PC Troubleshooting Questions and Answers - PC Shuts Off When Playing Game

Eric writes in with a troubleshooting question:
Question: I just installed a realflight game and after it running for about a minute the computer completely shuts off can you tell how to correct this or what can cause this?

Answer: Shutdowns can be caused by many things but since yours happens when you are playing a game leads me to think it may be an overheating issue or a video card issue. You should check your CPU temperature and fan speed to make sure it is not getting too hot. The fan may not be spinning fast enough to keep it cool. Take the cover off and make sure the processor fan is spinning and is free off dirt. You can also try to remove the heatsink from the processor and make sure there is a decent covering of thermal paste on the processor and make sure its not dried up. If you go into your BIOS you may have a section that will tell you your CPU speed and fan speed. Make sure they are within the limits of your processors specifications.

Another thing it may be is your video card. Is the game supported by your video card? If not that could be it right there. If it is you may want to update the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

You should also check your Event Viewer logs to see if there is any reference to the shutdown and what caused it.

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