Power supply going bad.

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xbassman

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2001
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I have been battling my HTPC trying to figure out why it is crashing.
I thought everything was heat related, but even though I reduced temps considerably, It still crashes.

Then I noticed something.....

Normally I ignore voltage readings from software. (especially with this particular motherboard)
I was used to seeing the 5v rail reading @ 4.3v or some other BS. But when I started the FaD client taking my CPU usage from 0% to 100% The readings went from 4.75v to 4.25v on the 5v rail.

The .5v variance definately got my attention. The variance was repeatable as I started and stopped the program.
Now I am not sure if I want to risk my components on this PS anymore. This PS is under warranty (Antec True430), and I have a spare 350w in the closet.

You guys think it's very risky to power it up for load tests with a multimeter? (I don't have a spare mobo lying around.....)

On another note.... I am definately joining some here that are becoming dissatisfied with Antec PS's. Of 5 Antec power supplies I own, this will be my 3rd RMA. On the other hand my first True430 was rma'd and it's replacement has been rock solid stable for 2 years now. The others don't hold their voltages as well.
 
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brxndxn

Diamond Member
Apr 3, 2001
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I have never seen anything lower than 4.93V on the 5V rail of a stable system.. I'd almost certainly say the power supply is screwed up just from your readings on the 5V rail.. I wouldn't even bother to test with a multimeter... it's really easy to accidentally cross wires and then ruin the power supply - and void the warranty which you already need anyway.

 
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xbassman

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2001
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Originally posted by: Codegen
Test it under load, and watch it burn!!!!
Click to expand...

LOL :D

After sleeping on it, I just printed a copy of my receipt and decided to just call Antec and start the RMA process.

The 350w I have is probably enough for this system anyway.
 
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orangat

Golden Member
Jun 7, 2004
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If your rails are moving about so much and with your poor luck with Antec, I'd probably get another better brand. I don't where Antec gets it great reputation from anyway. Look at PCPC and Seasonics.
 
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xbassman

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2001
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Originally posted by: orangat
If your rails are moving about so much and with your poor luck with Antec, I'd probably get another better brand. I don't where Antec gets it great reputation from anyway. Look at PCPC and Seasonics.
Click to expand...

Those are definately my thoughts....however in this case a new purchase isn't required.
Actually the PSU in my main box (True430 rma'd) is so stable that at the time it appeared they may be shipping better units as replacements. The only PS i have that is as stable is a Fortron 350w. On both, voltages never move more than .02v and rarely even do that.

I would probably get a Seasonic if I were to buy another new PSU. (noise)
 
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xbassman

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2001
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Thanks for the link FP.... :)
Pulling it out right now. I guess I'll have a peek inside.

BTW- My past experiences with Antec customer support have been top notch, so I don't think the rma will be any prob...
 
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xbassman

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2001
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Yup....
Shining a light inside it looks like leaking caps are the problem.
The two I can see (that are not obscured by wires) are connected on top by brown crap just like the pic in your link.
 
rise

rise

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2004
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damn, it seems antec should have just recalled the true 430's like auto makers do.

almost every problem i hear about antec are the 430 tp1's
 
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xbassman

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2001
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Man software readings are off!

5v is .4v off vs actual and
12v is .5v off actual.

The software readings fluctuate more than does my multimeter also!

Looks like this TTGI-350SS is finding a home in my HTPC now.
5v only varies .01v when load is applied and
12v varies .4v.
Both stay well within spec.

I guess when Antec sends the new unit it will be my spare. :eek:
 
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