PSU flucuation question

[RoyalTenenbaum]

Hi there,

When they say that cheap PSU's flucuate often, how much flucucation is usually involved? I have a 420 Watt Chieftec (made by SuperRed) that flucuates at MOST 0.2 volts on the 12 and 5 V meters. The CPU voltage stays pretty constant. Also, my 5 V usually ran at 5.156-5.186 Volts but now runs between 5.186-5.280...

Is there any reason for concern????

Thanks!

 

[spclwpns]

Intel spec gives +/- 5%. Good psu's hold to +/- 3%. The best psu's hold to +/- 1% regulation.

If I remember correctly 😉

 

[StraightPipe]

special weps,

what kind of RAID card(s) do you have?

 

[RoyalTenenbaum]

My Intel Active Monitor says

11-13 for 12V
4.2-5.8 for 5 V
2.5-4 for 3.3 V

Are these good guidelines? My power stays well within the green according to the Intel standards...Therefore, is my PSU sufficient? I mean, it moves back and forth but not A LOT.

Thanks!

 

[MiExStacY]

what are you reading it from?because usually software readings are wrong trust only a multimeter

 

[RoyalTenenbaum]

whats a multimeter?

I'm reading it from Intel Active Monitor, the software that came with my mobo.

Thanks.

 

[amdskip]

multimeter

 

[RoyalTenenbaum]

what is considered a "dangerous" amount of flucuation? I would imagine I can trust Intel's scale since they make my mobo and CPU.

Thanks

 

[dexvx]

Originally posted by: RoyalTenenbaum
what is considered a "dangerous" amount of flucuation? I would imagine I can trust Intel's scale since they make my mobo and CPU.

The less the better. And the Intel Monitor is adjustable, so its not "their" guidelines. 2.5V on a 3.3V line is rediculously and dangerous low. Generally the average consumer grade PSU would be a fluctuation of about +/- .25V. Server grade materials have a fluctuation of about +/- .01V.

 

[RoyalTenenbaum]

Sounds good, thanks!