My -12v reads -6v in Speedfan program. Is this ok?

[eno]

Just built a new computer full of fans and lights. They are hooked up to a fan speed controller. Now even if I run all the fans and lights completely off the Speedfan program still reads -6v on the -12v setting. All the other voltage ranges look to be fine except the -5v is at -3.5v. Does this mean to much power draw? Also I have the 92mm Tornado(cpu fan) hooked up to the Vantec 3.5" speed controller , and when I run the power in the middle of its range like say around 3700-4200 RPM, I hear the fan sometimes drop in tone like there is a power draw occuring. Now sometimes it just goes away other times I just speed the fan up and then it goes away. I am running a P4 3ghz on a Truepower 430w. I thought my Truepower would be fine, I ran it on a AMD system a couple weeks back that I just got ride of that had all the same lights and fans. Very odd.

Now on my 2nd machine I am running a 1900+ CPU with less fans and lights on a Antec TruePower 330w and the -12v reads -11.97. What do you think it is??

I am no expert in the power wattage area. What should I do?

 

[BZeto]

I ignore my -12v(same with -5v). I'm not even sure its important with todays systems.
Is your system stable? I think thats more important that what a software reading says.

Also, I would be careful with running the 92mm tornado on that little controller. I'm not sure what that controller can handle (as far as wattage goes) but since your noticing voltage fluctuation I'd keep a close eye on it.

 

[lenjack]

Modern systems don't use -5 or -12. Ignore it.

 

[eno]

Well thanks for the info. Thats odd that one computer reads just fine and my new one reads in half of the rated level. Just doesn't seem right.

About the fan speed controller. It can run 18watts per channel so Vantec says. I do like running my CPU fan on it because the lowest it will go is 7v which if I turn it down all the way I can still reboot the computer with the fan running, where the Sunbean can shut off all the power so If I accidently turned it down too far I could boot with no fan running on the CPU.



Well time to crack into the A+ Cert book to find the truth behind -12/-5v to see why the hell it would be doing this. Right now I put my system back to stock(3ghz) and the -6v went up to -7v which is still no where near the -12 rating. I did however unplug everything except one optical drive and hard drive. I just plugged the CPU fan directly into the PS.

 

[eno]

Well I used a 2nd program which read the exact same levels. SisoftSandra.

 

[BZeto]

Yeah I use the sunbeam controller with my 80mm Tornado CPU fan.

I just try and keep it over 3000 rpm's all the time. And when I shut my computer down I make sure I turn the knob back up to full just to make sure it'll start back up next time I turn my PC on.

Btw, do you know what voltage tornado fans need to start up?

 

[eno]

No. But I would just keep the blue light on and it will start up no problem.


DOES ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THE -12v and if it really matters or not?? -6v running for -12v setting seems pretty bad. Someone please briefly explain -12v or confirm what others have posted.

 

[eno]

I have a sunbeam for all my other fans, but bought a Vantec for my 3.5inch bay as well to control more stuff.