Power supply troubleshooting?

pkypkypky

Golden Member
Apr 18, 2001
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Not an expert on power supply troubleshooting, so I'm seeking advice.


How you use the p/s readings and such to tell if you don't have a sufficient power supply and/or a bad one? I know they should be close, but how close and which readings are important? Should it be checked during cpu/hdd activity?


Any links are appreciated cause I couldn't find any good resource. Willing to learn the basics.

And before you say it....I know the basic rule of thumbs is a quality (antec) 400-600 (or even higher) wattage is good, but then again, I don't o/c and have crazy devices connected.


thx
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
30,699
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The definitive baseline answer, from the official ATX spec: link Tighter tolerances won't hurt, of course. Use a multimeter to test, not software or BIOS readings, if you want to be certain of accurate readings.
 

TechnoPro

Golden Member
Jul 10, 2003
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Originally posted by: pkypkypky
is 11.673V reading ok for +12V?

Take a look at the chart linked to by mechBgon. The answer is yes, as 11.673 is within the specified 5% margin of tolerance.