Desktop Shutdown When Games Are Played

Pyxus

Reputable
Dec 28, 2014
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So recently my computer has been shutting down whenever I play video games... a few times it crashed when I just tried to launch the game, while other times it crashed about 30 minutes into the game with no warning. In an attempt to fix it I've dusted my computer, reinstalled my video drivers, and unpacked my cores. Right now I'm afraid it may be a power issue with my psu but I have no way, that I know of, to test it. If anyone has any possible solutions or suggestions on how I could potentially figure out the issue I would really appreciate you letting me know. I don't exactly have the funds for an immediate replacement so I hope that the issue is simple.

*Extra Info
- Crashes occurred when playing Overwatch, and dark souls 3. I have yet to test it with any other games. If me testing other games is needed for you to come to a definite conclusion then I am more than willing to do so. Here are all the games I currently own on steam https://goo.gl/l3Ylfi.

-I've left the computer running for an entire day and crashes only occur when a game is being played

-I'm not sure if it is related but my computer has also started to automatically launch the bios for some reason... then to full start it I have to boot the specific hard drive that has my os. Mildly annoying and would like a solution for this as well, but It isn't a major issue.

-My Build

Thank You In Advance! :)
~ps: I wasn't sure if this was the right category for this question and I am sorry if I made a mistake
 
Solution

I'll open up overwatch and monitor them while in a match. Though i'll likely crash i'll respond to you as soon as I can.
 


Ok you have a rather low end PSU, most likely not enough power from your PSU or a faulty one. I'd suggest you take a look at the PSU Tier List 2.0 and pick from either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 PSU. I personally wouldn't put a corsair CSM series in my expensive build (or an AMD system since they pull more power than Intel does). I'd recommend a 650w power supply.
 
550w is enough, but I would rather go with 650w it's good to have some space so PSU doesnt work with 100% all the time. But if you are looking at corsair go with something higher than CS series, like rm, rmx, rmi, hx, ax, or some other quality brands(EVGA, Seasonic, Cooler Master, Super Flower, XFX, BeQuiet! etc) I'm 90% sure it's PSU.
 


CPU is way too hot. This isn't intel that also goes over 70c degrees in games without problem. How long do you have this problem? Did you mount that cooler on CPU recently? Does it have good contact with cpu, did you point it in right direction, how much thermal paste did you used?

 


I've actually had this issue for about a year... but the sudden crashes would occur very far apart, like every month or so. but for the past few days it has crashed basically every time I try to play. I did remove the cpu cooler yesterday to dust it with a condense air can... I'm can't say at this moment if it has good contact, or if I mounted it in the right direction so I'm going to shut down my computer and inspect the cooler to make sure I didn't do something stupid... Also it has been a while since I last applied thermal paste, but I recall only applying a small dab.
 


So if I get this right, yesterday you removed your cooler to clean of the dust and you didn't apply new thermal paste on? 😀
 


Thank you for the list! as you and g-star have said it is very likely a psu issue so i'll hold off on playing anything and pick up the EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 in a week or 2 and hope this resolves the issue.
 


I see your simple emoji and can't help but picture someone face palming... Yes you're correct, I didn't apply any new thermal paste but I do have some on hand and will do so immediately. :pfff:
 
Thank you for the list! as you and g-star have said it is very likely a psu issue so i'll hold off on playing anything and pick up the EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G2 in a week or 2 and hope this resolves the issue.

Excellent choice on the PSU!

Also, you can NEVER remove a CPU heat sink and put it back on without applying new thermal paste. This will cause air bubbles between the CPU and heatsink, causing the heatsink to not making good contact and not drawing enough heat away from the CPU. In turn it will make the CPU hotter.
 


I was actually told this a long time ago when I first began learning about computers in order to build one... I nowhere near an expert on the subject but I'm still annoyed that I made such a simple mistake there. I'm so glad the helpful people of this site stepped in to correct my stupidity 😉
 


Yup you are correct 😀 take it apart, clean off the thermal paste from cpu and cooler and apply new thermal paste just put on a midle of cpu thermal paste in a size of a pea, maybe a little more then put on the cooler and press it down and turn left and right a little and then mount it back on with screws, if this doesnt help it's definitely PSU, and G2 Super nova from EVGA is realy a great choice, I have one myself and I'm more than happy + it has 10 years of warranty 😀
 
Solution


Thank you so much for the help, I mostly picked the "Best solution" arbitrarily since both of you have provided a tremendous bit of help! Once again Thank you, hopefully after applying more thermal paste, and swapping out my psu I can continue gaming in peace :ange:
 
I have a similar kind of problem. My computer suddenly freezes in a weird way. Whenever I play a game installed on my HDD game freezes. (Tried with League of Legends and Fifa 17). Sometimes it happens in the beginning sometimes after 30-40 mins. The image just freezes and doesn't let me do anything. While that happening HDD indicator stays solid for like 10 secs then completely goes off. After I hit reset button there is an error screen (http://imgur.com/a/gyENV).
It stays like this till I actually cut the power by pressing power button. Also, I checked bios and I couldn't see my windows disk there (SSD). I don't know what causing this..

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Can you quote me when you get a new PSU? I'd like to know if that fixes your problem.
 


Yes let's hope that just changing thermal paste will do, so you won't have an extra cost with PSU, but if this doesnt help then surely is PSU 🙁 Glad to help 😀
 


My problem is slightly different so i'm not sure if the same solution will apply. But i'll definitely quote you when I do replace my psu. I highly recommend just starting a thread on toms hardware though, the people here are so amazing. They've helped me out so many times.
 


Sounds like you have an HDD problem, or with SATA connectors on your motherboard. I suggest you try updating your BIOS anyway it might help.(sometimes it does miracles)
 


It's updated. I changed ports and still same. I have 2 different hard drives they both causing the same.
 


Not sure if you still have any issue but I just wanted you to know that I replaced my psu and my pc is running perfectly fine.