What are the disadvantages to low 12 volt rails?

Smartazz

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2005
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I have a 450watt Fortron PSU, it constantly reads around 11.4 volts on the 12 volt rails. What is the problem with this?
 

WobbleWobble

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2001
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Software readings aren't accurate. You should get a multimeter and get the readings from there. Low voltage rails can lead to system instability.
 

Smartazz

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2005
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Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
Software readings aren't accurate. You should get a multimeter and get the readings from there. Low voltage rails can lead to system instability.

So if my system is stable, then I have nothing to worry about?
 

JBT

Lifer
Nov 28, 2001
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Originally posted by: Smartazz
Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
Software readings aren't accurate. You should get a multimeter and get the readings from there. Low voltage rails can lead to system instability.

So if my system is stable, then I have nothing to worry about?

pretty much. My last mother board read 11.39 or somewhere around there my new one says 11.98.

Basically like WobbleWobble said software programs are HORRIBLE for monitoring voltages.
 

Smartazz

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2005
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Originally posted by: JBT
Originally posted by: Smartazz
Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
Software readings aren't accurate. You should get a multimeter and get the readings from there. Low voltage rails can lead to system instability.

So if my system is stable, then I have nothing to worry about?

pretty much. My last mother board read 11.39 or somewhere around there my new one says 11.98.

Basically like WobbleWobble said software programs are HORRIBLE for monitoring voltages.

Can they monitor temps well?
 

orangat

Golden Member
Jun 7, 2004
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Its low enough for you to worry about making sure its working properly. If you're not measuring it at load, do so and compare it at idle and get a digital multimeter and find out for sure.
 

JBT

Lifer
Nov 28, 2001
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Sometimes. They are ussually atleast close. I had one that said ~10 C highier than it really was before though. As long as your temps aren't crazy they are fine to go by.
 

Navid

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2004
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It is not the program that is not accurate. Rather the sensor on the motherboard.