PSU tester says my PSU is bad. +3.3v is @ +3.6v

[TriggerHappy101]

I just bought a PSU tester...

PSU Tester

Says my +3.3v line is overvolted to +3.6v and thats beyond the +/- of 5%.

My gaming system:
http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?rigid=32400

PSU:
Fortron Source 450w

Funny thing is that my system is pretty rock solid, can run Prime95 for days without any errors. System never locks up. Games run fine. Only complain I have is my GPU cant OC worth ****** even though its that nice 7800gt with a copper heatsink.

Ive used the PSU tester on 3 other systems and they check out good.

Should I return my PSU?

 

[pkme2]

I would doublecheck that reading with a multimeter. I doubt that that .135v difference would cause a problem.

 

[John]

Eek, you could have bought a real DMM from Sears for less than that. So before you deem the psu bad please test it with a real DMM.

 

[TriggerHappy101]

The difference is .3v not .135v. Ive tried it 3 times with the PSU tester. And why would the other PSUs checked out be good if the PSU tester was bad. Ill try it with a DMM tommorrow.

 

[Aluvus]

These testers are fairly "dumb" devices. They put a light load on the major rails and then check the voltages. This, combined with using very cheap parts, can make them imprecise.

It may simply be getting a bad reading from your supply because the voltage regulation of the 3.3 V rail with a very light load is not very good.

 

[Shawn]

If your system is stable and everything works fine, why mess with it?

 

[pkme2]

Originally posted by: TriggerHappy101
The difference is .3v not .135v. Ive tried it 3 times with the PSU tester. And why would the other PSUs checked out be good if the PSU tester was bad. Ill try it with a DMM tommorrow.

The +- 5% on 3.3 is .165 and added to 3.3 = 3.465v 3.6 - 3.465 = .135v

It's irrevelant because a digital multimeter is more accurate than that PSU tester and a RadioShack/Craftsman DMM could have been had for less money.
IMO, get a refund and get a DMM.

 

[bendixG15]

Send the Power supply back...
You are over volted by 9 % (3.6-3.3=.3)

Thats enough for me, its not a borderline 5% condition.
No need to get way technical..

 

[dBTelos]

Test with a real DMM to be safe.

If your system is stable and everything works fine, why mess with it?

To prevent future problems?

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Is there a FAQ on how to test my PSU correctly? I have a DMM.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Since you're testing the 3.3V through the 24-pin, there's no load on it (the load in the tester is on the 5V rail.) So it's going to be high.

Plug your stuff in, fire it up, etc. and probe the 3.3V lead from the back side of the ATX connector. Orange wire is 3.3V.

 

[Gautama2]

Originally posted by: jonnyGURU
Since you're testing the 3.3V through the 24-pin, there's no load on it (the load in the tester is on the 5V rail.) So it's going to be high.

Plug your stuff in, fire it up, etc. and probe the 3.3V lead from the back side of the ATX connector. Orange wire is 3.3V.

Gotta love having Jonny here.

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Test with the PC on? Plug in the mobo?

 

[jonnyGURU]

Yes. Of course.

Have everything plugged in and running as you normally would. Your DMM should have probes sharp enough to poke into the backside of the ATX connector and touch the top end of the metal pin that mates with the board's connector.

Red to orange, black to black (any black.)