Two days ago I replaced my i3-3220 with an i5-2500. This was my first CPU installation, and I had several setup issues before getting the system working. Windows and driver updates run normally, but when I launch a demanding game such as Red Dead Redemption 2, the PC shuts down after about five minutes. It has happened three times: twice as a complete power-off and once as an automatic restart.
During gaming, my RX 560D reaches 100% usage and the CPU is around 80%. The GPU sits near 65°C, while the CPU reaches roughly 85–86°C with the stock cooler. I applied fresh thermal paste when installing the new processor. The power supply is a 400W unit from a reasonably reputable brand, and I estimate the system normally uses around 200W.
Could the shutdown be caused by CPU temperatures, the motherboard's power circuitry, the PSU, or something related to the installation? I cannot afford an expensive replacement right now, so I would appreciate troubleshooting steps I can try first. I am considering limiting the game's frame rate, checking the BIOS, reinstalling the old CPU for comparison, and eventually buying a better cooler.
4 Answers
The i5-2500 has a much higher rated power draw than the i3-3220, so the motherboard's VRMs and an aging PSU now have more work to do. A 400W supply can be enough on paper for an RX 560 system, but age and build quality matter. If possible, test with the old CPU or another known-good PSU. Do not assume the wattage label alone proves the supply is healthy.
85°C is warm but not automatically enough to force an instant shutdown, especially if that is the highest reported temperature. Still, the stock cooler may be struggling, and the monitoring software might miss a brief spike. Cleaning the heatsink, remounting it correctly, improving case airflow, and limiting FPS may help until you can afford a compatible budget cooler. If the PC still powers off with temperatures under control, suspect the PSU or motherboard rather than the game itself.
Reset the BIOS to default settings and verify that the motherboard BIOS supports the i5-2500. Reseat the CPU cooler and RAM, then check that the fan is connected to the CPU-fan header. Since the problem began immediately after the processor swap, comparing stability with the original CPU is one of the most useful no-cost checks.
A shutdown under gaming load usually points more toward power delivery or overheating than a normal software crash. Check CPU temperatures with a reliable monitor while the game is running, including whether they spike toward the processor's upper limit. Also confirm that the cooler is firmly mounted, the fan is spinning, and the thermal paste layer is thin and even. A frame limiter can reduce both CPU and GPU power draw and is a safe diagnostic test.
The socket pins look straight and the system detects the installed memory. The PSU is from a known local brand, although it is not one of their higher-end models, so I will test the old CPU and reduce the frame rate before buying anything.