random shutdown

[Jonesie85]

Hello, my name is Chris,
I have recently updated my computer.

Windows 7 Home Premium x64 (fully updated)
Windows XP Profesional x86 (fully updated to SP3)
Zalman 750 watt heat pipe modular (ZM750-HP) [3 YEARS OLD]
Asus Crosshair IV Formula
AMD Phenom II 1100T x6
Corsair Vengeance 4x 4gb 1600mhz
XFX Radeon HD6870
2x WD 20EARS 2TB Sata drives
1x sata HP 107d
Netgear DG834PPN Wireless Router (Connected via LAN)
(Firefox)

With this setup i have played:-

- Mass Effect 1 and 2
- Civilization 5
- Galactic Civilization 2
- Crysis 2
- Shogun 2
- Call of Duty - Black ops

all on full graphics. no problems

However, i have recently come across a computer game called 'The Witcher - Enhanced Edition'.

on Win7 it plays on full for about 60-90 mins. then the machine does an instant power down
and wont turn back on at all until i switch the psu off then on. The psu itself runs hot,
all temperatures are between 42-55 degrees (average temp). If it shutsdown then i switch it
back on then instantly run the game it wont last more than 5 mins before it shuts off again.

on WinXP the game runs but the system shutsdown before the game menu displays on screen. the
psu is cold and the same psu off-on switch issue resolves this.

i dont know much about psu energy ussage.

usage in bios
12v rail usage is at 12.8v
5v rail usage is at 5.04
3.3v rail usage is at 3.something (cant remember now)

usage through CPUID Hardware monitor

12v rail usage is at 11.83
5v rail usage is at 5.04
3.3v rail usage is at 1.93

Does anybody know how to solve this issue?

 

[Johnathan Lyman]

You seem to know your stuff. Can we see your temps? (SpeedFan is a good tool to do so). Attach a screenshot of it if you can. If your PC is powering down instantly (as if it was unplugged), the machine is overheating.

It wouldn't hurt to remove your heatsink, clean off the thermal paste from it and the processor and apply a fresh, pea-sized amount to it, and make sure you seat the sink snug and proper.

HOWEVER, if you have to flip the PSU switch, the PSU itself might be burning up and failing. I would consider replacing it.

 

[Jonesie85]

heres the screen shot

 

[Johnathan Lyman]

heres the screen shot

Sorry about getting back to you so late.

Your temps are nowhere near dangerous levels. In fact I wish I ran that cool. LOL. Is this reading while under load or idle? If idle, can you put it under load and show us what you have?

 

[Jonesie85]

as it turns out i was running most of my components off the same 12v rail on the 750w PSU i was using. ive upgraded the PSU to 1000w (single 12v rail at 80amps) and now it works. thank you for your efforts it is appreciated.

PS. the screenie was taken in idle.