Unable to run games my specs should easily be able to run

Troubleshooting Gaming Performance and Stability Issues on a Mid-Range PC

Experiencing unexpected game crashes despite having a capable system can be both frustrating and perplexing. If your hardware specifications suggest smooth gameplay but you’re encountering crashes or freezes, there are several factors to consider and steps you can take to identify and resolve the issue. Below, we’ll analyze common causes and provide guidance for troubleshooting.

System Specifications Overview

Here are the key components of the system in question:

CPU: Intel Core i5-10400F (2.9 GHz)
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB VRAM)
RAM: 16GB
Motherboard: HP 8767
Power Supply: Approximately 500W
Operating System: Windows 10

Despite these specifications, crashes occur in certain games after normal operation, which may seem inconsistent with raw performance metrics.

Common Symptoms and Observations

Crashes occur roughly 15-30 minutes after launching specific games (e.g., Rust, Mage Arena).
These crashes happen without generating crash reports.
Other games (Dark and Darker, Valorant, Terraria) run smoothly without issues.
Rust, even on minimal settings, crashes consistently after some time, despite having run more intensive setups previously.
Mage Arena runs on a low-performance laptop without issues, indicating the problem may not be game-specific but possibly related to system stability or configuration.

Troubleshooting Steps and Recommendations

Update Drivers and Windows
Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date directly from Nvidia’s official website.
Check for Windows updates and install all pending updates to ensure system stability.
Monitor System Temperature and Power
Use monitoring tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check CPU and GPU temperatures during gameplay.
Overheating can cause applications to crash; if temperatures are high, clean dust from fans and heatsinks or improve airflow.
Confirm that your power supply unit (PSU) delivers sufficient power. A 500W PSU should generally suffice for an RTX 4060, but ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Check for Background Processes and Conflicting Software
Disable unnecessary background processes that may interfere with gaming performance.
Temporarily disable antivirus or security software to see if it’s causing interference.
Verify Game Files and Reinstall
Since reinstallation has been attempted, also verify game files through