PC Restarts When Playing Online Games: Causes & Fixes (Hardware Focus)

Random restarts under gaming load indicate **hardware instability** or **critical driver failure**. Not a game bug.

Top Causes (Priority Order)

1. Overheating (CPU/GPU/VRM): Dust, dead fan, dried paste, poor case airflow. Check: HWMonitor / HWiNFO64 temps under load. >90°C CPU / >83°C GPU = throttle/shutdown.
2. Power Supply (PSU) Insufficiency / Failure: Cheap/old PSU can't deliver transient spikes (GPU boost). Tier list: Cultists PSU Tier List. Test: Swap known-good unit.
3. RAM Instability (XMP/EXPO): Run **MemTest86** (USB boot, 4 passes). Disable XMP → Test stock JEDEC.
4. GPU Driver Crash (TDR): Event Viewer → System → Source: `Display` / `Nvlddmkm` / `amdkmdag`. Fix: **DDU Clean Install** (Safe Mode) → Latest Studio/WHQL driver.
5. Motherboard / CPU Socket / Capacitors: Visual inspect (bulging caps). Rare.
6. Overclocking: Revert ALL (CPU, GPU, RAM, BCLK) to stock.

Software Checks

• Windows: `sfc /scannow`, `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`.
• Malware scan (Malwarebytes Free).
• Chipset Drivers (AMD Ryzen / Intel) updated.
• BIOS/UEFI Updated (critical for Ryzen 5000/7000, Intel 12/13/14th gen stability).

Diagnostic Steps

1. Run **FurMark (GPU)** + **Prime95 Small FFTs (CPU)** separately. Does it restart instantly? → PSU/Heat.
2. Limit GPU Power Limit to 80% (MSI Afterburner / Adrenalin). Stable? → PSU/GPU power delivery.
3. Check **Event Viewer → System** at crash time: Kernel-Power 41 (unclean shutdown) + BugCheckCode.

If unsure, **local PC repair shop** > guessing. Bring crash logs.