I bought a pre-built gaming PC from Best Buy after some deliberation, intending to upgrade parts over time since this is my first gaming rig. However, I experienced random shutdowns while playing Microsoft Flight Simulator. The PC would power off completely, leaving only a critical kernel power event ID 41 error.
During benchmarks and testing with OCCT, I noticed my CPU idling at consistently high temperatures of 65-70°C. Although many posts mentioned that “the 7800X3D runs hot, which is normal,” I remained concerned. Out of frustration, I went into the BIOS and set a thermal limit of 75°C, which seemed to fix the issue. However, when I increased the thermal limit to 85°C and launched FS2020, the PC crashed again. This led me to believe the problem was related to CPU thermals.
After watching a few videos on AIO coolers and seeing a post by [](https://www.reddit.com/user/ACrucialTech/), I checked to see if the plastic had been left on the cooler’s contact pad—and sure enough, it was.
Throughout this process, Best Buy employees told me I’m SOL due to it turning on, and running fine but just running hot. I repeatedly contacted support, but they could not help resolve the issue and told me the same thing. Eventually, they wanted me to ship the unit at my own expense as I was out of the 30-day return window.
For a nearly $2,000 system, I expected better quality control.
ZhuSeth
Not uncommon for prebuilts I suppose
CannibalAnus
Mistakes happen dude, even first time builders. Peel the tape and reapply the paste.
More-Hedgehog6583
Genuine question but why buy a prebuilt when you have the ability when you were able to take the cooler off and get to the cpu yourself
pegothejerk
Tech-Mechanic
I used to build servers for a living. Out of the maybe two thousand computers I built and configured, I left the plastic on once.
And yes, I did hear about it.
kavi_muhilan
Stop killing the CPU
bethustlax
You should have contacted the manufacturer not the store. It’s not a Best Buy problem it’s an HP Problem.
AkimboJimbo6
This is why I tell people even though I understand not everyone has the luxury to build a pc to take apart your pc and put it back together to understand every component.
wegotthisonekidmongo
Man they did you like donkey poot.
JaymesGames
Just canceled my cyberpower order about a week ago and decided to buy higher quality parts (other than the cpu & gpu) on Amazon. Was about 50$ more but I got much higher quality parts. Really glad I did that after seeing this.
I’m nervous about building my first PC but at least I’ll know how it was put together.
TheHandSFX
What spec is this PC, im curious. I hope its a 7800X3D and a 4080 Super.
unabletocomput3
For $2k, you’d think they’d use higher quality parts too.
RNG_pickle
QA = quick assembly
FrenchiestFry234
Q&A meaning questions and answers? Seems like you had a question and found an answer….
o_sooperstar_o
I can feel this mistake as even I’ve done this but luckily it’s never reached the customer. Although it’s clear it that it was a rush job because it would have been evident during a stress test which I believe it never went through.
Escapement_Watch
I’m guessing it was a new hire and that was his first or 2nd or 3rd pc hes built for the company. It happens.
mav2001
If you watch gamers nexus
Steve’s reviewed prebuilds up to like 6000$ and many have just poor QA in addition to Dumb design decisions
Crappy temps, odd system settings, questionable componentsl choices, etc
22 Comments
I bought a pre-built gaming PC from Best Buy after some deliberation, intending to upgrade parts over time since this is my first gaming rig. However, I experienced random shutdowns while playing Microsoft Flight Simulator. The PC would power off completely, leaving only a critical kernel power event ID 41 error.
During benchmarks and testing with OCCT, I noticed my CPU idling at consistently high temperatures of 65-70°C. Although many posts mentioned that “the 7800X3D runs hot, which is normal,” I remained concerned. Out of frustration, I went into the BIOS and set a thermal limit of 75°C, which seemed to fix the issue. However, when I increased the thermal limit to 85°C and launched FS2020, the PC crashed again. This led me to believe the problem was related to CPU thermals.
After watching a few videos on AIO coolers and seeing a post by [](https://www.reddit.com/user/ACrucialTech/), I checked to see if the plastic had been left on the cooler’s contact pad—and sure enough, it was.
Throughout this process, Best Buy employees told me I’m SOL due to it turning on, and running fine but just running hot. I repeatedly contacted support, but they could not help resolve the issue and told me the same thing. Eventually, they wanted me to ship the unit at my own expense as I was out of the 30-day return window.
For a nearly $2,000 system, I expected better quality control.
Not uncommon for prebuilts I suppose
Mistakes happen dude, even first time builders. Peel the tape and reapply the paste.
Genuine question but why buy a prebuilt when you have the ability when you were able to take the cooler off and get to the cpu yourself
I used to build servers for a living. Out of the maybe two thousand computers I built and configured, I left the plastic on once.
And yes, I did hear about it.
Stop killing the CPU
You should have contacted the manufacturer not the store. It’s not a Best Buy problem it’s an HP Problem.
This is why I tell people even though I understand not everyone has the luxury to build a pc to take apart your pc and put it back together to understand every component.
Man they did you like donkey poot.
Just canceled my cyberpower order about a week ago and decided to buy higher quality parts (other than the cpu & gpu) on Amazon. Was about 50$ more but I got much higher quality parts. Really glad I did that after seeing this.
I’m nervous about building my first PC but at least I’ll know how it was put together.
What spec is this PC, im curious. I hope its a 7800X3D and a 4080 Super.
For $2k, you’d think they’d use higher quality parts too.
QA = quick assembly
Q&A meaning questions and answers? Seems like you had a question and found an answer….
I can feel this mistake as even I’ve done this but luckily it’s never reached the customer. Although it’s clear it that it was a rush job because it would have been evident during a stress test which I believe it never went through.
I’m guessing it was a new hire and that was his first or 2nd or 3rd pc hes built for the company. It happens.
If you watch gamers nexus
Steve’s reviewed prebuilds up to like 6000$ and many have just poor QA in addition to Dumb design decisions
Crappy temps, odd system settings, questionable componentsl choices, etc
https://youtu.be/w8kprUGy57E?si=8-rLdJSwezyJj1gF
https://youtu.be/UnvxSkqJ8ic?si=APBku-xXLKfNYUjX
https://youtu.be/E-d8P_7gqp0?si=Lv99VSuMkkkpexRR
https://youtu.be/bflZYG5DWPg?si=QitFIhL9fAYR0Oxq
Remember, the bigger the company, the more QA and QC is merely a suggestion.
Just another reason to NOT buy pre-built pc’s!
If you know about PC’s and are spending $2000 why on earth would you not build it yourself?
Is it the sticker or the whole plastic shroud still on?