Random restarts in a desktop

[DarkKnight]

Hi all!

Can a failing power supply cause random restarts in a desktop, even if the system seems to be getting power? What are the signs to look for when diagnosing power issues like this?

[machinist]

Hey there! Yes, a failing power supply can absolutely cause random restarts, even if the system seems to be getting power. The PSU might not be delivering consistent or adequate power to the components, especially during tasks that demand more power, like gaming or running heavy software. Over time, PSUs can degrade, particularly if they’re older or of lower quality, so that could be one culprit.

There are a few things to check. First, does the restart happen during specific activities, like gaming, or is it completely random? If it’s under load, the PSU might not be keeping up with power demands. Also, listen for any strange noises coming from the PSU, like buzzing or clicking, and check if there’s any unusual heat or smell. Sometimes, it’s just wear and tear. Capacitors inside the PSU can go bad, or it might simply not be delivering steady voltages.

To troubleshoot, try plugging the system into another outlet or power strip to rule out external issues. If you’ve added new hardware recently, like a more powerful GPU, double-check the PSU’s wattage, maybe it’s underpowered for your setup. You could also check the Windows Event Viewer for logs that might point to a hardware failure or driver issue.

If you have access to another PSU, swapping it out is a great way to confirm if the PSU is the problem. Otherwise, using a multimeter or a PSU tester can help measure the voltages to see if they’re in the right range. If the PSU turns out to be the issue, replacing it with a good-quality one that has a bit of extra wattage headroom should fix it.

If the PSU isn’t the culprit, consider other possibilities like overheating (check your CPU/GPU temps), faulty RAM, or even a motherboard issue. Start with the easiest steps and work your way down the list. Let me know how it goes!

[DarkKnight]

Thanks for the tips! The restarts mostly happen when I’m multitasking, but there’s no strange noise or smell coming from the PSU.

You could also check the Windows Event Viewer for logs that might point to a hardware failure or driver issue.

Could you please explain how I can access Windows Event Viewer?

[machinist]

To access the Windows Event Viewer, start by clicking the Start button or pressing Win + S to open the search bar, then type "Event Viewer" and click on it when it appears. Once the Event Viewer opens, you’ll see a list of options on the left side. Click on Windows Logs and then select System to view system-related events. Look for entries with yellow warning triangles or red error icons, as these might indicate the source of your problem. To make things easier, you can filter the logs by right-clicking on System, choosing Filter Current Log, and selecting options like Critical or Error to narrow down the results. When you click on an event, more details will appear at the bottom or in a pop-up. Look for anything that mentions hardware, drivers, or power issues.

Let me know if you find something, and I can help figure out what it means.

[DarkKnight]

Thanks for the detailed steps! I haven’t been able to check the Event Viewer yet, and honestly, I’m not too familiar with it. Do you think it’s worth trying, or would it be better to take it to a computer technician?

[machinist]

The Event Viewer is definitely worth checking. It logs system events and can sometimes point to the cause of an issue. You don’t need to be an expert, just open it, look under 'Windows Logs,' and check for errors around the time the problem happened. While it may not fix the issue directly, it can help you or a technician identify what’s wrong. If it feels too complicated, or if you’d prefer, going straight to a technician is always an option.

[DarkKnight]

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I really appreciate your help!