System:

Intel Core i7-3770 [email protected] 3.40Ghz

RAM 16.0 GB

64-bit OS, x64 based processor

Updated to Windows 10 a couple weeks ago, but this is an old problem.

Once I get going in the game, especially when I add the HD graphics mod, the PC just randomly reboots. Note it can play Skyrim maxed out with no noticeable frame loss. Looks great and sometimes I can go 6+ hours, sometimes only 30 minutes, and then it just reboots.

I assumed it was overheating, so I added two fans to the top of the case (blowing out). Doesn't seem to help at all, and the air blowing out of the case doesn't really feel that warm.

The Event Log can't seem to give me any information. It will say there was a critical error and it rebooted, but not what the error was.

Since it only happens when playing a high detail game (like Skyrim) I'm sure that's what's causing the problem. Just looking for idea's of what to check.

(PS - Kind of a PC novice, so not sure how to check everything, I may be missing something obvious).

Thanks.

Note I ran GPU-Z. Noted that my GPU during a 'test render' jumps from 0% to 99%. GPU temp climbs to about 64C. Don't know if that's normal or not.

Could I need a new (or better) fan/heatsink on my chip?

I assume you only have Intel integrated graphics (no discrete graphics card)!?

Just because your exhaust air isn't warm doesn't mean something isn't overheating. Make sure automatic restart isn't checked.

Go to the Control Panel >> System >> Advanced system settings >> Start and Recovery (Settings) >> Under System Failure, uncheck 'Automatically restart'.

Though I haven't had a BSoD in Windows 10, it should (hopefully) give more information on the fatal error.

GeForce GTX 660 w 2MB RAM

If I do uncheck automatically restart would the PC just keep running and melt down? (it is checked to restart)

HD graphics mod, you mean the High resolution texture pack ???

What's your Graphics card ??? I don't thing you play with the Intel HD, as this one: "Note it can play Skyrim maxed out with no noticeable frame loss" doesn't fit together.

But if you do, the Intel 4000 IGP (for some reason) can't handle the HD resolution pack.

That your GPU works at 99%, that's the way it should work, and 64^oC is a very healthy temperature.

Ahh, here we go...you have a GTX 660 then.

You will see the error on your screen. Computers doesn't melt down. lol

Sorry. Takes me a while to find things.

So the game will crash and an error message pops up?

No, it will just 'freeze' on the BSoD error, you'll have to manually restart the system using the power button.

Since you have a nVidia card, you may need to install the driver, especially since you changed Operating Systems. Windows may have loaded a reference driver which isn't working properly.

I added the latest NVidia W10 driver (v 355.82) just a couple days ago, so it's all up to date.

Well I unchecked restart, so I'll just play some more and then list the error given.

Thanks.

Well until I see the error, I'm just guessing.