My pc shuts down (no reboot) while gaming

Everytime I play games, such as Bionic commando, Anno 1404, COD 5, my computer shuts down after 5-10 minutes of gameplay. It's like someone pulls the plug. After that, I can turn on the computer without facing any issues.

At first I thought my cpu was the problem, cause apparently my q9300 ran (idle) at 60(according to speedfan) degrees celcius. So I cleaned my case and my cpu cooler(scythe mugen infinity), removed the dust and the temps dropped with almost 10 degrees. However, the shutdowns still occur.

I think my cpu cooler isn't working properly or might it just be my psu that is failing constantly? I really need to get this pc up and running again, for there is much gaming to be done. :)

Any ideas?
Many thanks in advance.

*update*: I read that increasing my cpu temp limit in the bios might help. It's currently on 45. Is this a good idea and what would be a suitable temperature to put the limit to?

Download OCCT (Overclocking Checking Tool) and check what your load temps are. 50 degrees idle does seem a little high (unless, are you still using the stock cooler?).

If they check out okay, we shall look into your PSU, but given your hardware I hardly see why that PSU would fail.

Is it only when you're gaming or does it happen when you're doing other CPU intensive tasks?

Also check out the northbridge temps under load (if you can), I had a board with a faulty nvidia chipset recently, and it would overheat and act in exactly the way you describe.

@ nightkaos:
Just did the test. The results are as follows:

- Cpu 1 = 59 under load
- Cpu 2= 64 under load
- Cpu 3 = 67 under load
- Cpu 4 = 61 under load

Acceptable or risky?

@ Salazaar:
Only when im gaming. The other tasks I run aren't as demanding as the games I play.

@ loriis: 33-35 celcius

Thanks for the quick reply guys!

Those cpu temps look fine to me.

What about gpu temps? You can measure the temps with GPU-Z, perhaps do a gpu stress test using FurMark or similar.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonw

Those cpu temps look fine to me.

What about gpu temps? You can measure the temps with GPU-Z, perhaps do a gpu stress test using FurMark or similar.

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I agree. GPUZ check now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by matrix1700

@ Salazaar:
Only when im gaming. The other tasks I run aren't as demanding as the games I play.

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In which case I'm inclined to agree with the others, take a look at the GPU rather than the CPU. Though it would be worth downloading some sort of CPU stress test/benchmarking utility just to rule out the CPU.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Salazaar

In which case I'm inclined to agree with the others, take a look at the GPU rather than the CPU. Though it would be worth downloading some sort of CPU stress test/benchmarking utility just to rule out the CPU.

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*hemhem* Why do you think I told him to download OCCT?

Yep,

The gpu was causing the shutdowns, temps came near 120 celcius, and then Thermal protection started kicking in I guess.

I already got the fanspeed on 100%,

Should I buy another card?

Ah, finally getting to the root of the problem. If the gpu card is fine for what you use it for, then I would probably do a couple of things first:

1. With a 120c temp, that would suggest the hsf may not be installed correctly. Try reinstalling it and apply a new layer of thermal paste to check if that helps matters.

2. If you are still getting high temps, perhaps invest in an aftermarket cooler, definitely cheaper than a brand new card.

If it's new I'd look at rma'ing with temps that high, surely must be a fault?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nightkhaos

*hemhem* Why do you think I told him to download OCCT?

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No need to get defensive mate, no one here's got a monopoly on trying to be helpful.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by holy god of nil

If it's new I'd look at rma'ing with temps that high, surely must be a fault?

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Yeah I definitely would, provided it's still covered my warranty. What card do you have?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonw

Ah, finally getting to the root of the problem. If the gpu card is fine for what you use it for, then I would probably do a couple of things first:

1. With a 120c temp, that would suggest the hsf may not be installed correctly. Try reinstalling it and apply a new layer of thermal paste to check if that helps matters.

2. If you are still getting high temps, perhaps invest in an aftermarket cooler, definitely cheaper than a brand new card.

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^I agree.

Clean out any dust from the cooler, and I'd definitely reseat it. Some of the factory applied TIM is way too thick and shoddily done. I had an XFX card with loads caked on. A reseat helped drop the temps a fair way, but in the end I went for an aftermarket cooler.

Of course you could just RMA it, but a clean out of any dust will cost you nothing, and might well help.