Why Do Games Crash After Overclocking CPU & GPU?

Overclocking is a method many gamers use to get the maximum CPU, GPU, and RAM output. 

Overclocking increases the overall performance of your system, resulting in more frames per second (FPS) and smooth gameplay. Most of the latest motherboards are designed for gaming, supporting overclocking. 

However, many users face the issue that some games crash when they overclock their CPU and GPU. If you are one of those users, you read the right article. Here, we will discuss why it is happening and how you can resolve this issue. So, stay tuned!

Why Do Games Crash After Overclocking CPU & GPU?

The main reason games crash after CPU and GPU overclocking is the incorrect overclocking method or settings. These settings involve voltage settings, incorrect clock settings, and not determining the right fan speed, which causes the CPU/GPU to overheat. 

1. Low Voltage Settings of CPU and GPU

Low voltage settings for the CPU and GPU can cause games to crash because the system doesn’t have enough power to work right. Not having enough power while overclocking can make the game unstable, which can cause it to crash. 

Low voltage settings can also mean there isn’t enough cooling, which can cause parts to get too hot and cause the game to crash. Low voltage settings can also make the system unstable, which can cause games to stop working.

2. Overheating CPU and GPU

When you overclock the CPU and GPU, the system can get hotter than usual, which can cause a game to crash. When a CPU or GPU runs too hot, the system can be unstable, leading to a crash. 

Overclocking can also make other computer parts, like the memory and the motherboard, run hotter than usual, which can also cause a game to crash. It can damage the parts if it isn’t checked, leading to more instability and crashing.

Incorrect Overclock Settings

When users overclock their computer hardware, they are essentially changing the factory settings of the component and pushing it beyond its intended performance capabilities. If the settings are not done correctly, or the user pushes the component too far, it can cause instability, leading to game crashes. 

The game may not handle the higher performance levels or the overclocked component’s increased heat and power demands. Additionally, if the user has not taken the necessary precautions to protect the component from damage, it can lead to system failure and game crashes.

How To Fix Games Crash With Overclocking CPU & GPU?

1. Increase the CPU voltage.

If your CPU and GPU are running too fast due to overclocking and causing games to crash, the best way to fix it is to raise the voltage. Raising the voltage will ensure your parts get the right amount of power to work right.

You need to change the settings in your BIOS to raise the voltage. The steps to do this may differ depending on your motherboard and BIOS. Look in the BIOS for the voltage settings and raise the voltage for both the CPU and the GPU. You can also use applications like MSI Afterburner to change the voltage. 

When you raise the voltage, be careful because it can be dangerous. Check your temperatures often to make sure they don’t get too high. You should also be careful not to raise the voltage too much since doing so can hurt your parts.

2. Install a Better Cooling System

Installing a high-end CPU cooler is the best way to ensure that your overclocked CPU and GPU don’t get too hot and cause games to crash. Ensure the cooler works with your CPU and GPU and lets enough air through.

If you don’t want to spend much on a high-end CPU cooler, you can improve airflow by adding fans to your computer case. Ensure the fans are installed to push air out of the case instead of sucking it in.

Make sure to clean out your computer in case of any dust and other junk that has built up. Dust can cause your computer to get too hot, so keep it clean and free of dust and other dirt.

3. Lessen the Overclock Settings

The crashing of games caused by overclocking the CPU and GPU can be fixed by lowering the overclock settings. Overclocking a processor can occasionally result in instability, leading to a game’s crash. 

Reducing the overclock settings should assist in restoring stability and lessen the possibility of games crashing after playing. Disabling the overclocking settings is another excellent choice you have available to you. 

4. Update or Roll Back Graphic Card Driver

If your games crash after you update or roll back the driver for your graphics card, you may need to reinstall the driver to fix the problem. Most of the time, we update drivers before we know what’s wrong. So, if this problem began after you updated the drivers for your graphics card, you need to roll back the drivers. 

First, right-click on the Windows Start menu and open the Device Manager. Expand the Display Adaptors section, right-click the graphics card, and choose Properties. Click the Roll Back Driver button on the Driver tab. Follow the steps on the screen and restart your computer.

If this is not the issue and your drivers are outdated, right-click on the Windows start menu, select “Device Manager,” and select your graphic card. Click on “Update” and then select the automatic search option. It will detect and install the update automatically. 

Some cards use their control panel, like NVIDIA. You must open that panel and click the update option to download and install updates. 

5. Change The Game Settings

Some games that crash can be fixed by changing the settings. Different settings can be changed to help stop the game from crashing, depending on the type of game and what’s causing it.

For example, if the game is crashing because there aren’t enough system resources, you can improve performance by giving the game more RAM or lowering the graphics settings. If the game crashes because of a bug or a compatibility problem, changing the game’s version or running it in compatibility mode might help.

Also, updating the drivers for your computer and the game itself can help eliminate any problems. Ultimately, you should try different settings to see if they change the game’s stability.

Pros and Cons of CPU-GPU Overclocking For Gaming

 

Pros	Cons
Your gaming PC will perform best if you overclock your CPU-GPU.	If you don’t do it right, overclocking your CPU-GPU can damage your system by short-circuiting or burning out parts.
By overclocking your CPU-GPU, your gaming system can run games faster and more smoothly.	Overclocking your CPU-GPU will make your system last less long because the stress of overclocking can wear down the parts over time.
If you overclock your CPU-GPU, your system will produce less heat and be less likely to overheat.
Overclocking your CPU and GPU can be a cheap way to improve your gaming system’s performance without buying new hardware.
Overclocking your CPU and GPU will improve the stability of your system, making it less likely to crash or freeze at random.

Conclusion

Overclocking the CPU and GPU can benefit gamers who want to get the most out of their gaming rigs. It can result in more frames per second and smoother gameplay. However, it is important to note that overclocking can also cause games to crash if done incorrectly. 

Overclocking can cause low voltage, overheating, incorrect settings, and other issues. To fix games crashing due to overclocking, it is important to increase the CPU voltage, install a better cooling system, lessen the overclock settings, update or roll back the graphic card drivers, and change the game settings. 

All these methods would resolve your issue. If nothing seems to work, you must replace your CPU or GPU with a new one. Overclocking the CPU and GPU has pros and cons, which should be considered before deciding to overclock.