Question:

I’m curious to know whether these crashes are more indicative of a failing processor or graphics card, and if upgrading these components would resolve the issue. Alternatively, is the system’s age the underlying problem, necessitating the purchase of a new computer altogether?

For reference, here are the system specifications:

• Model: Alienware Aurora
• Chassis: Matte Black 875W
• Processor: Intel Core i7-3820 (Four Core, 10MB Cache, 3.60GHz)
• Memory: Initially 8GB (4x2GB) 1600MHz DDR3, upgraded to 16GB Quad Channel
• Storage: 1TB SATA 6Gb/s (7200RPM) 32MB Cache
• Cooling: Alienware CPU Liquid Cooling
• Graphics: 4GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690

I

appreciate your guidance on this matter. Thank you..

Answer:

When a PC crashes during graphics-intensive tasks, it’s natural to wonder whether the issue lies with the processor or the graphics card, or if it’s simply a sign that the system is too old. Let’s delve into the possible causes and consider whether upgrading components or purchasing a new system is the best course of action.

–

Model

: Alienware Aurora

–

Chassis

: Matte Black 875W

–

Processor

: Intel Core i7-3820 (Four Core, 10MB Cache, 3.60GHz)

–

Memory

: Initially 8GB (4x2GB) 1600MHz DDR3, upgraded to 16GB Quad Channel

–

Storage

: 1TB SATA 6Gb/s (7200RPM) 32MB Cache

–

Cooling

: Alienware CPU Liquid Cooling

–

Graphics

: 4GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690

Potential Causes of Crashes:

1.

Overheating

: Both CPUs and GPUs can overheat, especially in older systems. The liquid cooling system should be checked for functionality.

2.

Graphics Card Limitations

: The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690, while once a top-tier card, is now outdated for modern games. Its 4GB of VRAM may struggle with today’s demanding titles.

3.

Processor Performance

: The Intel Core i7-3820 is a robust processor, but modern games can benefit from newer CPUs with more cores and threads.

4.

Power Supply

: An aging power supply may struggle to provide consistent power during peak loads, leading to crashes.

Upgrading vs. New System:

–

Upgrading Components

: Replacing the graphics card could provide a significant boost in performance and stability. However, this might lead to a bottleneck if the CPU can’t keep up with the new GPU.

–

New System

: Considering the age of the system and the pace of technological advancements, investing in a new PC might be more cost-effective in the long run.

Conclusion:

It’s likely a combination of factors contributing to the crashes. Upgrading the graphics card could be a temporary fix, but for a future-proof solution, purchasing a new system designed to handle current and upcoming game requirements would be advisable.