Computer crashes while playing graphically demanding games, what's wrong with it?

101hardwarenoob · Dec 23, 2015

Every time I try to play GTA V or a similarly demanding game, my computer crashes and becomes 100% unresponsive, forcing a hard reset. I'm not sure what's happening here, or even how to diagnose the issue. The nature of the crash is strange, because a very short glitchy audio tone is played and then the frame just freezes. I would appreciate any input, but the only think I can think of is that my CX600 PSU isn't giving the computer enough juice while it's under heavy load, although I don't think the nature of my computer crashes really fit the bill for a power supply issue. I'm just hoping that nothing is wrong with my graphics card.

clark455 · Dec 23, 2015

What are you system specs?

COLGeek · Dec 23, 2015

This is usually the result of a heat and/or power issue. It could also be caused by driver problems, defective memory, etc.

A detailed list of your system's components would be useful (make/model of each).

Also, are you overclocking anything (CPU, GPU, memory)? If so, stop and reset to stock speeds and try again.

What version of Windows are you using? Is Windows, all of your major drivers (video, audio, network, chipset) up to date? Same for your motherboard BIOS?

What are your CPU and GPU operating temperatures at idle and under load (like when gaming)?

Have you tested your memory with a tool like memtest?

Dunlop0078 · Dec 23, 2015

Need your specs if you want me to tell you if your power supply is enough lol. And what are the temps of your cpu and gpu when gaming?

badboyrog2 · Dec 23, 2015

without specs ..we going nowhere
it can be your psu for sure depending on which gpu you run

101hardwarenoob · Dec 23, 2015

clark455 :

AMD FX 8370 CPU
EVGA GTX 970
2 x 4gb Corsiar Vengance RAM
CX600 PSU
750 GB Western Digital HDD (previously owned by my friend, still has some of his stuff on it)
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 Motherboard
NZXT Guardian 921 case

I've got three case fans, and I'd say the computer gets good ventilation so I can't see it being an overheating issue...

DTDerian · Dec 23, 2015

It's most likely the PSU.

badboyrog2 · Dec 23, 2015

your cpu cooler is the stock one or aftermarket ???
it can be your psu too ..is your psu is the modular one or not

Dunlop0078 · Dec 23, 2015

101hardwarenoob :

600watts is plenty of power for that system. The cx600 is not the best power supply around and it could be having issues but its not an issue related to not having enough power. Still need your cpu and gpu temps when under load in your games.

Onus · Dec 23, 2015

How old is the PSU? The Corsair CX line reviews well when new, but is built with inferior capacitors that degrade quickly when subjected to heat.
You might run a benchmark with Furmark to see what happens.
Do you see any artifacting on screen just before the crashes?

101hardwarenoob · Dec 23, 2015

COLGeek :

I'm not doing any sort of overclocking. I'm still using Windows 7 premium. as far as drivers go, I ust updated the Nvidia ones but I'm not sure about the others. Last night I used speedfan to measure my temps and played GTA until my computer crashed. The cpu never got over 50 celsius and the gpu got up to like 67 celsius at the hottest. I haven't tested my memory yet, i'll go dot that right now thanks.

101hardwarenoob · Dec 23, 2015

Onus :

I don't see any artifacting, the game is running fine one minute and then the screen just freezes and stays there until i reset it. My PSU is exactly one year old, do they really degrade that quickly? I'll go run Furmark and report the results.

Onus · Dec 23, 2015

Yes, one year is about as long as they last. Some may go longer, but I've read anecdotes of them dying in less than 8 months.

badboyrog2 · Dec 23, 2015

``Yes, one year is about as long as they last. Some may go longer, but I've read anecdotes of them dying in less than 8 months.``

yes the cx 600 , but not the cx 600M modular one..
thats why i asked to the op , but never had and answer ??

101hardwarenoob · Dec 23, 2015

badboyrog2 :

Oh yeah forgive me, I do actually have the CX600M. So this model is more durable?

badboyrog2 · Dec 23, 2015

YES!

the regular CX (non-modular) also uses this platform - but Corsair says that the CXM doesn't use an off-the-shelf design. Rather, the company employs a non-standard layout that is reckoned to improve airflow through the unit; adds in a different PWM controller for increased standby efficiency; doubles the number of FETs, used for 12V regulation; and uses higher-quality capacitors than CWT's base design.

101hardwarenoob · Dec 23, 2015

badboyrog2 :

Okay, so it might not be a power issue...
i'm confused about how to identify what's going on here, I'm not extremely tech savvy so I don't know where to start. I just tried to run Shadow of Mordor and I did encounter some artifacting so i closed it. I'm using the stock cooler for my cpu and it does gets extremely loud when it's under heavy load like that. I think that running Furmark would certainly cause my computer to crash, but should I try it out anyways just to see? I keep reading that it can be dangerous.

badboyrog2 · Dec 23, 2015

i never told is not your psu...it can be your psu even with modular or not
i would just give a note to some people who beleive the cx 600m is the samething of the cx 600

Computer crashes while playing graphically demanding games, what's wrong with it?

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