PC powers down entirely and restarts during demanding gameplay sessions
PC powers down entirely and restarts during demanding gameplay sessions
The specifications are listed at the bottom of the post. This might be a bit lengthy; I’m just really upset because I shouldn’t be able to play games. The issue is that my PC turns off after only 5-15 minutes while playing AAA titles like ACS, GTA V, and similar games with heavy assets. Generally, this happens when more than 2.7 to 8 GB of my graphics card is used. When I lower the settings, the PC lasts a bit longer—around 5 to 10 minutes—but then I’m missing out on the full visual quality I want. My graphics card usually handles most games at high or even ultra settings, though some at very high levels. I’ll start with the biggest benchmarks first.
I’ve run stress tests and benchmarks using FurMark, Benchmark, and similar tools, and it still doesn’t shut down during gameplay. I haven’t changed my graphics card yet, since I don’t want to spend another $200+. I’ve checked all connections—cables plugged in correctly, motherboard and card compatible. A recent power surge might be the cause; my PC wouldn’t even start for about 15 minutes after a big storm cut power. After waiting 15 minutes, it worked fine until two weeks later, when I tried GTA V and it shut down abruptly with no warning. Temperatures stayed normal (around 80°C on GPU, 55-65°C on CPU), thanks to custom fans and regular cleaning. I even recorded the event on my phone to check the actual temps.
On the flip side, FreeSync stopped working properly in Rocket League, GTA V, and Fortnite. Frames dropped to just 2-3, making games unplayable. Fixing it took about 10 minutes with settings adjustments. It’s unpredictable—FreeSync sometimes works, other times not. Recently, I’ve had fewer issues overall, but I’m still avoiding the most visually impressive titles. I might be tempted to upgrade my PC just to get full performance again. Some forum users suggested a PSU problem, but I’m not sure. ARESGAME is a new company, and I’m curious about their reliability with power delivery.
I’ve experienced some lightning-related glitches—recently the system froze mid-game. I tried everything: checking cables, resetting components, cleaning dust. The issue seems to be inconsistent. People have mentioned PSU problems, but I haven’t confirmed. My current specs include an Intel i3 8100 (3.6 GHz), Asus PRIME H310-E R 2.0 (2x 4GB), 8GB RAM, a 500W ARESGAME PSU (80+ Bronze), and a 256GB SSD. Benchmarks show GTA V at 75+ FPS (no mods), Rocket League at 90+ FPS, Assassins Creed at 60+, Fortnite in performance mode at 200-300+ FPS. Mostly, my card handles modern games smoothly at high or medium settings without drops.
The PC shutting down while under load usually points to a power supply overload, though other issues might be involved. Based on what I understand, your PSU claims to deliver 38A on the 12V rail—values are often higher than needed. Since the R8 380 needs about 33A at normal speeds and you're pushing it overclocked, it's likely reaching its capacity quickly. Many other components also draw from the same 12V source. I suspect the PSU is nearing its limit and will cut power. At least the safety features are functioning properly. Good luck!
A GPU without a high TDP rating could still work, but it might limit performance. You may need to upgrade your power supply to meet the required wattage.
Using MSI Afterburner allows adjusting power settings and possibly lowering clock speeds to address unexpected shutdowns. If that works, consider replacing the GPU with a more powerful one or upgrading the PSU. Let me know if you need more details!
I need to learn how to trigger the message afterburner. It's been problematic lately with custom configurations, so I'll keep an eye on it. Appreciate your feedback!
It looks like you're asking about whether you should replace your power supply unit (PSU) or if it's still safe to use it. Since I don't have specific details about your setup, I can't give a definitive recommendation. Generally, if your PSU is within its recommended age and hasn't shown signs of failure, it might be fine for now. However, it's always best to check the manufacturer's guidelines or consult a professional if you're unsure.