Major problem with electrical socket

[Braznor]

I have a AMD 3500 with a Geforce 7800 GTX, 2 GB RAM and 2 x 160 GB SATA HDDS in RAID 0.

My RAID array collapsed within 2 months of getting the computer. One of the HDDs refused to get detected by the system and the other one's performance simply slipped down the drain. I had to RMA both these drives through the dealer I got them.

There is no problem with the RMA process and my dealer said that I could expect my new HDDs within a week or so.

My question is this (This is the reason why this thread is posted in this forum rather than in any other computer hardware forum)

My dealer adviced me to check the voltage or ampere (I'am not clear because I do not have an electrical background) in the earthing of the power socket I use to connect the computer. He mentioned that it should not be above 3 volts (?) or so, otherwise it would keep frying my HDDs.

I already use a surge protector, could you guys clarify what my dealer means exactly. I'am about to get the socket checked with a qualified electrician and I'am unsure I would be able to explain the problem to him correctly.

Someone please enlighten me more about this.

 

[BigPoppa]

Sounds like he has no clue what he's talking about, or you're relaying the info wrong. From my perspective, its really not possible for him to decide its a wall power issue from what happened. He could be meaning for you to check the molex connectors that you plug the HDD in with. That would point to a bad power supply.

 

[Braznor]

Originally posted by: BigPoppa
Sounds like he has no clue what he's talking about, or you're relaying the info wrong. From my perspective, its really not possible for him to decide its a wall power issue from what happened. He could be meaning for you to check the molex connectors that you plug the HDD in with. That would point to a bad power supply.

Exactly!!!! even I have no idea what he is talking about.

My power supply is functioning properly. The system was stable under full load at all times. Just my RAID partition collapsed and my hdds failed

 

[skimple]

His statement doesn't even make sense. Is he suggesting that it is acceptable to have a 3V offset in the ground line of an AC outlet? Absurd! Any building inspector would shut down the power to your house if he found a voltage offset in the GROUND line of your house. Besides, how would you measure it? 3V wrt what? The carpet?

He may be thinking about the ground connection of your hard drive connectors. Bad ground connections can cause all kinds of funny problems.

 

[Pulsar]

Check the voltage of your ground wire for your outlet against a cold water pipe in your house.

A "ground" for a house is created by driving metal stakes in the ground outside your house x feet apart.

If something odd is going on (and trust me it DOES happen), you'll find it. Also check the ground on the enclosure side of your power supply and check the voltage under full load to make sure the rail is supporting the power requirements.