PC completely turns off while gaming – PSU not at fault

Troubleshooting Sudden PC Shutdowns During Gaming: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Experiencing sudden shutdowns while gaming can be a frustrating ordeal for PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. Often, this issue leads users down a rabbit hole of troubleshooting, trying to pinpoint the root cause. In this article, we will explore a common scenario where a PC turns off unexpectedly during gaming sessions, despite having a healthy power supply unit (PSU). By understanding the potential causes and solutions, you can effectively diagnose and resolve such issues.

Case Overview

Consider a typical gaming PC with the following specifications:

• Motherboard: Asus Z87-Pro
• Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K
• Memory: 16GB DDR3 (4x4GB G.Skill DDR3 1600 MHz)
• Graphics Card: AMD RX 590 Sapphire
• Power Supply: Corsair RM850X (previously a BeQuiet Pure Power L8, 630W)

The Problem

The user reports that when launching certain games, the system tends to crash and shut down completely. This behavior varies depending on the game; for example, titles like Black Ops 6 run smoothly, whereas Helldivers II consistently causes the system to power off. Notably:

• The monitor sometimes displays a black screen while the system remains operational, but often the entire PC powers down instantly.
• The shutdown frequently occurs during graphically intensive moments—loading screens, explosions, or other high-usage scenarios.
• Stress testing with tools such as OCCT results in immediate shutdowns within seconds.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

1. Power Supply Evaluation

The first suspicion is often the PSU, as it supplies power to all components. Despite replacing a 630W PSU with an 850W model, the issue persisted, suggesting that the PSU is unlikely to be at fault.

1. Reinstallation and Hardware Replacement

2. Reinstalled Windows to eliminate software conflicts.

3. Refurbished the power supply connection with a new PSU.

Yet, the crashes persisted, indicating that the problem may lie elsewhere.

Potential Causes and Diagnostic Strategies

1. Thermal Issues

2. Overheating CPU or GPU can trigger shutdowns to prevent damage.

3. Solution: Monitor temperatures during gaming using tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner. Ensure CPU and GPU temperatures stay within safe ranges (typically below 80°C for CPU and GPU).

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