My PC unexpectedly powers off while I'm playing demanding games. I replaced the power supply because that seemed like the most likely cause, but the shutdowns still happen, and I'm now out about $300. I've monitored the CPU and GPU temperatures, and they usually stay around 55–60°C, so overheating doesn't seem likely. What other components or tests should I investigate?
3 Answers
A failing motherboard power-delivery section, such as the VRMs, is another possibility. It doesn’t necessarily cause obvious poor performance; the system can run normally until a demanding game increases power draw, at which point it may shut down. Inspect the motherboard for damage and test with a different outlet, power cable, or graphics card if possible.
It would help to know the exact CPU and GPU temperatures rather than just saying they’re normal. Your reported 55–60°C averages sound comfortably safe, but also watch peak temperatures and whether the system shuts off instantly or shows an error first. Checking the Windows event logs for critical power-loss events may provide another clue.
If this is a DDR5 system, check the memory temperatures as well. CPU and GPU temperatures can look normal while the RAM or its memory controller is having problems. Use a hardware-monitoring tool that reports DIMM temperatures, then run a memory test to check for instability.
What’s the easiest way to check the memory temperature?