Antec Smart Power 2.0 500 Watt

[james1701]

I am using an MSI 975X V2 board, with Q6600 oc'd to 3.2ghz @ 1.4 volts. I am running 4 ddr2 sticks at 2.2 volts. I am also using an 8800GT with a core @ 750 and the fan @ 100%. I have 2 dvd-rw drives and 1 5400 rpm hard drive, waiting on a 7200 rpm drive, and a usb card reader. I also have usb powered speakers. All of this in an Antec Nine Hundred case with all fans on high. I also have another 120mm fan running on an on a TR 120E cooler.
At random times, I can hear the fan on the power supplie spin up everytime I start a new program like 3dmark 06. Also, sometimes when I start my system, it will not boot, and I need to drop the fsb 10mhz to get it too boot, and then a little later when its warm, I can raise it again with no problems. When I am running a high FSB, I dont have any stablility issues, it just does not like to boot sometimes with the 8800 fan at full speed when it boots. When it boots, and everything oc'd. I can get 14003 on 3dmark 06. I think my power supply is getting a little weak. Does anyone have any sugestions? Thanks.

 

[Quiksilver]

Uhh... Does your system pass Prime 95?

 

[imported_Scoop]

Well that system doesn't draw even close to 500W but that's about it.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well that PSU model has had its share of problems in the past. It could be that the PSU is failing on you. That 8800GT is pushing the PSU pretty hard. Now while the system isn't drawing close to 500W it is over stressing the PSU. The unit has dual +12v rails. Can't remember off hand the rating of each rail but i think it was 17A and 15A. But combined there is only about 24A available to the PSU. Now one rail is dedicated to the PSU while the other is having to deal with everything else. Since the 8800GT pulls about 8A or 9A on its own there isn't much left for everything else. On top of that PSU wear out over time and are less able to supply the power they once could.

Bottom line is you may need to get a better PSU. A good quality 450W PSU should cover it like the Corsair VX450.

 

[james1701]

Yes I have ran prime95 for 8 hours with not problems. I just a every now and again problem. Its just more obvious the more I try to overclock. I have 5 120mm fans, and the 280mm fan on top, along with the 8800 fan. I think my psu has either 17 or 18 amps on the rails. I have been thinking of getting a 780i when they come out and try multi sli 8800gt's. I know I will need a pretty good size psu if I want to try that. Thanks for the advice.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Bottom line id there is nothing wrong with your PSU!!
Continue using it!!