Why does my PC crash only during gaming?
Why does my PC crash only during gaming?
My computer crashes during games and I can't figure out the problem—it could be a hardware or software issue. All drivers and Windows are up to date. Check my logs for more details.
Update your post with complete hardware details and operating system information. Provide the power supply specifications, including voltage, amperage, and age, along with its condition (original, build, refurbished, or used). List the disk drive specifications such as brand, model, and capacity, noting how full they are. Include a full list of all connected peripherals.
verify the presence of a minidump file.
if absent, assess the power rating of your power supply and the necessary power for your GPU.
if the GPU demands excessive power, the motherboard’s protection circuits may trigger and reset the CPU (no minidump will be generated).
note: certain driver problems can also lead to this issue; you’d need a minidump to identify it.
without a minidump from a bugcheck, you can attempt to generate one on a functional system.
search online for instructions on how to create a memory dump using a keyboard on Windows.
then modify the registry and capture a working system’s dump.
upload the file to a cloud server, share it publicly, and post a link.
a debugger could then examine overclock driver issues. (multiple copies)
make sure the connections between the PSU and GPU are secure.
sometimes a faulty connector prevents the GPU from receiving full power.
also verify the fan speeds on the GPU.
overheating can cause symptoms similar to those from an inadequate power supply.
(overheated components draw more power, generate more heat, and consume even more power until the issue stops.)
good motherboards protect against this; cheaper boards may allow the GPU slot to melt and catch fire.
i’ve noticed GPU fans blocked by dust causing the motor to stop spinning.
A six-year-old PSU is probably the culprit. What is the model, make, and power rating?
It might be close to its built-in end-of-life, particularly given its heavy gaming usage.
Check the Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer for error codes, warnings, and events recorded just before or during the crashes.
A growing variety of errors suggests a deteriorating or failing PSU.
If feasible, replace it with another known working unit that has more power capacity.
Observe whether the logged errors cease or lessen.
Record the error codes and their descriptions as they appear.
Review for faults using Reliability History or Monitor and Event Viewer.
Make sure all critical information is saved backups at least twice on separate devices away from the affected computer. Confirm backups can be restored properly.
Turn off the system, disconnect it, and open the enclosure.
Remove dust and any obstructions.
Inspect everything carefully with a bright light to spot issues: exposed wires, melted insulation, bent or damaged cables, loose screws, cracks, dampness, rust, discolored spots, or swollen parts.
Swap the CMOS battery according to the instructions in the motherboard’s User Guide.
If problems persist, replace the power supply unit with a known working one, using only the original cables.