My old GTX 760 failed, so I replaced it with a used GTX 1080. I installed the drivers, but now the computer shuts down and immediately restarts when I launch most games. RimWorld works, but The Sims 4 and other more demanding games trigger the restart. I'm wondering whether I missed a step during the GPU replacement or whether there's a hardware problem. The system runs Windows 10, with an Intel Core i7-3770, 24 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a Corsair CX750M power supply. Could the power supply be failing or otherwise unsuitable for the newer card?
2 Answers
A sudden shutdown and restart under load usually points more toward power delivery, overheating, or a hardware fault than a missed driver-installation step. Check the CPU and GPU temperatures while gaming, confirm the card is firmly installed, and reinstall the graphics driver with a clean installation if necessary. Since the GTX 1080 is used, testing it in another system or trying another PSU would also help determine whether the card itself is defective.
The power supply is the first thing I’d investigate. Even though the GTX 1080’s listed power requirement is close to the GTX 760’s, the newer card can still expose a weak or aging PSU when gaming causes a sudden increase in load. Make sure the GPU’s power connectors are fully seated and connected with the proper PCIe cables. If possible, test with a known-good PSU rather than assuming you need a 1,000-watt model.
The system has a 750-watt CX750M, but it’s fairly old. I’m wondering whether the age of the PSU could be the issue rather than its wattage.