Why is My PC Turning Off While Playing Certain Games? Troubleshooting Guide

If you're experiencing unexpected shutdowns of your PC during gameplay, particularly games like God of War, this can be frustrating and confusing. This issue can arise from several factors, and we'll explore common causes and practical solutions to help you resolve the problem.

Causes and Solutions

1. Overheating

A high-performance game can push your CPU and GPU to their maximum capacity, leading to overheating. If your system's cooling system is not keeping up, this can cause sudden shutdowns without any warning.

Check temperatures: Use monitoring software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU. Ensure proper cooling: Make sure that your cooling fans and heatsinks are functioning correctly and free of dust. Improve airflow: Consider enhancing the airflow within your case or add additional cooling solutions like a larger cooler or a liquid cooling system.

2. Power Supply Issues

A failing power supply unit (PSU) or one not providing enough power can cause the PC to shut down under load.

Check PSU wattage: Ensure your PSU has enough wattage for your system and its components. Test with a different PSU: Try using a different, higher-quality PSU to see if the issue persists.

3. Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can lead to crashes during gaming sessions.

Update drivers: Go to the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA or AMD) and update your graphics drivers. Clean installation: Consider performing a clean installation of the drivers if the issue still persists.

4. Hardware Malfunction

Failing components like RAM or GPU can cause sudden shutdowns.

Run hardware diagnostics: Use tools like MemTest86 to run a memory test on your RAM. Reseat components: Re-seat RAM and GPU to ensure they are properly connected and not loose.

5. Software Conflicts

Background applications or overlays like Discord or GeForce Experience can sometimes cause conflicts and lead to shutdowns.

Close unnecessary applications: Close any non-essential background applications during gameplay. Disable overlays: Disable any overlays and test if the issue still occurs.

6. Power Settings

Certain power settings can lead to unexpected shutdowns during high-load scenarios.

Adjust power settings: In Windows, go to your power settings and set your plan to prevent your PC from sleeping or hibernating while gaming.

7. Event Viewer Logs

To further diagnose the issue, check the Windows Event Viewer for any critical errors or warnings that occur around the shutdown time. This can provide valuable insights into the root cause.

Conclusion

Begin by monitoring your temperatures and checking your PSU, as these are the most common culprits. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, consider running deeper hardware diagnostics or seeking professional help.

If you find this article helpful and need further assistance, don't hesitate to ask. Remember, the key to overcoming these issues is to identify the specific cause and address it proactively.