Question:

What could be causing my PC to shut down abruptly and require a power reset?

I have a PC with the following specifications:

• CPU: AMD ryzen 5 5600X
• Motherboard: X470 gaming plus max
• GPU: RTX 2060
• Storage: Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB, Samsung SSD 860 QVO 1TB and INTEL SSDPEKNU020TZ 2TB
• RAM: Corsair DDR4 Vengeance LPX 2x16GB 3600
• PSU: Xilence 850W PSU
• OS: Windows 10

My PC has been experiencing random crashes for the past month, where it shuts down completely without any warning or error message. The fans and lights also stop working, and the only way to turn it back on is to unplug the power cord and plug it back in after 10 seconds. The crashes are unpredictable and can happen at any time, whether I am gaming, browsing the web, or doing nothing.

I have tried various troubleshooting steps, such as:

• Testing the PSU with a multimeter and a stress test
• Swapping the RAM modules and running a memory diagnostic
• Scanning for malware and deleting any suspicious files
• Checking the power outlet and cables for any damage or loose connections
• Reapplying the thermal paste on the CPU
• Updating the motherboard BIOS and drivers
• Monitoring the CPU and GPU temperatures and fan speeds
• Clearing the CMOS
• Changing the power plan to balanced and disabling GPU hardware acceleration

None

of these steps have solved the problem or given me any clue as to what is causing it. I am at a loss and need some expert advice. Thank you.

Answer:

If you are a PC user, you may have encountered a frustrating problem where your computer suddenly shuts down without any warning or error message, and refuses to turn back on unless you unplug the power cord and plug it back in after 10 seconds. This can happen at any time, regardless of what you are doing on your PC, whether it is gaming, browsing the web, or doing nothing. This problem can be very annoying and potentially damaging to your PC components and data.

There are many possible causes for this problem, and it can be hard to pinpoint the exact one without proper diagnosis. However, some of the most common ones are:

• Overheating: If your PC components, especially the CPU and GPU, get too hot, they may trigger a safety mechanism that shuts down the PC to prevent damage. This can happen if your PC case has poor ventilation, your fans are not working properly, your thermal paste is dried up or applied incorrectly, or your ambient temperature is too high. You can check your PC temperatures using software like HWMonitor or SpeedFan, and make sure they are within the safe range for your components. You can also clean your PC case and fans from dust, reapply thermal paste on your CPU and GPU, and improve your PC airflow by adding more fans or changing their orientation.
• Power supply issues: If your power supply unit (PSU) is faulty, inadequate, or incompatible with your PC components, it may fail to deliver enough power to your PC, causing it to shut down unexpectedly. This can happen if your PSU is old, damaged, or of low quality, or if your PC components draw more power than your PSU can handle. You can test your PSU using a multimeter or a PSU tester, and make sure it delivers the correct voltages and currents to your PC. You can also check your PSU wattage and efficiency rating, and compare it with the power requirements of your PC components. You may need to replace your PSU with a higher quality or higher wattage one, or upgrade your PC components to more power-efficient ones.
• Hardware failures: If any of your PC components, such as the motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, or storage devices, are defective, damaged, or incompatible, they may cause your PC to crash or freeze, and force it to shut down. This can happen if your PC components are old, faulty, or not properly installed or connected. You can troubleshoot your PC hardware by swapping or removing each component one by one, and see if the problem persists or disappears. You can also run diagnostic tests on your PC components using software like MemTest86, CrystalDiskInfo, or FurMark, and check for any errors or anomalies. You may need to repair or replace your PC components if they are found to be faulty or incompatible.
• Software issues: If your PC software, such as the operating system, drivers, or applications, are corrupted, outdated, or infected, they may cause your PC to malfunction, and trigger a shutdown. This can happen if your PC software is not updated regularly, or if you have downloaded or installed any malicious or incompatible software. You can scan your PC for malware using antivirus software like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes, and remove any suspicious or unwanted files. You can also update your PC software, especially the operating system and drivers, using Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website, and make sure they are compatible with your PC hardware. You can also uninstall or disable any unnecessary or problematic software that may be causing conflicts or errors on your PC.

These are some of the most common causes for your PC to shut down abruptly and require a power reset, but there may be other factors involved as well. The best way to solve this problem is to identify the root cause and fix it accordingly. However, if you are not confident or experienced enough to do this yourself, you may want to seek professional help from a PC technician or a reputable service center. They can diagnose your PC problem more accurately and provide you with the best solution.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into what could be causing your PC to shut down abruptly and require a power reset, and how to fix it. Remember, this is not a definitive or authoritative guide, and you should always do your own research and verification before taking any action. Thank you for reading and good luck with your PC.