How can i tell if my PSU is stable?

[Denis54]

I have a no name 350 watts PSU. Is there any software (like Motherboard Monitor) I can use to find out if my PSU is stable? I so, what are the minimum and maximum voltage values I should get?

I am about to buy a 9800 Pro and want to make sure my PSU is good enough to power it.

 

[RearAdmiral]

There is software to monitor your voltages, which pretty much causes all stability issues. I used the software provided by my motherboard though, so I dont know if there is any other stuff. You can use a voltage tester though. Buy it at a hardware store maybe.the best way to test it otherwise would be to plug a bunch of stuff in and run some intensive software involving as much of it as you can. If it holds with no problems, then it should be fine.

 

[Operandi]

Yeah, if you want truly accurate results I wouldn't trust software readings. Go for the hardware route and run somthing intensive, like Doom III.

 

[Mday]

Stability is one of those 4 letter words. One would assume that if it works now, that it is stable. However, stability of a power supply refers to the voltage levels it can output given a certain load. Unless you can match the load of the new video card, there isnt really a way to test it until you get a new video card. I am not saying that no-names are bad, but in general I dont use generic power supplies. It's not that I trust any individual company either.

Anyway, when you do find a way to simulate that load, use a multimeter and test the voltage levels.

Stability by no means refers to the amount of current it can output. If adding another device draws more current than the power supply can handle, 2 things can happen. One: the power supply shuts down or refuses to turn on. Two: the power supply blows itself up and takes your computer with it. Either can happen, there's no way of telling which is which without experience. I am not saying that your PS will blow up. I have no idea what your PS is, nor do I know the load it has now.