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Lately when I'm playing WoW,CS, or sometimes just browsing the net my computer will freeze and sometimes restart. When it freezes the graphics freeze but on my headphones I hear a bit of static. When it freezes and shuts down it does all of the above, then the screen goes black, then I hear a high pitch solid tone then the computer restarts. The freezes happen maybe like twice a day but they go on for a few minutes multiple times. This just started like 2 days ago and I don't recal changing anything in my system.

Thanks,
Sham

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Dani AI

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Brief, practical diagnosis for ’s symptoms (games freeze, graphics lock while audio becomes static, sometimes a black screen plus a high‑pitch tone then reboot). Those symptoms commonly point to one of: GPU or driver hangs (Windows TDR), overheating, failing PSU under load, or bad RAM — start with the fastest checks and work toward harder ones. (teamviewer.com)

Immediate steps to capture evidence before further changes:

  • Disable automatic restart on system failure so any BSOD or stop code stays on screen (or use the Advanced Boot Options). See the Windows steps for this.
  • Check Windows Event Viewer (System log) for Kernel‑Power, BugCheck, 0x117/VIDEO_TDR, or other critical events and note timestamps and codes. (lifewire.com)

Basic hardware/software checklist (order matters):

  • Monitor temperatures and voltages while reproducing the hang with a lightweight monitor like HWMonitor. Clean dust and ensure fans/VRM cooling are working. (HWMonitor).
  • Run a bootable RAM test (Memtest86+) to rule out memory errors. (Memtest86+).
  • Do controlled stress tests: Prime95 for CPU/stability and FurMark for GPU; watch temps and listen for unusual PSU/gpu noises. Stop immediately if temps spike or the system behaves dangerously. (cpuid.com)

If tests are inconclusive or show hardware faults: update or perform a clean uninstall/reinstall of GPU drivers (use DDU if needed), try reseating the GPU and power connectors, and consider swapping the PSU with a known‑good unit or using a PSU tester — intermittent power delivery often causes exactly these symptoms under load. Back up important data before extended testing; if unsure, have a bench tech verify voltages and motherboard caps. ([How‑To Geek on PSU signs/testing], [Tom’s Hardware PSU testing overview]). (howtogeek.com)

Practical note: do the Event Viewer + memtest first (they’re non‑destructive). Then use monitoring/stress tests with caution — those will reveal whether cooling, power, or the GPU itself is failing.

Member Avatar for Shamrock

I really need some help with this, its starting to happen like every hour. I just am worried that it might be permanetly damaging parts of my computer.

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