Gaming PCs are complex systems. When something goes wrong, it's not always obvious where to start. Here are the ten most common problems and how to diagnose and fix them.
1. Random Crashes or Restarts During Gaming
Likely causes: Overheating, unstable GPU overclock, failing PSU, RAM issues.
Fix: Check GPU and CPU temperatures with MSI Afterburner or HWiNFO. If temps are high (GPU above 85°C, CPU above 90°C), clean dust from coolers. If you've overclocked, revert to default clocks. Run MemTest86 to check RAM stability.
2. Low FPS Despite Good Hardware
Likely causes: Thermal throttling, background processes, GPU driver issues, incorrect power plan.
Fix: Check Task Manager for background CPU usage. Set Windows Power Plan to "High Performance". Update GPU drivers. Check if your CPU or GPU is throttling due to heat.
3. Stuttering and Frame Time Spikes
Likely causes: VRAM running full, slow storage, RAM running in single-channel, CPU bottleneck.
Fix: Check VRAM usage in MSI Afterburner — if you're near the limit, reduce texture quality. Ensure RAM is in dual-channel configuration. Move your game to an SSD if it's on a hard drive.
4. PC Won't Boot After a New Component
Fix: Reseat the new component. Clear CMOS by removing the motherboard battery for 30 seconds. Check that the component is fully compatible with your motherboard (especially GPU and PSU power connectors).
5. Screen Tearing
Fix: Enable G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) in your GPU control panel if your monitor supports it. Alternatively, enable V-Sync in the game settings as a fallback.
6. GPU Fan Not Spinning
Normal behaviour: Most modern GPUs have passive cooling at low temperatures — fans only spin above 50–60°C. If fans never spin under gaming load, check fan control curves in MSI Afterburner.
7. PC Loud Under Load
Fix: Dust is usually the culprit. Clean all fans. Check that no fan blade is catching on a cable. In the GPU control panel, you can also customise fan curves — a slower start with faster ramp may be quieter in most situations.
8. Game Won't Launch or Crashes at Startup
Fix: Verify game file integrity (Steam: right-click game > Properties > Verify). Update GPU drivers. Check that DirectX, Visual C++ redistributables, and .NET are up to date (Windows Update covers most of these).
9. USB Devices Disconnecting
Likely cause: Power saving settings disconnecting USB hubs.
Fix: In Device Manager, for each USB Root Hub, disable "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power". Set USB Selective Suspend to Disabled in Power Options.
10. High CPU Usage at Idle
Fix: Open Task Manager, sort by CPU, and identify the culprit process. Common offenders: Windows Search indexing, Windows Defender scans, and malware. Run a full system scan and disable unnecessary startup programs.