How-To Guides

Fixing Random Restarts on a Newly Built PC

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Building a custom PC can be rewarding, but unexpected issues can crop up, especially with system stability. If your computer restarts on its own, often during tasks like booting up Steam, launching Wallpaper Engine, or even while idling, this guide will help you identify and resolve potential causes, from software to hardware.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to get your system running smoothly again.

Step 1: Rule Out Software and Operating System Issues

Random restarts can often be traced back to software, drivers, or OS problems. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your software environment is stable:

  1. Disable Automatic Restarts: Disabling automatic restarts can prevent sudden shutdowns and instead display potential error messages, which can help diagnose the issue.
  • Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Startup and Recovery > Settings.
  • Under System failure, uncheck Automatically restart.
  1. Check for Updates: Ensure that both Windows and your drivers are fully up-to-date.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and download any pending updates.
  • Update drivers, especially graphics, motherboard chipset, and network drivers, by downloading the latest versions directly from the manufacturer’s website.
  1. Reinstall Graphics Drivers: As graphics cards are often involved in sudden restarts, uninstalling and reinstalling your GPU drivers can help resolve conflicts.
  • Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to cleanly remove all traces of previous GPU drivers.
  • Download and install the latest drivers from your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA or AMD).
  1. Check Power Settings and Performance Profiles:
  • Set your system to Balanced or High Performance in Control Panel > Power Options.
  • If you are using a -20mV undervolt, consider reverting to the default settings. Some systems don’t respond well to undervolting, especially with lower-quality power supplies or motherboards.
  1. Scan for Malware: Rarely, malware can cause system instability. Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program to ensure your system is clean.

Step 2: Memory Configuration and Troubleshooting

Since you’ve tried enabling XMP and adjusting RAM frequency, it’s important to verify your RAM settings for compatibility.

  1. Revert XMP Settings: Although enabling XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) is often recommended for gaming, some systems struggle with certain memory speeds.
  • Enter the BIOS and disable XMP to see if stability improves. If it does, you may have memory that isn’t compatible with XMP settings on your motherboard.
  1. Test RAM Stability with Lower Frequencies:
  • In the BIOS, try setting a lower frequency manually (e.g., 2666MHz or 3000MHz) and see if stability improves.
  1. Run a Memory Test: Faulty RAM can cause unexpected restarts.
  • Open Windows Memory Diagnostic by typing it into the Start menu, then select Restart now and check for problems.
  • Alternatively, use MemTest86, a more in-depth memory testing tool, by creating a bootable USB and following on-screen instructions to test each stick.

Step 3: Verify Temperature and Power Supply

Given that high temperatures can lead to restarts, it’s essential to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures.

  1. Monitor Temperatures: Use software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to keep an eye on temperatures while running basic tasks and games.
  • CPUs generally shouldn’t exceed 80-90°C under load, and GPUs should ideally stay below 85°C. If temperatures are higher, ensure that fans and heatsinks are installed properly and functioning.
  • Reapply thermal paste to the CPU if it hasn’t been done since installation.
  1. Check Power Supply (PSU) Capacity and Stability:
  • A weak or faulty power supply can cause restarts, especially when demanding applications start.
  • Ensure your PSU meets the recommended wattage for your system’s components, and if possible, test with a different PSU to rule out a defective unit.

Step 4: Check for Hard Drive or SSD Errors

Storage issues, especially on the drive where Windows is installed, can also cause restarts.

  1. Run CHKDSK and SFC Commands:
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then type:
    • chkdsk /f (checks the drive for errors and fixes them on reboot)
    • sfc /scannow (scans for and repairs system file issues)
  1. Test with a Different Drive:
  • If possible, connect a different storage drive and install Windows on it temporarily. This can reveal if your original drive might be faulty.

Step 5: BIOS Updates and Motherboard Settings

BIOS updates can resolve compatibility issues, especially with newer hardware components.

  1. Update BIOS:
  • Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website to check for the latest BIOS update. Follow their specific instructions to install it carefully.
  1. Reset BIOS to Default:
  • If you have adjusted settings in the BIOS, reset them to default to ensure compatibility.
  • After entering the BIOS, select the option to Load Default Settings (sometimes labeled as “Load Optimized Defaults”).

Step 6: Investigate Potential Hardware Issues

If all software and BIOS configurations are correct, a hardware issue could be causing the problem.

  1. Test Components Individually: If possible, test each component individually or in another PC to identify hardware issues.
  2. Inspect for Loose Connections: Make sure all cables, especially power connectors, are securely attached to the motherboard and other components.
  3. Check for Faulty Components:
  • Remove any non-essential components (secondary hard drives, extra RAM, or external USB devices) and run the system to see if it still restarts. This process of elimination can help pinpoint faulty components.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

If, after following these steps, your computer continues to restart unexpectedly, it may be time to consult a professional. A skilled technician can often detect subtle issues or run more advanced diagnostics on your hardware. Persistent instability could also indicate rare issues, such as a faulty motherboard or damaged CPU.

Read: How to Resolve Set-up.exe System Error

Final Thoughts

Unexplained restarts on a custom-built PC can be frustrating, especially when you’ve done everything you can to troubleshoot the problem. Start by ruling out software issues, optimize BIOS and RAM settings, and check power supply and cooling adequacy. By approaching the issue methodically, you can identify the root cause and restore stability to your system. Building a PC is a learning experience, and addressing these issues will equip you with skills for future troubleshooting and upgrades.