Do I need a new PSU?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mr_buggerlugs
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mr_buggerlugs

I've currently got a 430W AMD approved Chieftec PSU what came with my
dragon case a couple of years ago. Just recently i've been getting
random reboots and problems booting up, however it always posts fine.

I've noticed my 5v rail is reporting anywhere from 4.4 to 4.8 volts
and its fluctuating up and down every few seconds in my bios hardware
monitor.

Who thinks I need a new psu?

TIA :)
 
mr_buggerlugs said:
I've currently got a 430W AMD approved Chieftec PSU what came with my
dragon case a couple of years ago. Just recently i've been getting
random reboots and problems booting up, however it always posts fine.

I've noticed my 5v rail is reporting anywhere from 4.4 to 4.8 volts
and its fluctuating up and down every few seconds in my bios hardware
monitor.

Who thinks I need a new psu?
Click to expand...

Looks like your 5V line is having some issues. It might be ok, but I think
you have a 10% tolerance for spec, it might even be 5%. fluctuating is
always bad... perhaps the regulation circuit for it has problems.

I would say that your problems are likely related to your PSU.

Use MBM5 to log min/max voltages and post them here. It might be dropping
lower than you think under some situations.

Ben
 
Looks like your 5V line is having some issues. It might be ok, but I think
you have a 10% tolerance for spec, it might even be 5%. fluctuating is
always bad... perhaps the regulation circuit for it has problems.

I would say that your problems are likely related to your PSU.

Use MBM5 to log min/max voltages and post them here. It might be dropping
lower than you think under some situations.

Ben
Click to expand...

Good thinking! Will do Ben.
 
mr_buggerlugs said:
Here you go Ben...

http://www.jamdonut.freeuk.com/snap.JPG

I've been plying the pc with audio cd's, playing back divx and gaming
during that time.

what you think to that 5v rail?
Click to expand...

You don't mention what cpu etc. If it's a P4 or Athlon XP, then the 12v is
probably the most important - some P4s need 10 amps. A couple of hard drives
and cd/dvd drives could add another 6 amps.
 
Get the Antec 430 Watt Tru-Power PSU. Much more stable and rugged.
Click to expand...
I believe that is identical to the psu that came with my case thats
currently causing problems. Antec and Chieftec sell the same cases and
psu's under different model numbers.
 
You don't mention what cpu etc. If it's a P4 or Athlon XP, then the 12v is
probably the most important - some P4s need 10 amps. A couple of hard drives
and cd/dvd drives could add another 6 amps.
--
Click to expand...
my spec is:

Athlon xp 1800+
2 x 256mb PC2100 Crucial ram
seagate barracuda4 40gb harddisk
geforce2 pro 64mb
realtek rtl139 network card
diamond supra express iv pro 56k modem
sb-live
pioneer dvd105
pioneer dvdr105
ms intellimouse optical (usb)
ms internet keyboard
iiyama s900mt1 19" monitor

I've not added anything to this recently. Infact I removed my tv card
lastnight thinking it might help, and since its only rebooted once.
 
I've currently got a 430W AMD approved Chieftec PSU what came with my
dragon case a couple of years ago. Just recently i've been getting
random reboots and problems booting up, however it always posts fine.

I've noticed my 5v rail is reporting anywhere from 4.4 to 4.8 volts
and its fluctuating up and down every few seconds in my bios hardware
monitor.

Who thinks I need a new psu?

TIA :)
Click to expand...
I've never seen such a wide fluctuation using MBM or similar
monitoring software.
These circuits can help finding out on problems, but the monitoring is
no reliable/accurate measuring instrument. I highly recomend using a
known good (digital) volt meter and check, whether the unstability is
real or not.
If real, change PSU; if not, suspect other hardware or software.
HTH
Armin
 
Armin said:
I've never seen such a wide fluctuation using MBM or similar
monitoring software.
These circuits can help finding out on problems, but the monitoring is
no reliable/accurate measuring instrument.
Click to expand...

It may not be accurate, but it's repeatable... so the fluctuation is valid.
I highly recomend using a known good (digital) volt meter
Click to expand...

Why digital? Might be more precise, but the accuracy is no more guaranted
than an analogue one.

Ben
 
........
It may not be accurate, but it's repeatable... so the fluctuation is valid.
Click to expand...
Well, as I said, who guarantees, that the LM XX or WInbond xx chip
sensing the voltages is not broken and makes the repeatable fluct.?
It is always a good idea to have a second opinion on something.
Why digital? Might be more precise, but the accuracy is no more guaranted
than an analogue one.
Click to expand...
That is why the digital was in parentheses. Like you, I believe the
accuracy of a normal analogue voltmeter would be sufficient, but no
one these days will buy a analoge meter, if a digital one with 10x
higher accuracy in the DC range is available for EUR 50 and below.
And please, do not start a discussion on accuracy, resolution,
repetability e.a. You will probably loose :-)
HTH
Armin
 
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