New GTX 970, computer restarts when playing games

[Baconelite]

I just got an ASUS Strix GTX 970 OC. I installed it and later observed that my computer would reboot when playing games. The computer would just turn off and then turn back on. I know it's not the temperature because after closely monitoring the temps, I can say that nothing reaches anything higher than 70C

 

I was sure it was my old PSU that was failing, so I tried to reduce the power taget to 85% in the GPU Tweak software by ASUS, which seemed to work at first, but later it happened when playing Star Citizen and even Rocket League.

I also found it weird that it would be the PSU because my old card, a GTX 760, uses more power than the GTX 970. Atleast on paper. My GTX 760 is back in my computer and no problems since.

 

My specs:

i5 4670k @ 3.4 - 3.8 GHz

Corsair Venceange 8 GB Memory 1600 MHz

MSI Z87-G45 Gaming Motherboard

MSI GTX 760 Twin Frozr 2GB

PSU: Hiper Type-R 480W

 

I know that both the 760 and 970 say they require minimum 500W, but the 760 never had any problems and the 970 is supposed to use less power, so I thought it was all good.

Maybe it's also worth mentioning that the ASUS Strix GTX 970 OC uses a single 8 pin connector and I've used a 6 to 8 pin adapter.

 

Thanks for reading and I hope someone can help me

 

[DocSwag]

6 to 8 pin adapter? That doesn't sound like a good thing for your PSU.....

6 pin connectors are rated for 75 watts, while 8 pin connectors are rated for 150 watts. It should be fine since PCIE also supplies 75 watts, but you never know. You could try drastically reducing the power target as much as you can.

[Dabombinable]

That power supply might be having issues from what your saying. I know that with my GTX 970 G1 Gaming+WD Blue 1TB+16GB DDR3 1333+i5 4440 that I was getting close to the limits of my 450W/500W peak PSU, but it ran OK while I waited on a new PSU.

[leonard_sun]

The 970 require 500W.. The likely reason why it's restarting is exactly because when the GPU ramps up and needs more Power, it can't get it. Change your PSU, it might be the death of your brand new PC parts - Not worth it.

[Sportiva]

The issue is probably the 6 to 8 pin adapter as pulling more than the rated wattage from the 6 pin most likely isn't good for you PSU. 

Also please, change your psu to a much better one.Please

[Nena Trinity]

I think when the GPU says you need a 500W PSU that means you want 600W!

[shadmed]

Definitely change the PSU. Converting a 6 pin to 8 pin is not a good idea, and being under the recommended minimum could also damage your card.

I would be more careful playing with wattage like that as it can screw up a lot and end you costing more.

[Dabombinable]

On another note, molex to 8pin adapters work better than 6pin to 8 pin adapters, which is probably why I had no issues (that and my 450W PSU has 2x 12V rails, and my GTX 970 was drawing power from both of them, not a single rail)

[Baconelite]

Thanks for the quick replies! I know my PSU is ancient and terrible. The thing is that the 760 uses an 8 pin and a 6 pin connector. I used the adapter for that too.

[leonard_sun]

7 minutes ago, Baconelite said:

Thanks for the quick replies! I know my PSU is ancient and terrible. The thing is that the 760 uses an 8 pin and a 6 pin connector. I used the adapter for that too.

The likely culprit is not the adapter but the power draw.

[Baconelite]

Alright, thanks everyone! I'll get a new PSU asap. I was almost certain that was the problem too. 

 

Anyone got a PSU recommendation? After getting the 970 it'd be nice if it wasn't too expensive.