PSU checked with multimeter.

[buckstar]

Been having problems with my new build since i built it from random BSOD's to slow computing. After posting numerous threads about my problems nothing has solved my issues so far. I have sent my cpu off to amd for RMA? I will hear soon on that so. decided to check my psu for it's voltages using a multimeter results are as follows.

(Powercool 550 watt 80+ psu)


+12v 11.78 ( 1 case fan connected )_ 11.52v (2 case fans connected)- should voltages drop? when you add more fans etc?
+5v 5.16
+3.3 3.41
-12v 11.38

are these reasonble volts for my system?
also is 550watt psu enough power for my system

asus fm1 m pro m/board
amd a8 3870k cpu
8gig 1866 mhz memory
hd 6670 g/card
wireless network card pci/e
3 usb devices keyboard/mouse etc
dvd rw
250gig hard drive
2 case fans

[robal]

Your voltages are fine, but more load is necessary to detect whether it drops too low.
Also, you won't detect spikes and excessive ripple with multimeter.

Long story short, the only "at home" way to check the PSU is to test the PC with another one and check whether it was PSU that introduced instability.

Cheers

EDIT: BTW: Have you tried running stability testing tools like memtest86 ? If not, your problem may be software related.

[buckstar]

Originally Posted by robal

Your voltages are fine, but more load is necessary to detect whether it drops too low.
Also, you won't detect spikes and excessive ripple with multimeter.

Long story short, the only "at home" way to check the PSU is to test the PC with another one and check whether it was PSU that introduced instability.

Cheers

EDIT: BTW: Have you tried running stability testing tools like memtest86 ? If not, your problem may be software related.

yes ran memtest86 memory is fine. could have a motherboard issue , just a process of elimination. or like u said could be software, i have installed windows n drivers that many times im edgeing more to hardware

[Law-II]

Hi

If you get a chance the next time you log in, fill in your system specs and OS in UserCP, will save you having to write it out again.

can you confirm your memory is this CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.50V

will help others in the TPU community have a better understanding of the issues you have been up against

atb (all the best)

Law-II

[Derek12]

+12V too low with only 2 fans.

[buckstar]

Originally Posted by Law-II

Hi

If you get a chance the next time you log in, fill in your system specs and OS in UserCP, will save you having to write it out again.

can you confirm your memory is this CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.50V

will help others in the TPU community have a better understanding of the issues you have been up against

atb (all the best)

Law-II

can confirm that this is the memory i am using :CORSAIR CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.50V

[AthlonX2]

If your 12v line is really dropping that low with two fans connected your psu is most likely junk. two fans pull around 1 - 1.3A so if that little power is pulling the psu down that low image what a full system is doing.

[Jetster]

How many times did you format and reinstall? You really should list all your parts including software. Also run a Linux disk and see if it runs ok. I really doubt its your CPU

[Jstn7477]

Chances are the PSU is group regulated, meaning the voltage of the 5v rail or 3.3v rail determines how much the PSU increases/decreases all the voltages (look how high the 5v and 3.3vv are in relation to the 12v rail). Attach a hard disk to the PSU and run your tests again. You'll probably see a big difference because you are not loading more than one rail from one voltage output.

[slyfox2151]

you need more load on the psu to get reliable data....
you cant test it with zero load.... or next to it.



plug in your system then test it with a multi meter while running. im not saying the psu is not the issue and it more then likely is, however the tests you have done so far give no evidence as the psu is not designed to run 10 watts of power with perfect voltage.


if you google some psu tests where they use very little to no load on the psu you will notice wierd issues some psus have.


(note* not every psu has this problem with low/no load.)


EDIT:
after googleing, Powercool is a terrible brand of psu and should be avoided at all costs.

[buckstar]

Originally Posted by Jstn7477

Chances are the PSU is group regulated, meaning the voltage of the 5v rail or 3.3v rail determines how much the PSU increases/decreases all the voltages (look how high the 5v and 3.3vv are in relation to the 12v rail). Attach a hard disk to the PSU and run your tests again. You'll probably see a big difference because you are not loading more than one rail from one voltage output.

will do another test and look again

[DarkOCean]

Originally Posted by derek12

+12v too low with only 2 fans.

+1

[buckstar]

Originally Posted by Jstn7477

Chances are the PSU is group regulated, meaning the voltage of the 5v rail or 3.3v rail determines how much the PSU increases/decreases all the voltages (look how high the 5v and 3.3vv are in relation to the 12v rail). Attach a hard disk to the PSU and run your tests again. You'll probably see a big difference because you are not loading more than one rail from one voltage output.

tried the test again with hard drive connected and you are spot on got good readings on all lines. think that rules out psu faulty cheers

rails i mean

+12v 12.02