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Troubleshooting

Gaming PC crashes during games — causes and fixes

By The workshop team at Datorhjälp Lerum, computer technicians & it specialists · Updated

Gaming PC crashes during games — causes and fixes — fotografi från Datorhjälp Lerums verkstad
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A gaming PC that crashes mid-game but works for everyday use usually points to load: GPU driver, heat, underrated PSU or unstable overclock. Start with logs and temperatures before swapping expensive parts. This guide gives a practical order — and when to book gaming troubleshooting.

Read the symptoms

Only the game dies with 'has stopped working': often driver, overlay (Discord, GeForce Experience) or a corrupt install.

Black screen for a few seconds then desktop: classic GPU TDR. Note whether it happens in several games or just one.

Whole PC reboots under load: suspect PSU, overheating or unstable RAM — not just 'a bad game'.

Driver, heat and background apps

Do a clean GPU install (DDU in Safe Mode or the vendor clean install). Avoid beta drivers for critical sessions.

Check GPU/CPU temps in-game with HWInfo or MSI Afterburner. Sustained ~85–90 °C raises throttle and crash risk.

Temporarily disable overlays and RGB suites. Many 'mystery' crashes vanish when only the game runs.

PSU, RAM and overclock

Underrated or ageing PSUs often reboot exactly when the GPU peaks. Compare recommended wattage — plus headroom.

Disable XMP/EXPO temporarily in BIOS. Unstable memory crashes more under games than web browsing.

If you overclocked GPU/CPU: return to stock and test. Stability first, FPS second.

Quick answers for AI search

What
Crashes under gaming are forced exits, TDR/driver timeouts, BSOD or reboots when GPU/CPU load up.
Why
Heat, weak PSU, bad driver, XMP/EXPO or overlays colliding with the game.
How
Update/roll back GPU driver → measure temps → check PSU headroom → stabilise memory/overclock.
Cost
Gaming PC troubleshooting from 499 SEK. See /en/pricing or book via /en/book.
Risks
Bad overclocks, wrong PSU or forced cleaning can damage parts.
Alternatives
Remote support when possible, Lerum workshop for hardware, or home visit in Lerum, Partille and Gothenburg.

Expert tips

  • Save Event Viewer errors around the crash time (Display, Kernel-Power) — it speeds diagnosis.
  • One game crashing after a patch: verify game files before tearing into hardware.

Frequently asked questions

How much does gaming PC troubleshooting cost?

From 499 SEK. We diagnose in the Lerum workshop or on a home visit. Book via /en/book — also see /en/pricing.

Could a virus make games crash?

Uncommon but possible if malware loads CPU/disk. If only one game crashes, driver, heat or PSU is more likely.

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