Ghost in the Machine... Self Reboots

[AstaLaVista]

Well, it has been happening more often than I would like to admit. All of a sudden my computer is at idle, it goes to screen-saver when all of a sudden, I see it restarting all on its own, no warnings, no BSODs, nothing.

The electricity did not flickered, the UPS didn't make a sound or anything like that... very puzzling indeed

I am still on Windows 7 RTM but I doubt that this is where the problem lies. I am up to date with the windows updates as well.

I have noticed that my 160GB WD Velociraptor does not fare well with Windows Index but then again, I am not having this issue on my Vista side so I also doubt the HDD is the problem here.

I guess I am due for a new drive and I was thinking on buying a 60GB SSD, ditch Vista and just keep Win 7 but I also would like to wrap my head around this issue if at all possible.

Thanks for any tips you guys may have on this.

 

[Thorsen]

Sounds like the PSU might be failing in power. Either that or there is sags in the voltage coming in. UPS should shield against that tho.

Do you have a multimeter that you can test your PSU with?

 

[ripbox]

the old versions of the 160GB WD Velociraptor does had a fault with them after so many hours/cycles so maybe i could be your HDD, id be tempted to check the serial numbers to see if yours is one of those
Secondly what you describe comes across as classic overheating issue though it could help if you can tell us if the shutdown process happens when your using your PC or if the fan spins up to high speeds while you use it on simple tasks
In failing the latter and that this issue only happens when the screensaver actually kicks in then it may well be an issue with the screensaver or even the video card

 

[AstaLaVista]

Sounds like the PSU might be failing in power. Either that or there is sags in the voltage coming in. UPS should shield against that tho.

Do you have a multimeter that you can test your PSU with?

Hmmm, the PSU is fairly new (2 yrs or so) and of a good brand (at least at the time of purchase but, it could happen.

No, I do not have a multimeter but I am sure I can get my hands on one. Electricity and I don't get alone but what do I do or what am I looking to do here? :shock:

the old versions of the 160GB WD Velociraptor does had a fault with them after so many hours/cycles so maybe i could be your HDD, id be tempted to check the serial numbers to see if yours is one of those

I'll check the serial when I get home... how do I check the serial afterwards?

Secondly what you describe comes across as classic overheating issue though it could help if you can tell us if the shutdown process happens when your using your PC or if the fan spins up to high speeds while you use it on simple tasks

The speedo advance case has multiple fans and it is a very cool case. I recently undust it so I know it is clean as well.

The restart (not Shutdown) happens while the PC is at idle and NOT while in use, and usually (at least, it feels that way), when the pc is going into ScreenSave mode.

No, the fans usually work normally, that is to say, I don't hear them motoring to 100% or anything like that.

In failing the latter and that this issue only happens when the screensaver actually kicks in then it may well be an issue with the screensaver or even the video card

What do I check with the Screen Saver?

Also the GTX260 is also fairly new (2 years or less I think), I also have a GT950 that I use for PhysX only but how do I check for failing issues with it?

 

[ripbox]

I'll check the serial when I get home... how do I check the serial afterwards?

there is a long S/N you can validate on the WD site, you can also google that number and see if anyone has commented on it or RMA'd one

The speedo advance case has multiple fans and it is a very cool case. I recently undust it so I know it is clean as well.

If your using stock cooling then i would be tempted to check and renew the thermal paste anyway, thermal past is quite cheap but it pays to go with the best rather than cheap

The restart (not Shutdown) happens while the PC is at idle and NOT while in use, and usually (at least, it feels that way), when the pc is going into ScreenSave mode.

OK, there may be one of several causes but i think its related to the screensaver more than anything else... will pay to play by process of elimination with settings ect but it could also be a G-card issue though we will try find out exactly what for you

No, the fans usually work normally, that is to say, I don't hear them motoring to 100% or anything like that.

If you not hearing a big pitch change in the fans (harder to tell if they are silent fans) then i wont worry of an over heating issue just yet

What do I check with the Screen Saver?

You will need to check the advanced settings on your current screensaver to see if there is anything telling your pc to shutdown, if you don't find anything there then i would also suggest looking at your power options to make sure there is nothing set to shutdown your pc when idle, you will find the settings in CP/ power options / change plan settings / change advanced power settings

Also the GTX260 is also fairly new (2 years or less I think), I also have a GT950 that I use for PhysX only but how do I check for failing issues with it?

EVEREST is a good program for stress testing along with a whole manor of testing tools for things like CPU & GPU temps and voltages

 

[fseal]

So... it ONLY happens when it goes to screen saver?

If you turn off the screen saver, does it stop?

If so it may be a video driver issue. Either due to the graphical screen saver itself, or possibly the power down of the monitor/video card that may be following (if that's how the power settings are set up).