PC shuts down unexpectedly when closing games
PC shuts down unexpectedly when closing games
Intel i7 9700k, RTX 3080ti, 32gb Corsair Vengeance RAM, 1000W PSU, tuf z390-plus gaming motherboard.
Randomly closing any game causes freezing and restarting, no bugcheck in Event Viewer, only unexpected shutdowns. Games and other tasks run normally until then. Initially suspected issues with Battlefield 2042 and Forza Horizon 5, now affecting more games. While writing this, I found a jammed GPU fan but don’t think it was the cause. Thermal problems would definitely shut down the PC mid-game.
Check Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer.
Both tools might record an error code, warning, or informational event when games are closed.
You can also open Task Manager or Resource Monitor just before stopping the game. (Use both, but only one at a time.)
Once the tool window appears, wait a few minutes then shut down the game.
Observe any changes or occurrences.
I think it’s best to share what my event viewer and reliability manager displayed after the last incident. The viewer only mentioned an unexpected shutdown followed by various secureboot errors. The reliability manager indicated the game crashed when I closed it normally, then Windows had a bugcheck. I’m not sure what else to look into. Everything I play seems to work fine until I close it, then there’s a risk this might happen again. It just doesn’t make sense.
Random reboots or shutdowns usually stem from two problems:
1. CPU/GPU overheats and the system stops to avoid damage.
2. PSU doesn’t provide enough power or maintains unstable voltage for the PC.
First, check your CPU/GPU temperatures, both when idle and under load. If they’re normal, it’s likely the PSU is the issue.
Now, even though the Corsair HX is a solid PSU (launched in 2017), there are still flaws. Consider using a second, reputable PSU that’s known to work and see if the reboot problem persists.
You can return the PSU for repair (it comes with a 10-year warranty) or test another one. Recommended good options include Seasonic Focus/Vertex/PRIME, Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi, and Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium.
As mentioned in the post, I found a jammed fan in my 3080ti and the GPU was lifted too much by its stand, which came with it. I’ll keep an eye on temperatures and power usage. Can you clarify why everything seems fine until I close a game? Does shutting down cause a sudden power surge or something? I’m trying to understand how hardware functions so I don’t have to keep posting like this.
I know enough to tackle the problem, just need a solid starting point. The manager logs aren’t sufficient, stress testing didn’t trigger the issue, I’ve updated all drivers and fixed corrupted files. The only advantage is I can still use the PC as needed, just hoping it won’t crash after closing games. Fixing the GPU jam seems like a possibility, though I’m not entirely sure. Usually a tech specialist is available, but they’re on holiday, so I came here to get more information.
During the process of formatting the OS drive and performing a clean Windows installation, costs are minimal, but only software-related problems are addressed. Nevertheless, unexpected reboots or shutdowns are primarily linked to power supply issues, with few clear causes identified. Excessive temperatures—caused by CPU or GPU overheating prompting a self-preservation reboot—can occur. The PSU may be malfunctioning (explaining the warranty), or the motherboard's VRM might be experiencing problems (though rare). That’s why I recommended testing with an alternative PSU. It doesn’t need to be brand new; a second high-quality PSU from another system or an RMA unit is acceptable and free. Determining the cause is challenging. From a hardware standpoint, the RTX 30-series is known for significant GPU power fluctuations. While occasional spikes are possible, the HX1000 model offers ample capacity to manage such events. With a 350W GPU, it can handle spikes up to 2–2.5 times its TDP. The HX1000 OPP (Over Power Protection) is set at 1186.13W (about 118.6% of its maximum), providing a buffer against transient surges. Unless the HX1000 fails or experiences a spike exceeding this limit, it should comfortably absorb fluctuations. If the HX1000 is functioning properly or you anticipate a spike beyond its capacity—especially if other components draw substantial power—this could be an issue. For reference, see the HX1000 protection documentation: Additionally, a video illustrating GPU transient power spikes is available here: (At 12:04 Steve confirms that certain PSU manufacturers have detected RTX 30-series GPUs spiking 2 to 2.5 times rated power.) Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnRyyCsuHFQ
Is there a method to track power spikes during gameplay that would provide all the necessary information? I've owned this GPU for about three years, and only recently have I noticed this problem occurring occasionally. I should mention that I kept YouTube running even when the system shut down.