Symptoms
- System is stable at idle or light use but crashes or shuts down during gaming
- Problem started right after installing a new, more powerful graphics card
- GPU manufacturer's recommended PSU wattage is close to or above what's currently installed
- PSU fan may be unusually loud under gaming load
Likely causes
- CommonPower supply's total wattage or single-rail amperage isn't enough for the new GPU under loadGPUs can draw significantly more power than older cards, especially at peak load spikes.
- PossiblePower supply is old or lower quality and can't reliably deliver its rated wattageEfficiency and quality both affect how well a PSU handles sustained real-world load.
- PossibleMissing or improperly connected supplementary power cables for the new GPUNew cards may need more or different power connectors than the old one did.
What to do
- Check the graphics card manufacturer's minimum recommended power supply wattage.
- Compare that recommendation against your current PSU's rated wattage, found on its label.
- Confirm all required power cables for the new GPU are connected, including any newer connector types.
- If the PSU is underrated or old/low quality, plan to upgrade to one that meets or exceeds the GPU's recommendation with some headroom.
- Choose a reputable brand and a wattage with some margin above the minimum requirement for stability.
- After upgrading the PSU, monitor for continued crashes to confirm the power supply was indeed the cause.
Tools and parts
Higher-wattage power supplySearch: “ATX power supply wattage for your GPU”
When to call a pro
If you're unsure what wattage and connectors your specific GPU and system need, a PC builder or retailer can recommend the right power supply.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.