Computer Shuts Down/Restarts Every time I play a game.

[radicalone4]

Hey everyone,

I have owned my PC for less than a year. However, starting just a few weeks ago, it began to act strangely. Every single time I play games (such as Starcraft II), my computer either shuts down or restarts. This usually occurs without warning (no blue screen of death). I have tried reinstalling the game, but the problem persists. If it helps, my computer specs are:

- Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 Black Edition 955 clocked at 3.2 GHZ
- Power Supply: 500 Watts
- RAM: 4096MB
- Motherboard: MA785GM-US2H by GIGABYTE
- Video Card: Nvidia Geforce GTX 460 (768 MB Version)
- Operating System: Windows 7 64-Bit

I am not a very techy person, so I apologize if I am not giving enough information.

Thanks.

 

[Emerald]

what make and model is the PSU?

check the temperatures of the CPU and GPU

 

[natx808]

either not enough power or overheating.; did you add any components like hdds or cd roms?

The spec for Geforce 460 calls for a minimum 450W power supply and a minimum of 24 Amps on the +12 rail. you will have to dig into your power supply specs to determine if it is sufficient.

if you have enough devices on the same rail even the 500W might not be cutting it.

 

[simon12]

+1 to both replies so far it sounds like overheating or power supply failing. Download HW monitor and check the temps 1st. Does it happen almost immediately when you start a game or very quickly after or does it vary alot?

 

[flipt]

Same as the others. Power supply or overheating. Years back, I did a new build and a friend donated a 350W PS to me. Playing Planetside in thick action caused the reboot issue for me. Did research and concluded my PS was weak. Went to Circuit City and got an Antec Trupower 350W, installed and did not have an issue. My point is in line with what natx is referring to. Good luck.

 

[radicalone4]

I also forgot to mention that my PC Case is very small compared to most gaming cases. My room is also very hot, and I haven't used my PC for several weeks in July...so could there have been a gradual build-up of heat inside my computer?

Btw, my 500 watt power supply was from COOLMAX, and only costed about $30. Thanks for all the answers guys.

 

[natx808]

if the PSU is a coolmax cp-500t, it has 2 12V rails. if both rails are equal current then it is not sufficient (12V * 24A = 288Watt)


if you have a best buy nearby and get a 600w power supply. if it doesn't fix it you can return it!

 

[radicalone4]

The model I have is a V-500:
- ATX 12v
- 120mm Fan
- Single Fan
- Sata X 1
But yeah, I'll try to pick up a 600-watt PSU and see if that helps.

 

[ram1009]

The model I have is a V-500:
- ATX 12v
- 120mm Fan
- Single Fan
- Sata X 1
But yeah, I'll try to pick up a 600-watt PSU and see if that helps.

Better yet, buy the highest wattage QUALITY PSU you can afford. Consider it an insurance policy and a cheap one at that.

 

[Emerald]

go up to 650W you should be able to get a good one around $80

this is one of the best manufacturers

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

 

[radicalone4]

Best answer selected by radicalone4.

 

[radicalone4]

Thanks guys, the problem has been resolved. All i had to do was to purchase a new power supply.