Quick answer
Mission essentials
- Verify game files before reinstalling
- Remove overclocks and overlays for one test
- Update the GPU driver cleanly
- Change one variable per test
Separate crashes from low performance
A crash to desktop, a driver reset and uneven frame pacing have different causes. Record when the issue happens and preserve any error message before changing the system.
Use a controlled test order
Verify files, restart, test without overlays, return CPU and GPU clocks to stock, and update the graphics driver. Only then reduce demanding settings or consider a clean reinstall.