The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If your PC freezes during a game but stays powered on, first find out whether Windows is still responsive, then troubleshoot the game and graphics driver before moving on to heat, power, memory, or other hardware. A frozen image alone does not identify a faulty part. Work through the checks below one at a time so you can tell what changes the symptom.
First determine what is actually frozen
During the next incident, note what you can still observe before forcing a shutdown. These clues help separate a game hang from a display problem or a broader system lockup, but none is a diagnosis by itself.
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- Only the game appears stuck: See whether you can switch apps or open Windows security options with Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- The image is frozen or black: Listen for audio and check whether the monitor reports a lost signal. If the screen is blank, check the monitor power and cable connections.
- Windows may still be running: Press Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B to reset the graphics driver. A beep or brief screen flicker can indicate that Windows processed the shortcut; it does not prove the driver caused the original problem. Microsoft’s display troubleshooting guidance documents this shortcut.
- Everything is unresponsive: Note the time and whether the PC later restarts by itself. After rebooting, check Windows logs for events around that time.
Also record whether sound continued, whether Caps Lock changed its indicator, whether Ctrl+Alt+Delete worked, whether the failure happens in one game or several, and any recent driver, Windows, BIOS, hardware, or overclock changes. Treat these as clues, not proof.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRule out a game, app, or graphics-driver problem
Start with reversible software checks. If the freeze began after a graphics-driver update, try rolling the driver back before installing another version. Microsoft documents driver update, rollback, and reinstall procedures in its Device Manager driver guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Dual USB Hub: With a built-in dual USB hub, the laptop fan enables you to connect additional USB devices to your laptop, providing extra connectivity options for your peripherals. Warm tips: The packaged cable is a USB-to-USB connection. Type C connection devices require a Type C to USB adapter. Please plug the cooling pad's USB cable into a 5V 1A adapter for best performance; otherwise, the fans may fail to spin or run at very low speed.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy a noise-free and interference-free environment with super quiet fans, allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment without distractions.
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: The laptop cooling pad features 5 built-in fans (big fan: 4.72-inch, small fans: 2.76-inch), all with blue LEDs. 2 On/Off switches enable simultaneous control of all 5 fans and LEDs. Simply press the switch to select 1 fan working, 4 fans working, or all 5 working together.
- Ergonomic Design: The laptop cooling stand also serves as an ergonomic stand, offering 6 adjustable height settings that enable you to customize the angle for optimal comfort during gaming, movie watching, or working for extended periods. Ideal gift for both the back-to-school season and Father's Day.
- Secure and Universal Compatibility: Designed with 2 stoppers on the front surface, this laptop cooler prevents laptops from slipping and keeps 12-17 inch laptops—including Apple Macbook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, ASUS, and more—cool and secure during use.
- If the problem followed a driver update: Open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics adapter, choose Properties, open the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver if available. Follow the prompts and restart.
- If there was no recent update: Check the PC maker’s support page or the graphics adapter maker’s official support channel for a driver for your exact model. Install one change at a time.
- If needed, reinstall: Use the supported uninstall and reinstall procedure for your PC or graphics adapter rather than layering multiple troubleshooting tools or drivers.
- Retest consistently: Reopen the same game and repeat the same activity that usually precedes the freeze. If the issue began after adding an overlay or other app, close or disable that one item and test again.
Screen flicker is not the same symptom as a game freeze, but Microsoft’s screen-flicker guide describes using Task Manager to help distinguish a display-driver issue from an incompatible app. Use that as a related clue, not a conclusive test for a gaming lockup. If the trouble began after a Windows or driver change, the PC manufacturer ASUS also recommends considering a rollback and disconnecting external devices while diagnosing, where appropriate: ASUS troubleshooting guidance. Avoid resetting Windows as an early step; back up important files before considering a disruptive recovery option.
Check Windows logs after the next freeze
After restarting, inspect the Windows System and Application logs for entries close to the time you recorded. You can also open the Start menu, type perfmon /report, and run the command to generate a System Diagnostics report. Microsoft’s Windows troubleshooting guidance describes these evidence-gathering options.
Rank #2
- Streamlined Fan Connections: Daisy-chain multiple fans together and control them all through just one 4-pin PWM connector and one +5V ARGB connector.
- Lighting Made Easy: Eight LEDs per fan shine bright with customisable lighting through your motherboard’s built-in ARGB control (requires compatible motherboard).
- Precise PWM Speeds: Set your fan speeds up to 2,100 RPM while providing up to 72.8 CFM airflow to your system.
- CORSAIR AirGuide Technology: Anti-vortex vanes direct airflow at your hottest components for concentrated cooling, pushing air in the direction you need when mounted to a radiator or heatsink.
- High Static Pressure: RS fans work well as radiator fans with a static pressure of 2.8mm-H2O to push through obstructions.
Record the exact event text and timestamp. An event near the forced shutdown is only a lead: it may describe the shutdown or restart rather than the freeze that came before it. If the PC showed a stop code or restarted unexpectedly, photograph or write down the code and any named module. Microsoft notes that unexpected restarts can involve hardware, drivers, or software; recurring stop-code problems may call for checks such as Safe Mode, Device Manager, and Windows updates in its stop-code troubleshooting guide. Memory-dump configuration can involve advanced settings and registry changes, so leave it to an experienced user or technician.
