Random restarts during gaming can be caused by several factors. Here are some potential reasons and troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose the issue:
1. Power supply: Insufficient power from the PSU (Power Supply Unit) can lead to system instability, especially when the GPU and CPU are under heavy load. Check if your power supply has adequate wattage for your system components and ensure all power connections are secure.
2. Overheating: Excessive heat can cause the system to shut down or restart. Monitor the temperatures of your CPU and GPU during gaming using software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor. If temperatures are too high, consider improving the cooling in your system by cleaning dust from fans, applying new thermal paste, or upgrading the CPU cooler.
3. Memory issues: Incompatible or faulty RAM can cause system crashes. Since you mentioned your RAM is set to 2400MHz due to stability issues at 2666MHz, it's possible that the RAM is not running at its rated speed correctly. Try running a memory diagnostic tool like Memtest86 to check for any errors or instability with your RAM.
4. Graphics card drivers: Although you mentioned updating your Nvidia drivers, it's worth double-checking that you have the latest stable drivers installed. Use the official Nvidia website to ensure you're running the most up-to-date drivers for your GTX 1050 Ti.
5. BIOS settings: Since you recently upgraded your CPU and had to update the BIOS, there may be specific settings that need adjustment to ensure compatibility and stability. Ensure that your BIOS is up to date with the latest version from the motherboard manufacturer's website and review the settings related to CPU and memory to ensure they are properly configured.
Before considering a Windows reformat as a last resort, exhaust other troubleshooting options mentioned above. A clean Windows installation can help if the issue is software-related, but it's important to eliminate hardware and driver issues first.
If the problem persists after trying these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with a computer technician or reach out to the manufacturer's support for further assistance, as they can provide more specific guidance based on your hardware configuration.