xD
Found it thank you

 

[EarthDog]

Before you go on and buy the PSU, check load temperatures first. It's free.

Chances are it is going to be the PSU, but, that stock Intel CPU cooler works... just not terribly well. Also, to me at least, its a PITA to get on the right way.

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

Before you go on and buy the PSU, check load temperatures first. It's free.

Chances are it is going to be the PSU, but, that stock Intel CPU cooler works... just not terribly well. Also, to me at least, its a PITA to get on the right way.

I’ve ran load temps in cinebench for the cpu and it seemed to perform ok, nothing special due to age but not serious.

 

[EarthDog]

I’ve ran load temps in cinebench for the cpu and it seemed to perform ok, nothing special due to age but not serious.

Cinebench takes like 20 seconds... not enough time to saturate the heatsink. Do you recall what temperatures were?

What about in a cpu stress test for 15 minutes? Can you run one for that long before the system resets? What are max temps there? Does 3dmark run if heaven doesnt?

Does it happen in all games?

Do you have a multimeter around and can check the idle voltage and see what happens on load? What does software like Hwinfo or the bios even, say your voltages are on the major rails? Try logging some hwinfo or something and see what the voltages does. Software is only so accurate, but may give you an idea if things are off.

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

Cinebench takes like 20 seconds... not enough time to saturate the heatsink. Do you recall what temperatures were?

What about in a cpu stress test for 15 minutes? Can you run one for that long before the system resets? What are max temps there? Does 3dmark run if heaven doesnt?

Does it happen in all games?

Do you have a multimeter around and can check the idle voltage and see what happens on load? What does software like Hwinfo or the bios even, say your voltages are on the major rails? Try logging some hwinfo or something and see what the voltages does. Software is only so accurate, but may give you an idea if things are off.

Temperatures were 40-50.

Only happens in high detailed games, I can play C&C, Stronghold and other small titles fine. It's my total war series running at high graphics that system resets my pc.

I've tried Hwinfo and tbh couldn't get info not sure I understand the software enough as I'm still new to all of this xD But thank you for helping me understand what to check to determine these crashes.

Ok thank you all for your responses, I only ask 1 more piece of advice.

I've narrowed down the PSU's I'm willing to buy, unfortunately in the current market many are out of stock.

WIll any of these PSU's be ok for my set up? (All will be 80 gold or higher)

1. Be Quiet 500w-600w - Straight Power 11/Power Zone.
2. Corsair 550-650w - RMi
3. Cooler Master - 550-650w - MWE Gold
4. Seasonic - 550w - Prime PX
5. Evga Supernova - 550-650w - GM/G3/P2

If all are ok I will go with the cheapest out of these and the ones that are in stock, although many will be in stock by 30th June so should I wait if one version is out of stock atm?

 

[Bill_Bright]

WIll any of these PSU's be ok for my set up?

Any will do. If me, I would pick the Seasonic or EVGA - depending on price and warranty. One comment about the EVGA however. The G3 series supplies are physically a little bit smaller than the G2 series. They are designed to go in cramped cases. The mounting holes and cable connections are all ATX standard so no worries about mounting it in the case or connecting to your devices.

The only issue that might NOT EVER be an issue is fan noise. I hate fan noise. The G3 uses smaller fans than the G2 series and smaller fans have to spin faster to move the same amount of air as larger fans. Faster speeds typically mean more fan noise. And I personally hate fan noise.

HOWEVER, EVGA makes excellent supplies to start with, and they use excellent and quiet fans. Plus, being "Gold", that means less energy will be wasted in the form of heat so even in the smaller case, the fan may not have to spin quickly, or even at all. That said, if the fan does need to spin up, the fan noise might potentially be higher with a 550W than a 650W - at least when the PSU is being pushed - because any load would use a higher percentage of the total PSU capacity.

All I am saying is, IF ME, since you have lots of room in the bottom of that case, I would go for the G2 and its larger fan. Did I mention I hate fan noise?

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

Picked the Seasonic Focus PX 550w Modular 80+ Platinum PSU.

Good 10 year Warrenty and good price. Plus only one in stock

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well, I would not normally recommend going with Platinum (or Titanium) because it typically would take years to make up the extra cost in energy savings over a "Gold" supply. But since you got it for a good price, then it sounds like you got a good deal, on top of a good supply and good warranty!

 

[MaTu_Wolf]

Well, I would not normally recommend going with Platinum (or Titanium) because it typically would take years to make up the extra cost in energy savings over a "Gold" supply. But since you got it for a good price, then it sounds like you got a good deal, on top of a good supply and good warranty!

Well I could get gold for £12 less so didn't think it was worth it

 

[zealious]

nice choiceonthe gpu man.

Your rig isnt dated.

re thermal that cooler... infact i think that gen cpu had some bad TIM. gamble and uncap...

Upgrade the psu, and the cooler and bump up that chip to 4.5 and you will fly through every current game at 1080..

with that card.

my 4690k can run stable at 5ghz1.4vcore tho.. so I keep her around 4.5 lately. and it beats new gen intels on cpu benchmarks..

dont underestimate the current silicone stagnation lol.

that gpu is the perfect chocie. im tossed betweeen a vega , 580 or the 1660 but as you i think im having psu issues random crashes.

and yes reclocked to normal... but still .. i think driving my vcore 1.2 for so long just shot that rail on psu, weird thing is i had a new psu for like a day and i still had sim problems. granted not as bad.. but i think that was oc related. APEX.