Check temperatures, fans, and airflow under load
Observe CPU and GPU temperatures and fan behavior while the game is running, using a monitoring tool suited to the exact hardware or the computer maker’s diagnostics. There is no single safe gaming-temperature threshold established for every processor and graphics card; interpret readings against the specifications for those specific components.
Rank #3
- 9 Super Cooling Fans: The 9-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 8 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- 10 RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.you can press the botton 2-3 seconds to turn on/off the light.
- Whisper Quiet: The 9 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
Intel says overheating in systems with Intel boxed processors can cause throttling and, in an extreme protection condition, a halt. Its guidance recommends checking cooler compatibility and installation, fan operation, unobstructed airflow, and dust: Intel’s overheating troubleshooting page. That guidance is scoped to self-built systems using Intel boxed processors; laptop, prebuilt, and all-in-one owners should use the computer maker’s diagnostics and support instead.
If a desktop has visible dust buildup, shut it down, unplug it, and follow the component maker’s cleaning instructions. A compressed-air duster for PC cleaning may be useful for this limited purpose; use it gently and do not treat cleaning as a cure for an unverified fault. Intel’s Arc A770 gaming-reboot guide discusses gentle dust removal around memory, the GPU, and slots for that specific graphics product and symptom; it should not be read as proof that dust causes every gaming freeze. For supported ASUS systems, MyASUS may offer system diagnosis; ASUS advises contacting support if its steps do not resolve the issue: ASUS troubleshooting guidance.
Rank #4
- 【Perfect Match】The PC fan can be used not only as a case fan, but is also suitable for use with a cpu cooler to create a cooling effect together, which can take away the dry heat from the case and the high temperature generated by the CPU in operation, allowing for maximum cooling; Ideal for cases, radiators and CPU coolers.
- [Excellent LED light] The high-brightness LED atomizing argb fan blade can effectively reflect the light, making the ARGB lighting effect softer, and it matches the cooler and case more perfectly. Up to 17 modes of light effects with ARGB support, color can be managed and synchronized through the port on motherboard.
- 【High Performance Cooling Fan】 Automatic speed control of the motherboard through the 4PIN PWM fan cable interface, which can determine the speed according to the temperature of the motherboard, with a maximum speed of 1550RPM. Configured with up to 55cm of cable for PWM series control of fans, ideal for cases and CPU coolers.
- 【Silent Fan Size】 Model: TL-C12C-S X3, Size: 120*120*25mm, Speed: 1550RPM±10%, Noise ≤ 25.6dBA Connector: 4pin pwm, Current: 0.20A, Air Pressure: 1.53mm H2O, Air Flow: 66.17CFM, Higher air flow for improved cooling performance.
- 【Quality Bearings】The carefully developed quality S-FDB bearings solve the problem of pc cooling fan blade shaking in lifting mode, keeping fan noise to a minimum while providing maximum cooling performance when needed and extending the life of the fan.
Consider power or memory only when the evidence points there
Gaming places changing demands on a PC, so a freeze under load can make power delivery worth checking—but it does not prove that the power supply is bad. Intel lists inadequate PSU capacity or difficulty handling a power spike among possible causes of freezes on systems with Intel processors, and its Arc A770 gaming-reboot guidance advises checking the supply against the graphics system’s requirements. See Intel’s general freeze guidance and its Arc A770 guidance. Confirm your exact CPU, GPU, and PSU models and the manufacturers’ requirements before considering a replacement.
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Memory can also be involved: Intel’s general freeze guidance includes a faulty module or improperly seated DIMM as possibilities. That does not establish memory as the cause in your PC. If you are experienced with desktop hardware, follow the computer or component maker’s service instructions, power the system down, and disconnect it before inspecting or reseating internal parts. Otherwise, use OEM support or a repair professional. Intel’s component-testing and reseating suggestions in its Arc page apply to the Arc A770 troubleshooting context, not to every computer with a gaming freeze.
Best Value
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger（(Note:Please check your case and motherboard for compatibility with this size cooler.）
- 【2 PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), leave room for memory-chip(RAM), so that installation of ice cooler cpu is unrestricted
- 【AGHP technique】6×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation, 6 pure copper sintered heat pipes & PWM fan & Pure copper base&Full electroplating reflow welding process, When CPU cooler works, match with pwm fans, aim to extreme CPU cooling performance
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:115X/1200/1700/17XX AMD:AM4;AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided（Note: Toinstall the AMD platform, you need to use the original motherboard's built-in backplanefor installation, which is not included with this product)
Escalate without making the diagnosis harder
If the reversible checks do not isolate the fault, run the computer maker’s hardware diagnostics or contact its support team—especially for a laptop, prebuilt PC, or system still under warranty. Experienced builders may use component isolation or substitution, but change one thing at a time; swapping several parts at once makes it harder to identify what mattered. ASUS likewise recommends support escalation if its documented troubleshooting does not resolve the issue: ASUS support guidance.
Keep a short record of the game and activity, time of each freeze, what stayed responsive, recent changes, temperature and fan observations, and relevant log entries. That evidence can help an OEM technician or repair professional choose the next test without assuming a particular component has failed.
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