My PSU isn't providing enough juice

[OhHenry]

My 3.3v rail is going at 2.8-3.0v with my antec TP 430w and I'm wondering if that's ok. I was just checking my temps with abit program and I heard beeps. My friends said it would be fine, but I need someone else opinnion on this.

 

[The J]

I think ATX specifcations allows for a +/- 5% deviation in the voltage on any given rail before it is considered to be unsafe for the components. For 3.3V, that'd be 3.135V - 3.465V as a safe range. It seems that you may be too low; however, I could be wrong on the deviation.

 

[Fern]

Yep, it must be within 5% to be in spec. However, I don't know what's even using the 3.3v rail these days. So don't know what if anything may be adversely affected.

Fern

 

[RussianSensation]

When my 350 Watt power supply drops below 3.10V on the 3.30 V rail, my videocard crashes in all gaming or video-related applications. If your power supply is running so low, it could mean that it is being stressed and it can blow up. If you have warranty replace the Power supply. Otherwise buy a new one since you don't want to risk damaging any components and risk system stability which you should noticed already (being unstable that is).

 

[bolido2000]

How do you check for the rail voltage?

 

[slirp]

Originally posted by: bolido2000
How do you check for the rail voltage?

Often it's seen through the software that came with your MB. Inconsisten voltages can be symptoms of a failing PSU so you should keep an eye on it.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: slirp

Originally posted by: bolido2000
How do you check for the rail voltage?

Often it's seen through the software that came with your MB.

Or the bios.

Inconsistent voltages can be symptoms of a failing PSU so you should keep an eye on it

Good advice. The True430 will run that setup without breaking the proverbial sweat if it or something else isn't borked.

 

[RussianSensation]

Originally posted by: bolido2000
How do you check for the rail voltage?

You can download a program called Motherboard Monitor 5.3.7.0 or any other version.

 

[Mark R]

A common cause of low motherboard voltages, is a faulty or damaged 20 (or 24 pin) molex connector. Disconnect this and thoroughly clean the 2 halves of the connector - the PSU part and the Mobo part. If necessary, use a small piece of emery paper to clean any corrosion off, and possibly bend the pins slightly so that they get good contact.

I've seen a number of unstable computers where the connection on the main PSU connector has been so bad, that the connector has actually started to melt - once this happens it's a downward spiral, the overheated connector corrodes more and the problem gets worse and worse.

 

[3chordcharlie]

you can't really be sure of the voltage unless you check with a multimeter though - the readings off the motherboard can be unreliable.

 

[OhHenry]

that i don't have

 

[JBDan]

I would get one then. They are cheap and most accurate. Software temperature monitors are NOT reliable.

 

[OhHenry]

Would software just give you a general idea or it's just completely unreliable?

 

[JBDan]

Thats the problem lol. Yes it gives you a general idea, but what is that saying? lol It can be very reliable actually, but the question is WHEN is it reliable? Only after you have checked voltages with a multimeter will you know if your software is reliable. 🙂