PC crashes during games - I've tried everything! Please help :)
PC crashes during games - I've tried everything! Please help :)
Hello everyone, I’m facing some tough issues with my PC while gaming. It crashes frequently during sessions, even after playing a few rounds of Overwatch. COD Black Ops causes problems when shader creation starts, and Path of Exile runs smoothly without any interruptions. Elden Ring stalls completely, Rocket League freezes, and Trouble Shooting keeps failing. I’ve done everything possible—clean installs, new RAM, upgraded GPU, changed card, updated BIOS, tried Windows 10 and 11—and still the same pattern emerges. Even after moving the machine to a different room or using a different power cable, it keeps crashing with a black screen and loud fans. All updates and drivers are up-to-date, but nothing seems to prevent the crashes. I’ve been using the system for about a month without any major issues, but now it randomly stops mid-game. Please help—any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Here’s my build link: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/dmorris/sa...iew=tCnZJx
Run a comprehensive benchmark using Unigene superposition on a continuous loop. Track temperatures and voltages with HWInfo64 and MSI Afterburner. When a crash occurs, record the timestamp and check Windows Event Viewer for related entries. Look for any clues or trends that might guide your investigation.
Purchased and set up a fresh RM750 power supply, but performance remains unchanged...
I used a new PSU that produced identical outcomes. I set the target power at 78% and kept the GPU temperature at a maximum of 77°C. In this configuration, COD could render shaders and function properly but stopped after one match. Next, I performed a stress test using 3DMark - Stess Test - Time Spy Extreme with the reduced power setting. It operated without issues for a short time before stopping once the temperature hit around 77°C. After that, I repeated the stress test at full power – the temperature rose quickly to 80°C and caused the crash immediately after reaching 79-80°C. The Event Viewer displayed several warnings during the crash, specifically under Administrative Events. One entry noted a display driver issue (Event ID 4101) and a COM server permission error (Event ID 10016). The crash was linked to a security restriction preventing local activation of the COM Server application. This setting can be adjusted via the Component Services administrative tool. I also saw multiple warnings from the Desktop Window Manager in the Event Viewer, and several application errors were logged. It seems tweaking power levels and checking permissions may help prevent such crashes. What advice do you have? Thank you!
Many of these occurrences seem irrelevant in practice; they likely connect to the crash rather than causing it, especially with DWM and Nvlddmkm involved. DistributedCOM alerts are distractions for your problem. If you don’t notice specific kernel errors—like 41 or clear power events—then the issue probably relates to the card’s temperature. Although it should work up to 88°C, it crashes around 80°C, possibly due to overheating at the hotspot or junction, damaged memory, or a solder joint expanding with heat. Consider lowering power to half, running bench tests, monitoring draw and temperatures, and gradually increasing power by 10–15% until stability returns. Adding fans directed at the card’s fin stack might improve cooling, but it mainly confirms temperature as the cause. The sensor readings in software are estimates; actual values can vary by chip or VRM position by several degrees. You might find more advice elsewhere.
Thanks for your support. I followed your advice and repeated the process. Placing a fan underneath helped maintain a cooler temperature, keeping COD stable around 70°C. The system handled it well without overheating. I’ll keep power slightly reduced to avoid reaching 80°C, but I can run it at 90% now without issues. Appreciate all the guidance!