My computer has recently started shutting down about a minute after I launch a game. The lights sometimes remain on, and once the game audio continued playing in a short loop even though the system was unresponsive. This has happened a few times since I replaced the power supply, although the computer previously handled heavily modded Minecraft without trouble. I have already updated the GPU and other drivers. What could be causing this, and how can I determine whether the problem is overheating, the power supply, or another component?
2 Answers
Driver problems can cause crashes, so updating the GPU and other system drivers was worth trying. Since that did not help, check temperatures and Windows Event Viewer for errors around the shutdown. I would not replace the GPU yet—first test the system with reduced graphics settings, run a CPU/GPU stress test separately, and verify that all power cables are firmly connected.
The two most likely causes are overheating or a failing/insufficient power supply. Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures while gaming, then check whether the fans are spinning and whether the heatsinks are clogged with dust. A sudden shutdown under load can also point to the PSU, especially if the replacement is low quality or not powerful enough. If possible, test with another known-good PSU before buying new parts.
I updated the drivers, but the computer still shuts down. I was wondering whether the GPU might need to be replaced, although I’ll check temperatures and the power connections first.