Seasonic S12 600W PSU question...

[PSUPef2k]

When in the BIOS, my mobo hardware monitor detects the 3.3v and 5v as fluctuating instead of constant. I don't have the exact fluctuations, but is there a range that I should make sure they don't stray from?

 

[Varun]

Test it with a Digital Multimeter - sometimes software is not accurate at all.

 

[Arcanedeath]

Generaly it should be within 5% of the spec and anything under 10% is still fairly safe, keep in mind you want to check w/ a DMM and not software.

 

[PSUPef2k]

The BIOS and ASUS PC Probe seem to read that everything is fine and within spec.

However, I downloaded SpeedFan to use as well to check out my HD's, and speed fan is showing the following readings:

VCore1: 1.41V slight fluctuation
VCore2: 3.25V slight fluctuation
+3.3V: 1.86V-2.75V fluctuating
+5V: 4.95V stable
+12V: 12.10V stable

I assume 2 Vcore's stems from the fact I am using a dual core chip, please correct me if I am wrong. Regardless, I am very concerned about my +3.3V readings. I am thinking its fine and SpeedFan is reading it wrong (I hope) since ASUS prob and the bios read it as being ok (still fluctuating but well within spec). I probably should check all this with a multimeter, but i don't have one readily available. I will try and get a hold of one to test the rails. Any advice or thoughts in the meantime? This Seasonic S12 was hyped as great for stability...so I am worried I got a dud. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Originally posted by: Varun
Test it with a Digital Multimeter - sometimes software is not accurate at all.

I found that too. According to my bios and software my 12V line is almost always 11.79V. Tested with a DMM, it reads 12.03V.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I wish I could spit out my numbers for you, but I remember testing my 12V line when I plugged my Seasonic S12 600W into my old Athlon 1400 system and I measured 11.98. Very good =)

The 5V rail was definitely very close also. Something like 5.01, 5.02.

It's been too many months since I built my system so I can't regurgitate the #s back to you unless I find the packet of notes I took.

NEVER rely on software. If you're worried about fluctuations, there will usually be some fluctuations when you OC/torture test. My 12V and 5V rails were stable but my 3.3V rail fluctuated a bit. THis is with a 600W PSU, 3700+, 7800GT (no SLI), so I'm sure that I have enough power, but when I moved my memory to the 5V rail (I have a DFI LP NF4 Ultra-D), the 5V rail would be the one fluctuating. Now the fluctuations aren't much, but its typical.

Don't worry about it.

You have a top-of-the-line PSU and none of those Fortrons or Antecs can even touch your PSU so you don't have to worry.

 

[PSUPef2k]

Ok so I tested the rails today and for everything, including moderate load (not prime 95 though):

the 12v fluctuated 12.06-12.07 but no further from startup, idle, moderate load, shutdown.

the 5v did the same with 5.05-5.06.

I was unable to measure the 3.3v because I couldn't figure out how, as I don't have an Aux connector on this PSU. Anyone have any ideas?