FAQ
TL;DR: PC shuts off mid‑game? "If it turns off, it is 90% of the power supply's fault." That 90% stat means start with the PSU: borrow a good unit or stress‑test with OCCT. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922990]
Why it matters: Hard shutdowns risk data loss and component damage; this FAQ helps i5‑650/H55/GTX 960‑era PCs quickly isolate PSU vs GPU faults.
Quick Facts
- Hard power‑offs under load are 90% likely PSU‑related; diagnose the PSU first. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922990]
- In this case, OCCT PSU test triggered a shutdown in about 3–4 minutes (combined CPU+GPU load). [Elektroda, aragox078, post #17922705]
- Observed CPU temperature under OCCT CPU test: ~57°C, suggesting no thermal throttling then. [Elektroda, aragox078, post #17922852]
- Modecom Feel 600W is "not a reliable or recommended design"—replace or borrow a solid unit. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17921024]
Why does my PC shut down during games with a GTX 960?
Hard power‑offs mimic pulling the plug and point to the PSU. "If it turns off, it is 90% of the power supply's fault." Test with a known‑good PSU or repeat the load to confirm. Focus diagnostics on power before chasing drivers. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922990]
How can I check if the power supply is failing without a multimeter?
Use OCCT to isolate loads. "Try the CPU test alone, then the graphics test." If CPU‑only passes, but GPU‑only crashes, suspect the GPU power path or PSU. This separates causes without any instruments. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922749]
My GTX 960 fans dont spin on the desktopnormal or bad?
Palit JetStream cards use semi‑passive 0‑dB cooling. Fans stay off at idle and start when the GPU warms under load. That behavior is normal unless fans fail to start during gaming or stress. “Palit 0-dB Tech”
What CPU temperature is safe during OCCT on an i5-650?
OCCT’s default safety limit is 85°C and stops the test at that point. Temperatures significantly below that are within acceptable stress limits. If you still see hard shutdowns, investigate the PSU. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922718]
OCCT PSU test shuts down after a few minuteswhat does that prove?
A shutdown under combined CPU+GPU load strongly implicates the PSU. If the machine powers off instantly, prioritize the PSU in diagnostics. Confirm by swapping in a reliable supply. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922990]
How do I isolate whether its the GPU or the PSU?
Follow this quick isolation procedure:
- Run the CPU‑only test in OCCT and watch for stability.
- Run the GPU‑only test in OCCT and compare behavior.
- If GPU‑only trips a shutdown, borrow a reliable PSU and retest.
As one expert advised, "Try the CPU test alone, then the graphics test." [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922749]
Should I read PSU voltages in software like Everest/HWInfo?
Skip software voltage readings. Measure 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails with a voltmeter under load, or test with another PSU. Given the Modecom Feel, start by checking power first. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17921024]
Why does the GPU test crash but the CPU test passes?
In this case, the CPU test reached about 57°C and passed, while the GPU test crashed. Focus on the graphics power path and the PSU supplying it. That pattern suggests an issue appears only with GPU stress. [Elektroda, aragox078, post #17922852]
What should I check if the PC freezes or shows BSOD instead of powering off?
Collect crash data and thermals. Use BlueScreenView to find repeating bugchecks, and HWiNFO to log temperatures. A hard power‑off, by contrast, points strongly to the PSU rather than drivers. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17922990]
Could dust be the reason for shutdowns?
Yes, clogged heatsinks can trigger thermal protection. Clean fans, filters, and radiators thoroughly, then retest under load. One participant reported normal operation after a careful cleaning. [Elektroda, down, post #17922849]
Is my Modecom Feel 600W safe to use with a GTX 960?
No. "Modecom Feel is not a reliable or recommended design." Replace it or at least borrow a known‑good, reputable PSU for testing. [Elektroda, dt1, post #17921024]
How long should I run OCCT tests?
Run each test for about 10 minutes to surface instabilities. If the PSU test fails early, stop and address the power supply immediately. [Elektroda, enhanced, post #17921909]
Can I rule out the GPU by swapping parts?
Yes. Swap in a different graphics card and check whether crashes persist. This quick A/B check can confirm a defective GPU. [Elektroda, arturbakus, post #17921584]
What ultimately resolved this threads shutdowns?
The original poster replaced the hardware, and the system ran fine afterward. That closed the case. [Elektroda, aragox078, post #18012448]
