Why Does My Gaming PC Keep Crashing
There’s usually two reasons a gaming PC crashes, it’s either from heat or failing hardware. However, the term Crashing can mean several things. Crashing can refer to just when the game or app “crashes”. In this case the PC is still running, only the game crashed.
Crashing can also refer to the gaming PC itself locking up. The keyboard or mouse inputs do nothing. When I think of crashing, this is how I think of it. A PC completely locked up.
Testing whether caps lock or number lock is the easiest way to determine if your gaming PC is locked up. When those keys work the PC hasn’t crashed, just an app or the system is running slow.
If the caps lock or number lock isn’t responsive the only solution is to hold down the power button and reboot. In cases where the caps lock or number lock are working, hitting CTRL+ALT+DEL and waiting eventually launches the task manager.
So crashing can refer to the PC itself, or just a game. Either way there are several steps or best practices to take to resolve the issue.
Why Does My PC Crash?
When the caps lock or number lock is unresponsive the PC itself has crashed. The two main reasons are heat or overclocking. Another less common reason is bad memory sticks.
The first thing to check after a crash is the CPU heat sink, exhaust fans, and case for dust. If everything looks clean then check for good air flow. A book or CD’s stacked near the air intake or exhaust can overheat your PC quickly.
While overclocking is fun and seems like you’re getting more speed. In my experience, overclocking isn’t much of a game changer. It works best with only a small increase in speed. If you experience frequent crashes, try dialing back the clock speed to the factory specs.
Other common causes of gaming PC crashes are failing hardware. I’d be suspicious of any RAM sticks 5 years or older. There are RAM tests but they don’t always reveal bad memory sticks in my experience. A memory stick has to be pretty bad to show up in a RAM test.
Many times a memory stick failing once a day or a week can still pass any memory test. If your PC has good air flow, isn’t overclocked, is up to date and still crashes. Then try swapping out the memory sticks.
Why Does My Game Crash?
If your PC isn’t crashing but the game itself then this is a software issue. As long as you can still use the PC then the issue isn’t generally hardware related. That is unless you’re pushing your display adapter beyond it’s recommended use.
Expecting a display adapter to run with higher resolution or faster frames per second than recommended can crash games. Lower the resolution or frames per second for better performance. Other than settings, update display drivers, Windows, or the game itself.
Summary
Games crashing and the entire PC itself crashing are two different problems. Games tend to crash when the hardware isn’t up to the task. Changing the settings or upgrading the display driver can help.
For a PC crashing, it’s usually caused by excess heat. While the CPU is the most critical component to keep cool, the RAM and chipsets need to stay cool too. The CPU has it’s own cooling system while the other components rely on the case fan or heatsinks to keep cool.
Keep your gaming PC dust free and in a place with plenty of circulation to avoid crashing.
Why Does My Gaming PC Keep Crashing brought to you by David M.
I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.
