Weak 5V Rail

[WobbleWobble]

I've started noticing that my hard drives weren't powering up all the time so I checked my voltages and I notice that my 5V rail runs at about 4.4V and dips to as low as 4.1V during startup. This is measured using a multimeter.

Even having just the motherboard + CPU plugged in I'll get 4.7V. When I have nothing plugged in and turn it on using a paper clip I do get 5V. The 12V rail is fine.

The motherboard and CPU is a Asus A7N8X-Deluxe and a Athlon XP 2500+ Mobile and the power supply is an Antec 380W. The power supply has been modded with a Panaflo L1A, so I'm guessing a RMA isn't possible (I asked Antec anyways, maybe they're nice).

I'm pretty sure my 5V rail was strong when I got my PSU just over a year ago or else I would have noticed it. What could have caused my 5V rail to become so weak?

 

[WobbleWobble]

Bump, I'm trying to keep costs down as much as possible and I'm looking at a 300W Sparkle FSP300-60PN. Its rails seems strong enough at 3.3V/28A, 5.0V/30A, 12.0V/18A. It'll be powering a nForce 2/Barton, 1 DVD-RW, 3 HDDs, Radeon 9800 Pro, and 2x120mm case fans. Think it'll be good enough?

 

[lenjack]

Be sure ps fans are running. If not, heat will drop the voltage.

 

[RussianSensation]

If you are on a budget, this looks real good - E-POWER/TAGAN 450W $42

rails are 3.3V@26, 5@45, 12@28

 

[Smilin]

FYI:

I have an Asus A7N8X-Delux and an XP 3000. I just had to replace my Antec 550W PSU. Same problem. Mine would put out a clean 5V but as soon as I would bridge a resistor across it I would get about 4.3 volts.

It sucks. Infuriating to troubleshoot power problems.