Windows 7: Computer crashes and restarts when loading games

I've run into a problem recently with my computer. I haven't played any games since early in the year and, if I remember correctly, haven't installed or changed anything much since then. But when I went to boot up Sims 3 for my cousin it repeatedly crashed while on the loading screen. I put this down to their awful patches and typically buggy games. But I today I went to start Skyrim and the same thing happened. As soon as the loading screen finished my computer switched off and restarted. This happens repeatedly - I cannot get further than the loading screen without my computer restarting.



I've played both of these games without any issue in the past year.

I've since cleaned out the inside of my PC, updated the BIOS and drivers, and monitored the temperatures for the CPU and GPU. Everything seems normal, and I'm at a complete loss as to how to solve the problem.

Any help would be much appreciated.

My specs are:
Intel Core i7 950
Windows 7 Enterprise 32bit
Asus P6TD Deluxe
AMD Radeon HD 6800
4GB RAM

Hello and welcome to the forums, Linconclusive.

Have you scanned your PC for any infections using your AV/Antimalware program(s)?

Do the crashes occur for those two games in particular or ALL other 3D games?

Try running this 3D Stress Test for your graphics card called Furmark, and report back when you can:-

FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net

Hi solarmystic,

I just loaded Fallout 3 and managed to run that fine. I'll have a go with some other games, but most of them are older and less intensive. My AV scans periodically, but I'm running a full scan now just in case.

I'm sorry to sound ignorant, but I'm having a little trouble with Furmark. Which test should I run? I'm a little hesitant in case I damage something...

Any test will do.. the quick one will do just fine...

(Burn In test, not the the 15 minutes one, let it run for 1-3 minutes and monitor your temperatures while doing so. Note: If they climb to dangerous levels (high 90s), terminate the progam immediately)

Ok, I just began a test and the moment I clicked 'GO' my computer shut down. Which doesn't make me terribly happy.

I apologize for your distress caused by the software but we've found the issue.

It seems that it's the high temperatures of your GPU that're causing the shutdown for your system's safety.

The program is a test to see whether your GPU and its subsystems are stable by pushing them to the limit.

We can safely narrow down the problem to either your GPU or the Power supply (which is highly unlikely as your PSU looks more than capable enough to handle the Radeon 6800 card)

How old is the PSU, if you don't mind me asking?

Ah, well at least we know what's causing it. I assembled the whole system about a year and half ago, but salvaged the cable from an older machine. I shouldn't think it'd be that causing the problem though?

I stand corrected, I am now convinced that's its your PSU that is the troublemaker.

I've just had a look at your PSU on Amazon, and apparently it isn't very good or of a high quality.

EZCOOL 650W ATX 24Pin Super Silent PSU, Blue LED Fan: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Another related discussion of your PSU on an overclocking site:-

650w EZCool PSU vs 520VX Corsair

It could be that the PSU is failing to output enough power to your graphics card after a year of loyal service.. If you could spare some quid, you could look for some better alternatives like these:-

Corsair CMPSU-500CX Builder Series 500W Power Supply: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

OCZ OCZ600MXSP-UK ModXStream Pro 600W ATX Power Supply: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Sure they're more costly, but they'll give you peace of mind and come with long term warranties...

Oh, wow, that's some pretty uncomplimentary stuff written about it. Well, that's the last time I let a guy in a shop get technical on me and dissuade me from buying the PSU I was originally going to get. I don't have much money to spare, but since it seems they're saying that the PSU could damage my other components I'm not bothered about shelling out for something better.

Thanks for all the advice - I'll order a better PSU and see whether it solves my problem.

No problem mate, give us some feedback when you can.