My PC keeps Crashing While Gaming.

[BIG_YOUS]

Whenever I try playing a game on my gaming PC, I can play for a few minutes but then I hear a loud pop come through my headphones, my screen freezes, my peripherals all turn off, and I am forced to hard reset my computer.

I tried running an SFC check, dusting my computer, updating my drivers, and running a memory check but it’s all to no avail. I thought this was caused by overheating so I played a game windowed with Open Hardware Monitor running, and throughout the session, I had safe temperatures in my CPU and GPU, and when my computer crashed the temperatures still looked normal.

The photo attached is what my screen froze on, last time this crash happened.

I had this PC since 2017, and have been using it regularly since
Specs:
Intel Core i7-7700
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
16 GB RAM

[phillpower2]

Missing from your parts list, the brand and model name or number of the PSU which is the most likely culprit, can you post the PSU info for us.

[BIG_YOUS]

[HEADING=2]EVGA 500W Power Supply Unit - 80PLUS, +12V, Black - 100-W1-0500-KR[/HEADING]
This is my PSU, I’ll also add that I always have my PC plugged into a surge-protected power strip, should I plug it directly into the wall instead?

Edit:
Also, I feel it is important to disclose that I do not overclock any of my components.

[BIG_YOUS]

Missing from your parts list, the brand and model name or number of the PSU which is the most likely culprit, can you post the PSU info for us.

Do you think I should just replace mu PSU?

[phillpower2]

See if you are able to borrow a known good 500W Bronze efficiency rated PSU to swap in for testing.

Alternatively, remove the add on GPU from the PCI-E slot on the MB and hook your screen up to the appropriate video port on the MB and then test the computer to see how it goes with the load reduced on the PSU.

If you can,t do the above, get the PC tested by a local tech before making any purchase.

Just a fyi, 80+ and Bronze efficiency rated PSUs are only meant to be used with onboard video Gold is the minimum for modern GPUs, your GPU being old would not justify the cost of a new Gold efficiency rated PSU.

[BIG_YOUS]

See if you are able to borrow a known good 500W Bronze efficiency rated PSU to swap in for testing.

Alternatively, remove the add on GPU from the PCI-E slot on the MB and hook your screen up to the appropriate video port on the MB and then test the computer to see how it goes with the load reduced on the PSU.

If you can,t do the above, get the PC tested by a local tech before making any purchase.

Just a fyi, 80+ and Bronze efficiency rated PSUs are only meant to be used with onboard video Gold is the minimum for modern GPUs, your GPU being old would not justify the cost of a new Gold efficiency rated PSU.

Judging by the fact that my computer runs just fine when I’m not doing any gaming, and when I do game I don’t have any overheating components, the PC still crashes. means that my PSU has kicked the bucket, they are only expected to last about 5 years. I have found a Gold-rated PSU for a good price and I think I will just purchase that and replace my old one. Thank you for the help, philpower2.

[phillpower2]

Your PC to do as you see fit and for our part we have advised a differerant course of action, you are welcome in any event ???