My PC randomly restarts while playing demanding games such as Path of Exile 2. I initially suspected overheating, so I installed a better CPU cooler, reapplied thermal paste, checked that the fans were working, and cleaned out the system. The restarts continued, and I now sometimes get complete freezes accompanied by a loud, stuck sound until I perform a hard reset.
After the most recent crash, the computer entered a boot loop and would not reach POST. Resetting the CMOS eventually got it to the Windows recovery screen, where it suggested restoring an earlier system state and warned that the drive might be faulty. Windows eventually started normally, and the PC has been stable during a few days of non-gaming use.
The system is running Windows 11 Pro 10.0.26200 with an Intel i7-9700K, GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER 8GB, 32GB of Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4, an Adata XPG SX8200 Pro NVMe SSD, and an AOC AG352UCG6 ultrawide display at 3440×1440. The power supply is a Corsair RM750x from 2018, rated at 750W and 80 PLUS Gold.
I'm considering reinstalling Windows and all my software, but I'd like to identify the likely cause first. Could the power supply, power delivery, temperatures, storage, or another component be responsible? Is the ultrawide monitor or its resolution likely to cause this kind of restart, and would plugging the PC directly into the wall instead of an old extension lead make a difference?
3 Answers
Because the crashes happen under heavy gaming load but not during ordinary desktop use, I’d investigate hardware before reinstalling Windows. Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, clocks, and power draw while gaming, and run separate CPU and GPU stress tests. A crash after two minutes doesn’t rule out heat—some faults appear quickly when a component or power circuit reaches a high load.
The display resolution is very unlikely to be the direct cause. Running games at 3440×1440 increases GPU workload, which can expose an unstable GPU, PSU, cable, or power-delivery issue, but the monitor itself should not make the computer restart. Also back up important files before more testing, since the failed boots and Windows recovery warnings could indicate filesystem or SSD damage—or simply corruption caused by repeated hard resets.
The power supply is one of the strongest suspects. GPUs can produce brief power spikes during demanding scenes, and an aging PSU or a poor connection can cause an immediate restart or freeze without a useful Windows error. The RM750x has enough rated capacity for this system, but its age and condition still matter. Check that the graphics card uses secure, separate PCIe power cables, and try a known-good replacement PSU if possible.
The old extension lead could be relevant if it is damaged, overloaded, or has a poor connection. For testing, connect the PC directly to a properly grounded wall outlet or a reputable surge-protected power strip, but don’t assume the extension lead is the only cause.
The timing can vary because temperature, workload, and power spikes aren’t identical every time. A failure after a few minutes can still be caused by heat or unstable power, not just a problem that builds up slowly.