davidc DA
@davidc
PC Gaming Issues Oct 12, 2026

pc shuts off mid game with kernel power 41

My rig just cuts power during heavier games, no blue screen at all. Event Viewer shows Kernel-Power 41 every time and temps look normal. PSU first, or something else?
kernel power event
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ninaplayz Nov 06, 2026
davidc
Before swapping parts, check Event Viewer for WHEA errors around the same time. If there are WHEA-Logger entries just before the shutdown, it points to hardware instability like CPU or RAM rather than the PSU.
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britton_21 Oct 19, 2026
davidc
Kernel power 41 just means Windows didn't shut down cleanly, it doesn't say why. Under gaming load the usual causes are the PSU, heat, or an unstable overclock. Check in this order: turn off XMP/EXPO and any GPU overclock or undervolt and see if it still happens. Watch CPU and GPU temps while playing. If both are fine, the PSU is the suspect, especially if it's older or on the small side for your GPU, newer cards pull short power spikes that trip weaker units. Also make sure the GPU power cables are separate leads from the PSU and not one daisy-chained cable. What's the PSU and card?
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