PC shuts down when running RF6

[Nitrogt1]

I am new to this simulator and forum. I have searched the forum and was not able to find anything that hit my issue. My PC powers down at random when this program is running, demo or full version. It can be 2 minutes in or 20 minutes in. I have uninstalled and re-installed the program, with no help. I have used this program on a "less powerful" PC with no issues. This leads me to a setting or something on my PC. I am hoping someone out there can help me with this. Here are my PC specs in case there is a question:

Windows Vista
AMD Phenom quad core 2.7Ghz
ATI Radeon HD 1024MB
8GB RAM

[jeffpn]

Definitely something with your pc. First thing to look at is dust. Open up the case, and blow out the dust bunnies.

[opjose]

Yup as Jeff said, Realflight is going to tax your CPU more than other programs...

Your machine is showing heat related problems.

The cure may be as simple as cleaning out the vents, fans and power supply...

If that doesn't do it.... you may be looking at a power supply upgrade to provide adecuate power, and maybe a better cooling system.

This is not Realflight's fault... your machine has an inherent problem that Realflight brought to light.

[Nitrogt1]

Thanks for the tip! I cleaned out the dust, which was a lot more than I expected, and I have been running the program for over an hour now! No issues!

[mwilson914]

If you end up having any additional shut downs then be sure to verify your power supply is able to handle the demands of your graphics card. I've experienced this issue in the past and a new more powerful power supply solved my problems.

[12oclockhigh]

Rather than just wait for a problem... the OP could check out the power requirements of the graphics card and determine the wattage of the power supply. My guess is that if the graphics card was purchased after the computer, it is not heavy enough to run a high end graphics card. Likely need around 5-700 watts available depending on the card. You also need some headroom for the unusual overloads.

[Mathias]

Originally Posted by opjose

Yup as Jeff said, Realflight is going to tax your CPU more than other programs...

Your machine is showing heat related problems.

The cure may be as simple as cleaning out the vents, fans and power supply...

If that doesn't do it.... you may be looking at a power supply upgrade to provide adecuate power, and maybe a better cooling system.

This is not Realflight's fault... your machine has an inherent problem that Realflight brought to light.

I have heard and red that if you don´t have an education as an electrician and don´t know what you´re doing you should never in your life touch the power supply, otherwise this little box will kill you immediently. I have just cleaned the fans, vents and the motherboard with compressed air blowing, but never the power supply. You also have AMD-processors and I´ve also heard that AMD processors have much more heat-problems than Intel. A swedish computer-geek I know as a friend to me has given me this information.

[flexible]

The power supply in a computer will not hurt you, if the power is off, as it has no capacitors. Computer monotors, and TVs can hurt you for that reason. A capacitors stores power, and must be discharged, beforing working around it.

[Bob K]

While most modern (such as in a computer) power supplies don't have big capacitors (or "copassators"), older supplies do. Older CRT monitors and televisions also have capacitors with very high voltages, as in tens of thousands of volts, which will store voltage even when power is off. In the case of certain high quality CRT devices, the voltage can linger for months with the power off. LCD monitors/TVs to my knowledge do not have unusually high voltages in them.

However, regardless if new or old, always unplug the device before sticking your fingers inside. The 120V in a brand new supply can fry you just as quick as a 20-year old supply.

[phrank]

In either case, common everyday folk should not open their power supplies.
If we don't hear back from Mathias, then he probably joined the Dodo Bird clan.

[Mathias]

Originally Posted by phrank

In either case, common everyday folk should not open their power supplies.
If we don't hear back from Mathias, then he probably joined the Dodo Bird clan.

Thanks prank, even if the power supply is off there´s still enough power and electricity that can do your heart stop beating.

PS: By the way, what do you mean with Dodo Bird clan?

[12oclockhigh]

We are talking about blowing air into a disconnected power supply and computer.... it is doubtful that anything can happen just don't touch anything with the air nozzle or your fingers. I have blown out power supplies many times. They have air flowing over them while operating, so what is wrong with blowing compressed air? I don't take anything apart... so I disagree with your Swedish computer geek.

[Whizgig]

Dodo bird syndrome is that they no longer exist due them being dead lol

[jeffpn]

Yes, your Swedish computer geek is way off. Who takes apart powers supplies, anyway? All I do with them is replace them when they die, and I live to tell the story!!

[flexible]

Unpowered power supplys, can't hurt people, unless you throw them. Two weeks ago when I built my grandbabie's new puter, I took the 650 power supply apart and striped a bunch of wires out, to remove excess cluter.