Solving Fortnite can trigger a restart of your computer.
Solving Fortnite can trigger a restart of your computer.
I recently assembled a mid-range PC, capable of running games such as Destiny 2, Apex Legends, Fortnite, Minecraft, and EVE Online smoothly. Temperatures remain consistently stable, rarely exceeding 80 degrees. However, Fortnite and Apex Legends often trigger frequent forced restarts during gameplay. Below are my specifications and the steps I've taken to resolve this issue. My aim is to provide clarity so the possible causes can be identified more easily. This problem consistently occurs only when playing these two titles, never during other activities or games.
I will explain the sequence precisely: launching the game allows me to play without issues for a short time. The forced restarts happen unpredictably—sometimes just after a few minutes, other times hours later. During normal gameplay, with stable performance and no overheating, my monitor displays a black screen. Simultaneously, my RGB keyboard and mouse cease to illuminate, as if power was interrupted. Despite this, the RGB strips, fans, and other components continue operating normally. Within 10 to 30 seconds, without any external influence, I see my lock screen. Occasionally, after logging back in immediately post-restart, the PC restarts again, even though all programs were closed during the initial reboot. In one instance, this sequence repeated three times consecutively.
Specs:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
GPU: AMD RX 570
MOBO: MSI B550-A Pro
PSU: EVGA BQ Bronze 600w
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws DDR4-3600 2x8gb kit
STORAGE: 500gb WD Blue SSD (currently in use), 2TB Seagate Barracuda (not used)
Additional hardware:
Five 120mm case fans with moderate RPM (3 intake, 2 exhaust) installed, ensuring adequate cooling.
I have attempted the following solutions:
HARDWARE: Many users suggest hardware as the cause. I’ve replaced power supplies (from 500w to 600w) and upgraded my motherboard’s BIOS, though I’m cautious about BIOS flashing.
UNINSTALL AND REINSTALL / VERIFY: I’ve reinstalled games multiple times and verified game files several times, but results remain unchanged.
UNINSTALLING AND DISABLING THE WINDOWS FIREWALL: This was a last resort attempt, but it still triggered a restart.
RUN WITH NO OTHER APPLICATIONS OPEN: Running the game in a separate desktop or with no other apps open didn’t resolve the issue.
EASYANTI CHEAT DETECTION: I noticed these games use EasyAntiCheat. Others reported similar problems with Rust and Squad as well. Deleting the app data folder helped temporarily, but the issue resurfaced. I attempted to repair and reinstall it without success.
DRIVERS: Updated graphics card and motherboard chipset drivers; no improvement.
Other unlisted attempts:
Some additional hardware tweaks were tried, but I can’t recall specifics. I’ll update if I remember anything useful.
This issue has persisted for months, and I’m eager to resolve it so I can enjoy my games without interruption. I’m ready to dig deeper and appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thank you!
It appears to be functioning after playing Fortnite for several hours. The BIOS update seems to have resolved the issue. Now I can enjoy my favorite game without worrying about crashes.
Occasionally during gameplay it crashes due to the PSU, yet it doesn't appear to have a system that consumes excessive power. You might want to check your RAM for any errors.
I just updated the GPU drivers. Lowering their version resolved the issue and everything is working properly. Thanks for your assistance.
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Turns out... no fix. I still get the same problem, but now it also happens with destiny 2. oof.
It even began restarting without any games. I realized I had no choice but to download the newest BIOS for my MSI B550-A Pro. AFKing in Fortnite creative is now running, and I'm hoping for a resolution. I'll update when it restarts or if the problems are fixed. If that doesn't help... I'll move on to hardware solutions.