Strange power issue in one room – could it affect PC hardware?

[Thomas Fast]

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently noticed a strange issue in one room where some devices don’t seem to get power consistently. For example, my PC sometimes won’t turn on from one outlet, but works fine on another.

The breaker hasn’t tripped, and other devices seem mostly fine, so I’m a bit confused.

I’m wondering:

Could this be a wiring issue or something with the outlet itself?

Is there any risk for PC components if power is unstable like this?

Has anyone experienced something similar?

Just trying to understand before I take any further steps.

Thanks!

[Nick H. Supervisor]

Do you get power outages around the house often? Or is it just the one room?

If you are overly concerned about the PC, I would recommend a UPS - it's basically a big battery for your computer so that when the power fails you have the time to safely shut down the machine and preserve the data you are currently working with.

[hellowalkman Reporter]

On 24/03/2026 at 01:12, Thomas Fast said:

For example, my PC sometimes won’t turn on from one outlet, but works fine on another.

That could be an indication it's your PC acting up if that's the only appliance exhibiting this symptom, though I am guessing it's not.

In general I will start with checking voltage fluctuations in the room. It's possible your PC is not turning on coz the PSU's UVP and/or OVP are tripping.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

Take a multimater and see if there's a power fluctuation.

 

[neoraptor]

agree, sounds like the PC is doing something, when switching the outlet it gets reset

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

Are you running with a power strip? You never said. Power strips can protect you from power fluctuations.