Could these PSU voltages be causing instability?

dantonic

Member
Nov 8, 2006
176
0
0
My brothers comp freezes randomly, sometimes will not turn on for an hour at a time. if restarted will not boot until an hour later.

in the bios his rails display the following:

3.3V - 2.64
5V - 5.15
12V - 11.6

1.5V - 1.15


could this be the cause?
 

Paperdoc

Platinum Member
Aug 17, 2006
2,500
375
126
The low values for 3.3v and 1.5 v are odd. But when a computer freezes up after running for a while and then will not re-start until an hour later, I have to suspect overheating. It runs OK while the temps rise, then gets so hot the auto protection system kicks it out. After that it has to cool down (with no fans running to help!) before it is allowed to re-start.

I would check out the various termperatures, particularly the CPU temp, as it runs. You may need to remove and re-install the HSF unit(s) and the thermal paste to get cooling working properly.
 

GalvanizedYankee

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2003
6,986
0
0
I would only trust voltage readings taken with a DMM (digital multi-meter).
Have you run memtest on each stick of RAM? Is the comp malware / virus free?
Have you inspected the MB caps as per http://www.badcaps.net/Ident/ ?
What are the full system specs? Don't forget the PSU. ;)
How old is the system, what kind of ambient temps with what kind of loading?
Is Bro an endless gamer, running a rig in high ambients with little cooling air for heat sinks
loaded with dust? Mmmm?

Odds are 33% it's the PSU. :D