Random Power Down Issue - 'Event 41, Kernel-Power'

[JAM]

Hi Guys,

I'm currently suffering from a random power shutdown issue. The PC boots up correctly and is totally useable and in working order.

However after different varied amounts of time. 20mins - 5 hours on occasion. The PC will just randomly power down as if the power cable has been removed.

I am getting the following error within Event Viewer 'Event 41, Kernel-Power' - "The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly."

I have checked all power settings and have currently set to High Performance Mode, with Hard disks 'Never' to turn off etc.

After suggestions and help as to what may be causing this issue.

Thanks in advance,

 

[OvenMaster]

If this were a desktop machine my first question would be "How old is your power supply?"
If this is the Compaq laptop shown in your specs, I am wondering if the connection to your battery is not as good as it should be. I'd double-check the contacts or connections. There may be a loose or broken wire, or even a failing connection inside the battery itself if it's old.

 

[JAM]

If this were a desktop machine my first question would be "How old is your power supply?"
If this is the Compaq laptop shown in your specs, I am wondering if the connection to your battery is not as good as it should be. I'd double-check the contacts or connections. There may be a loose or broken wire, or even a failing connection inside the battery itself if it's old.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply, it's a desktop PC - second hand. I have no idea as to the age of the PSU.

The fault has occurred 9 times in the last 7 days.

The PC has locked up on occasions when adding multiple external USB hard drives - possibly drawing more power and causing the system to lock up perhaps?

What is the best way to calculate what size PSU I need upon replacement, as a first point of call?

Thanks,
JAM

 

[OvenMaster]

Okay, a desktop. 9 times in the last 7 days is pretty bad.
Another remote possibility is that the power to the outlet is not clean or steady, or the outlet itself is on its way out.
If the PSU is more than 3 years old, which I'm assuming it is, I'd be considering replacement, especially if it's the original. They're usually underpowered, anyway.
Multiple external USB hard drives can add up to a lot of current.
I use the eXtreme Power Supply Calculator, add a bit, and then round up to the next wattage available for your chosen brand.
eXtreme Power Supply Calculator

For instance, my parts added up to:

Minimum PSU Wattage:346 W

Recommended PSU Wattage: *

So I bought an Antec EarthWatts 430D

My own personal recommendations for a PSU are Antec EarthWatts or Seasonic.