Troubleshooting common issues in a custom gaming PC can be a bit challenging, but it’s essential to diagnose and fix problems to ensure optimal performance. Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot common issues:
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PC won’t turn on!
Check power source
Make sure your PC is connected to a working power outlet. Try a different outlet or use a different power cable to rule out power source issues. Make sure that the power cord itself isn’t damaged in any way. If you have a spare power cord, you can swap it out and try restarting your PC with the new power cable.
Check PSU switch
If your power supply has a physical on/off switch, ensure it is in the “ON” position.
Inspect Motherboard and Connections
Check for any visible physical damage on the motherboard, GPU, or other components. All power supply cables should be securely connected to the motherboard, GPU, and other components. Ensure that the main 24-pin motherboard power connector and the 4/8-pin CPU power connector are correctly seated.
Check if your power button is faulty
If your computer doesn’t start, but the motherboard light is on or the fans are running, you could be having trouble with your power button. Many motherboards have a power button directly on them. If your motherboard has this feature, you can try using it to power on the PC. This will help determine if the issue is with the power button itself or another component.
Motherboard beeping
The beeps produced by a motherboard during the boot-up process are known as “POST” (Power-On Self-Test) beep codes. These beeps indicate the status of the system during the initial startup, and they can help diagnose potential hardware issues. The number and pattern of beeps can vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer and BIOS version.
There is no standard set of error codes. Your computer may emit error codes in a series of short and long beeps. You will need to check the computer’s user manual to figure out what these beeps mean.
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PC turns on, but does not boot
If your custom gaming PC turns on and you see the POST screen but can’t boot into Windows, certain settings may be causing a problem
Access BIOS
Access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually DEL, F2, or F12) during the boot process. Check that the boot order is correct, with your primary boot drive listed first.
If all else fails, try resetting the BIOS to default settings. This is often an option within the BIOS itself.
Reseat hardware components
Turn off your PC and unplug it from the power source. Open the case and re-seat major components like RAM, GPU, and CPU. Make sure they are correctly inserted into their respective slots.
You can also try testing with minimal components. Disconnect all non-essential components, leaving only the CPU, motherboard, one RAM stick, and the GPU (if you have a dedicated one). Attempt to boot the PC with this minimal configuration to check for any hardware conflicts.
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PC randomly shutting down
Random shutdowns can be caused by various factors, including hardware, software, and thermal issues.
Check temperatures
If your PC overheats, it may shut down automatically to protect itself. Check if the CPU cooler and GPU fans are working correctly and that there is proper airflow within the case. You can also use third-party software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU. If temperatures are too high (exceeding safe operating limits), it could be causing the PC to shut down to prevent damage.
Coolers
Stock coolers are generally less effective at dissipating heat compared to higher-quality aftermarket coolers. Aftermarket coolers often offer better cooling performance, especially in situations with high CPU loads or when overclocking.
Slow performance
Loud noises from PC
Loud noises coming from your custom gaming PC can be a sign of various issues with the hardware components. Identifying the source of the noise can help you determine the appropriate solution.
Fan noise
The most common cause of loud noises in a PC is fan noise. Fans inside the PC, including CPU fans, GPU fans, and case fans, can become noisy due to dust buildup, worn-out bearings, or high RPM (revolutions per minute) settings.
Open your PC case and clean out any dust or debris from the fans and components. Check if any fans are making abnormal noises or wobbling. Consider adjusting fan speeds using software like SpeedFan or in the BIOS settings. If a fan is faulty or extremely loud, consider replacing it with a new one.
Hard drive noise
Mechanical hard drives can produce clicking, grinding, or buzzing noises, especially if they are failing or under heavy load. Back up your data immediately if you suspect a failing hard drive. Consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD), which is quieter, faster, and more reliable than mechanical hard drives.
PSU noise
Power supply units can emit buzzing or coil whine noises, especially when under heavy loads or with poor electrical input. If the PSU is still under warranty and the noise is bothersome, consider contacting the manufacturer for a replacement. Upgrading to a higher-quality PSU may also help reduce noise.
GPU noise
Graphics cards can produce noise under heavy loads, especially if they have aggressive fan profiles or cooling solutions. Check the fan settings using GPU management software or in the graphics card’s drivers. Adjust the fan curve to balance performance and noise. If the noise is excessive, consider upgrading to a graphics card with a better cooling solution.
CPU Cooler Noise
Aftermarket CPU coolers may produce noise if they have smaller fans or if the thermal paste is not adequately applied. Reapply thermal paste on the CPU according to manufacturer guidelines. Consider upgrading to a more efficient CPU cooler if the noise persists.
Vibration Noise
Vibrations from certain components or loose cables can cause rattling noises. Ensure all components and cables are securely fastened and that there are no loose parts inside the case.
PC constantly freezes
Usually, you can remedy this by rebooting your system. In the event that you are experiencing constant freezes, it could be a sign of insufficient system memory, registry errors, corrupted files, or even spyware. You should check each of these potential issues one by one until the problem is rectified.
Slow internet
Slow internet can be frustrating, but there are several potential reasons for this issue.
Check other devices
Before assuming the issue is with your custom gaming PC, check if other devices connected to the same network are also experiencing slow internet. If they are, the problem may be with your internet service or network setup.
Check your internet plan
Verify that you are subscribed to an internet plan that offers the speed you expect. Contact your internet service provider (ISP) to ensure you have the appropriate plan for your needs.
Check Internet Speed
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Use an internet speed test tool to measure your current upload and download speeds. Websites like speedtest.net or fast.com can help with this.
Restart Your Modem and Router
Turn off your modem and router, wait for about 10 seconds, and then turn them back on. This can help refresh the connection and may improve speed.
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Use Wired Connections
Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to the router. Wired connections generally offer more stable and faster speeds than Wi-Fi.
Blue screen
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A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical error message that appears on a Windows PC when the operating system encounters a problem it cannot recover from. It indicates a serious issue with your computer’s hardware or software. When a BSOD occurs, your PC will stop working and display a blue screen with an error message and a stop code.
Note Down the Stop Code and Error Message
When the BSOD occurs, make a note of the stop code (e.g., “0x0000001A”) and any error messages displayed on the screen. This information can be helpful in identifying the cause of the problem.
Restart Your Computer
After the BSOD, the PC will automatically restart. In some cases, it might be a one-time occurrence caused by a temporary issue.
Check for System Updates
Ensure that your Windows operating system and drivers are up to date. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause BSOD errors.
Check for Malware
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Run a full system scan using reliable antivirus software to check for any malware that might be causing the BSOD.
Check Event Viewer
Open the Windows Event Viewer and look for any error messages or warnings that occurred around the time of the BSOD. This may provide additional clues about the cause of the issue.
Perform a clean windows installation
If none of the above steps work, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows to rule out software-related issues.
Seek help when needed
If, after following these steps, your custom gaming PC still doesn’t work as you intended, it’s possible that a hardware component might be faulty. In such cases, it’s best to seek help from a professional technician who can further diagnose and repair the issue. Additionally, if your PC is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for support and potential replacement.
In Singapore, Volta PC provides on-site support at 2 branches (Tai Seng and Jurong) for you to bring your PC and laptops to at your convenience. We also provide free diagnostics (out of warranty) and consultation for your technical issues.