BIOS hardware monitor for PSU for 12V... What is normal ?

[imported_spike99]

Hi,

I was having a problem with a game (COH) and EVGA asked me to check the BIOS reading for 12V. According to EVGA, 12V should show 11.98V or higher.

My BIOS hardare monitor is showing 11.64v for 12V.... Is this normal ?

Checking Thermaltake website it states the following...
Strict voltage regulation (±3%): provides steady voltage for system

Called Thermaltake and according to them... since 11.64v is within 3% that it was fine...

I wonder why EVGA is telling me that the 12v should be over 11.98v

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zepper]

I don't trust software voltage readings - get a meter and have an accurate reading. The standard for ATX PSUs now is +/- 5% on all lines (not too long ago it was +/- 10% on the +12 and the neg. lines) . That would be 11.4 to 12.6V on the 12V line (always preferable to have your error on the high side). If EVGA makes cards that really require better than that, then it's their mistake, IMO. Some PSUs have pots in them (some even accessible to the outside) so you can tweak the output voltage, but only play with those if you really know what you are doing. But I think if you get a meter reading, you'll be within the current ATX spec. FYI, Tt is not a top tier PSU brand...

.bh.

 

[F1shF4t]

Software readings are garbage. Use a multimetre to test the voltages.

My Toughpower 750 watt one used to be 12.06 idle and 12.09 at load. I also had a crappy superflower 500 unit which used to be 11.80 idle and 11.40 - 11.32 at load.

 

[imported_spike99]

OK, I'll start looking into a multimetre to test the voltages.

Any links to see where I can buy this multimeter ?
Also, how do you test the 12V line ? Where is the +12v rail on a PSU ?

Is it safe to test with a multimeter for someone who has no idea how to test ? What precausions should be taken to avoid any damage to the PC ?

Thanks.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: spike99
Called Thermaltake and according to them... since 11.64v is within 3% that it was fine...

I wonder why EVGA is telling me that the 12v should be over 11.98v

EVGA is wrong.

As Zepper said, there is a +/- range that your voltage should be within to meet the ATX specifications. If a component will not operate properly within that whole range, then either there is something wrong with that component or it wasn't designed right.

Also as mentioned, accuracy needs a multimeter. You can get one at your local hardware store or Radio Shack. Heck, Walmart should have them too.

There are guides for testing.

 

[imported_spike99]

Hi Zap,

Thanks for your reply...

There are guides for testing.

This is what I was looking for... A quide to testing PSU. I haven't read it yet, but it looks thorough enough on what you need to do to test... After reading this, I will probably feel more comfortable in buying a multimeter.

Yesterday I had gone to radio shack and they recomended not to buy if I did not have assistance..

Since I didn't feel comfortable... I decided to check Everest Ultimate. Everest was showing 11.65v for +12V and this was very close to the BIOS which was 11.64v. Which lead me to feel comfortable in using Everest.

I played various games of COH and this is the results from Everest
+12V Minimum 11.58v & Max 11.65v

Mostly it stays at 11.65v but there were various dips to 11.58v. Although I have not seen the problem I had initially experienced... Not sure if I should make a big deal out of the +12v going lower than 3%. The specs for this PSU is +/- 3%.

With ATX specs, what is the minimum for the +12V ?

Out of 15 games of COH, I only had a problem with 1 game... I'm thinking this was a fluke or maybe not related to PSU.

In any case... I will read the guide for testing and re-check.