I've been experiencing an issue with my gaming PC where it unexpectedly shuts down or resets whenever I try to boot up a more demanding game. My system specs include an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090, and 32GB RAM running on Windows 11 Home. This problem has started recently, even though I used to run games like Cyberpunk on Ultra without any issues. Now, it's a struggle just to run simpler games like Old School Runescape. It also shuts down occasionally when using OBS or video calls on Discord. I've made sure my drivers are up-to-date and regularly check for malware, plus I've cleaned the dust out of the fans. Interestingly, when I ran the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool, it indicated a failure, which I find confusing since I'm using an AMD processor. I can't afford repairs at the moment, so I'm looking for any recommendations on what might be wrong or what steps I can take to fix this.
3 Answers
It sounds like you might be dealing with a hardware failure. I’d suggest reinstalling Windows, but that's probably not the root of the problem. You could start by reseating your RAM and disconnecting/reconnecting components where possible. It might also be worth getting a tube of thermal paste to reapply around the CPU, which could help with overheating issues.
The Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool failing makes sense since you have an AMD CPU; it's not designed for it. Your descriptions point to potential heat or power issues. I'd recommend using HWInfo64 or MSI Afterburner to monitor your temperatures. If the CPU is overheating, you may need to replace the thermal paste or upgrade your cooler. Additionally, if your power supply (PSU) can’t handle the load when you're running demanding applications, that might cause shutdowns as well. Keep an eye on power draw with those tools.
Are you plugged into a power strip or directly into the wall? It can make a difference. Sometimes, if the current draw is too much for the power source, you might face shutdowns.

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