Fix Random Restarts and Startup Loops

Introduction

If your CLX PC is randomly restarting, repeatedly turning on and off, or stuck in a boot loop, this guide will help you narrow down the cause and determine the appropriate next step.

A restart can be caused by several different things, including Windows or driver issues, overheating, unstable BIOS settings, recently installed hardware, power problems, or a hardware component that is not functioning correctly.

The first step is to determine when the PC is restarting. This can help narrow down the cause significantly.

When does the PC restart?

The PC restarts before Windows loads

If the computer repeatedly restarts before reaching the Windows login screen, the issue is more likely to be related to hardware, BIOS settings, power, or the boot process.

Continue with the steps below.

The PC restarts after entering Windows

If the computer successfully reaches Windows but randomly restarts afterward, the cause may be related to drivers, Windows, overheating, unstable hardware settings, or a hardware component.

Continue with the steps below and pay particular attention to recent software or hardware changes.

The PC only restarts while gaming or under heavy load

If the PC is stable during normal use but restarts while gaming or performing demanding tasks, overheating, power delivery, GPU issues, or system instability are possible causes.

Basic Troubleshooting

1. Check for recent changes

Think about whether anything changed shortly before the problem started.

Examples include:

• Installing new hardware
• Replacing or upgrading the GPU, RAM, storage, or other components
• Updating the BIOS
• Installing a new driver
• Installing Windows updates
• Changing XMP/EXPO or other BIOS settings
• Moving the computer to a different location or power outlet
• Experiencing a power outage or interruption

If the problem started immediately after a change, let CLX Support know what was changed.

2. Perform a complete power cycle

A complete power cycle can resolve temporary power or startup issues.

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Turn the power supply switch to the O position if your power supply has one.
3. Unplug the power cable from the back of the PC.
4. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices and peripherals.
5. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
6. Reconnect the power cable.
7. Turn the power supply back to the I position.
8. Turn the computer on and test it again.

If the computer immediately returns to the same restart loop, continue below.

3. Check the power connection

Make sure the power cable is firmly connected to both the back of the PC and the wall outlet or surge protector.

If the PC is connected to a surge protector or power strip, try connecting it directly to a known-good wall outlet temporarily.

If the computer loses power completely before restarting, rather than displaying a Windows restart or error, make note of this when contacting support.

If Windows Loads Successfully

If you can reach the Windows desktop before the computer restarts, there are a few additional checks you can perform.

Check for overheating

If the computer restarts primarily during gaming or other demanding workloads, monitor the CPU and GPU temperatures.

A sudden restart under heavy load can sometimes indicate a thermal or power-related issue.

Check for recent driver or Windows updates

If the problem started immediately after installing a driver or Windows update, let support know which update was installed.

If Windows remains usable long enough, you can also check Settings > Windows Update > Update history to see recently installed updates.

Test without unnecessary peripherals

Disconnect unnecessary USB devices and accessories, such as:

• USB hubs
• External storage
• Controllers
• Webcams
• Printers
• Other non-essential USB devices

Leave only the essential keyboard, mouse, monitor, and network connection connected, then test the system again.

If Windows Does Not Load

If the PC repeatedly restarts before Windows loads, pay attention to what happens immediately before the restart.

For example:

• Does the CLX logo appear?
• Does the Windows logo appear?
• Does the screen remain black?
• Does the PC turn completely off before powering back on?
• Do you see an error message?
• Do motherboard diagnostic LEDs remain lit?
• Does the system restart at the same point every time?

These details can help determine whether the problem is occurring during hardware initialization, the Windows boot process, or after Windows begins loading.

Check BIOS Settings

If the issue started after changing BIOS settings, return the settings to their previous configuration if possible.

This includes settings such as:

• XMP/EXPO
• CPU overclocking
• CPU undervolting
• Memory timings
• Other manual performance settings

If you are unsure which settings were changed, contact CLX Support before making additional BIOS changes.

Check Internal Connections

If you are comfortable working inside your PC, shut the system down completely, disconnect the power cable, and inspect the internal connections.

Check that the following are firmly connected:

• Motherboard power cables
• CPU power cable
• GPU power cables
• GPU seating in the PCIe slot
• Storage power/data connections, where applicable
• RAM modules

Do not force any connector. If you are unsure about a connection or are uncomfortable opening the system, contact CLX Support instead.

If the Problem Started After a Hardware Upgrade

If the restart or boot loop began after installing new hardware, temporarily returning the system to its previous configuration can help determine whether the new component is related to the issue.

Common examples include:

• GPU upgrades
• RAM upgrades
• New storage drives
• CPU upgrades
• Additional PCIe devices

If the PC works normally after removing the new component, let CLX Support know exactly what was installed.

When to Contact CLX Support

If the troubleshooting above does not resolve the issue, contact CLX Support with as much of the following information as possible:

• Your CLX serial number
• When the problem started
• Whether the PC reaches Windows
• Whether the restart happens during idle use, gaming, or both
• Any recent hardware or software changes
• Any error messages
• Any motherboard diagnostic LEDs or beep codes
• Whether the PC turns completely off before restarting

Your serial number can be found on the blue sticker on the back of your CLX PC. Providing this information allows our support team to identify your exact system configuration and recommend the appropriate next steps.

If the issue cannot be resolved remotely, we may recommend additional diagnostics or having the system sent to us for inspection and repair.

Important Safety Note

Never continue using the computer if you notice burning smells, smoke, visible electrical damage, melted connectors, or other signs of a serious hardware or power problem. Shut the system down, disconnect it from power, and contact CLX Support.

Contact CLX Support