Computer shuts down when playing games

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Basalt13

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Jun 13, 2013
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My computer shuts off without warning when playing games. Not even high graphic intensity games either, just things like Civ5, or DC Universe online. I tried cleaning out the dust in the past and didn't help, my GPU is overheating. How do I fix this? Will buying a new graphics card fix the problem?

More details about my computer

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8200 @ 2.33GHz


Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB
Graphics ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series
Windows 7 Home Premium
System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturer Gateway
Model DX4820
Total amount of system memory 8.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 4

Storage
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Total size of hard disk(s) 917 GB
Disk partition (C:) 223 GB Free (917 GB Total)
Media drive (D:) CD/DVD

Graphics
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Display adapter type ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series
Total available graphics memory 4863 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 3839 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.970.100.3000
Primary monitor resolution 1366x768
DirectX version DirectX 10

Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Network Adapter Intel(R) 82567V-2 Gigabit Network Connection


 
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Basalt13

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updated op with comp specs

My initial reaction was I need a new graphics card, but wanted to see if something as simple as a new fan, or power supply could be the issue as well first before I go buy one.
 
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jec831

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I would check a few things to be honest...make sure you're cpu isn't over heating also. from experience, I've had that issue of the system shutting down during games then when I restarted I went to the bios of my system and saw my temp for the cpu was out of spec so check that you may just need to put some new thermal paste on it.. also check your power supply.
 
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bdiddytampa

bdiddytampa

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What is the make and model of your PSU, my initial feeling is a power problem. Anytime I've had shutoffs like that it has been the power supply going bad. Doesn't have to be graphically intensive, sometimes when gameplay isn't stressing the GPU, it is stressing the CPU which would still create more power draw, and a failing PSU will shutdown in that instance. You say your GPU is overheating? What sort of temps are you getting? Are the fans on the GPU spinning when the computer is on? What are your CPU temps?
 
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Basalt13

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I not sure of make/model atm, I believe it is only 300w. The temps are over 110 degree's celsius so it is way over where it should be, I cleaned out the dust again yesterday and tried it and the main fan, and graphics card fan both seems like they were working.

 
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bdiddytampa

bdiddytampa

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Yeah, 110 is waaaay hot lol, that is definitely a problem. With those kind of temps I'd say either the heatsink has lost contact with the GPU, or the fan isn't working, only 2 reasons for temps that high. If you don't have the expertise to remove the heatsink and reapply thermal paste, or just plain get a new one, I'd advise getting a new card, and you'll probably need a new PSU as well... :-\ But your card is most definitely reaching its thermal limits, which is why it is shutting off all of a sudden.
 
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Basalt13

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So I ordered a Radeon HD 1GB 7770 video card, it seems to be the best in the price range I want to spend. Having said that will I need to buy a new PSU as well?
 
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bdiddytampa

bdiddytampa

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I would say yes, I believe the 7770s need a minimum of 400w power supply, and I think they also need a 6-pin power adapter as well. What make and model of 7770 did you buy? I can recommend a PSU for you.

P.S. I am leaving for a while and won't be able to get back to you until I reach my destination this evening.
 
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Basalt13

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Thanks for your help btw, I really appreciate it.

This is the video card I ordered, it says 600watts :\

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/asus-asus-radeon-7770-1gb-gddr5-pci-e-video-card-hd7770-dc-1gd5-v2/10206078.aspx?path=f42fd0a7682962dc72a910cda8519660en02&SearchPageIndex=1


Would this power supply work?

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX41859
 
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ubercake

ubercake

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That power supply would easily work. This card requires a max of 83W.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/HD_7770/24.html

Most good 360-400W supplies could support this. The SeaSonic S12II 380B 380W would easily support your system with that 7770. It also has a 6-pin adapter.
 
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Basalt13

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Alright, so the 600w requirement it says is a typo? Or is that for something else? I have seen power requirements listed for this video card from 150w, to 300w, 450w and 600w????
 
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MEMOFLEX

MEMOFLEX

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The Corsair PSU's are rock solid and that one would stand you in good stead not only for the present but for future upgrades should you make any. I always like a little bit of headway when it comes to PSU's just in case and if you are upgrading you might as well pay a little extra for a slightly more powerful one such as the one mentioned rather than get a 400W and then possibly have to upgrade again if your power requirements increase.

 
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bdiddytampa

bdiddytampa

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+1 on MEMOFLEX, That Corsair is a great PSU, and IMO it is best to get a power supply with headroom in case you need add stuff in the future. Sorry it took so long for me to get back, was without an internet connection for the weekend.
 
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ubercake

ubercake

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The posted 600W requirement is for the uneducated folks out there grabbing the lowest-common-denominator PSU out of the bargain bin at their closest retailer. It reduces the chances they'll be blaming their video card for their system issues because they grabbed a garbage power supply.

Anyone that knows anything about PSUs or building PCs knows you don't need a 600W supply to run a 7770 video card in their system. To further stress the point, check out this review of a system with two 7970s in crossfire and a total system power requirement under load less than 600W (567W):
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_radeon_hd_7970_crossfire_review,7.html

The right 600W-650W power supply could even power that 2x7970 system. What would make you think a system with a 7770 would require the same (600W?)? The system with a single 7770 doesn't even come close to the power requirement of a system with two 7970s.

The Corsair 600W supply you posted would be well more than enough for a system with your specs and a 7770. The quality of the Corsair 600W PSU is not that of a Seasonic. If you have plans to do more with the PSU than the single 7770 on the current platform, you'll need more than the 380W I posted. If not, then it will be more than sufficient.
 
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MEMOFLEX

MEMOFLEX

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Good answer. I wasn't trying to push an unnecessarily powerful PSU, just saying that the Corsair was a good one as have used them in a number of systems. Haven't used a Seasonic but the reviews I have read have all been top draw. Like I said I always like to give myself some headroom with a PSU and I don't think a 600w is overkill by any means. Anything over that then you are really paying for power you won't probably use. Unnecessary? possibly depending on your plans for the future as Ubercake said but I always like to have the option available should I want to or have the possibility of moving it to a new build if that situation arises.
 
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ubercake

ubercake

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Personally, I follow the same philosophy you do with regard to having more power than you need. I always use a PSU that can sufficiently handle three to four video cards, but I never have usually required enough power for more than two. I always think I might get more video cards, but have never had more than three in the system at any one time. I'm also constantly upgrading the video cards and have seen the power requirements go up and down between generations. I just like the flexibility of having a lot of high-quality power and a power supply with a nice, long warranty period.
 
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MEMOFLEX

MEMOFLEX

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I learnt my lesson the hard way with a hyperX modular PSU which was great for a couple of years but then went south and took my mobo, ram and gfx with it. Was a good excuse for the upgrade to my current rig but was devastated at the time. After that I always have used Corsair PSU's as I think it was from a recommendation on another forum and haven't looked back since, but as with anything that you feel comfortable with you don't like to change it.

My system is quite a power hog due to it being a little dated and pushed about as far as it can go but the PSU has been great throughout but am looking to get rid of the 560 ti's for a single card and give the old boy a bit of a rest.

Just out of curiosity, and this is probably relevant to the OP, but what is the standard warranty on the Seasonic's?
 
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ubercake

ubercake

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It's 5-years for just about every PSU they produce, but I know the platinum series are all 7-year warranties. My last PSU was a Corsair TX950. It was fantastic, but I find myself in the habit of updating my components before the warranty period is over (especially power). I picked up the Seasonic Platinum 1000 just a few months ago. Both the TX950 and the Platinum 1000 have extremely good reviews everywhere you look. Seasonic's known to be one of the top manufacturers of PSUs along with Super Flower. This Tom's article is a good reference with regard to knowing who is making the PSU under what brand name:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-oem-manufacturer,2913-5.html

I have to think Flextronics is another great PSU manufacturer as they produce the higher-end AX-series Corsair PSUs.
 
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MEMOFLEX

MEMOFLEX

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You may well have tempted me to cheat on Corsair :D. 5 year warranty is good and 7 is superb. I am more than likely going to upgrade the PSU when I change my rig which will probably towards the end of the year so will certainly have a good look at the Seasonics. Thanks for the info Ubercake and good luck with your new toys Basalt13.
 
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bdiddytampa

bdiddytampa

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Hey Basalt13, if you haven't bought that PSU yet, Newegg is running a deal on a 500w Corsair for 29.99 after a 20$ rebate, here's the link

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-139-027&nm_mc=EMC-GD061713&cm_mmc=EMC-GD061713-_-index-_-Item-_-17-139-027

and use this offer code at checkout to get the last 10$ off: EMCYTZT3634

As explained by MEMOFLEX and ubercake, most of these PSUs will be a bit of an overkill for the card and system you have, but probably worth the extra headroom :) and this is a great power supply for 30$.
 
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