drivehard454

Sounds like I may need a new PSU?

Should I still run prime95 and check voltage drops during the process?

cozumel

The voltages are a bit low on idle. My advice would be to run Prime95 and check the voltages while under load before making any decisions so you can get a rough idea how the PSU copes when you're playing a game for example. If the voltages are stable under load you may just be able to get away with it. (But listen to what Dyre advises as his knowledge is more)

My last PSU was like yours when idle (my 3.3 was higher though) but went beserk when stressed and fluctuated all over the place so I bought a new one. Is really important to have a stable flow to protect you components.

__________________

drivehard454

Hopefully I am doing this right. I downloaded prime95 from majorgeeks.com. It asked that I joined Gimps. I did, and I believe the program is running. This is normal that it will run for days before getting a report?

I set the meter on the 12v wires and I am getting 11.80v, when I click to stop the process the voltage goes up to 11.94v.

The 5v stays at 5.21v no matter what.

The 3.3v is reading 3.14v idle and while running the process goes up to 3.16v.

I guess I am not understanding how this prime95 works. Should I let it keep running?

drivehard454

I was browsing for new PSU on ebay, just because I have some money in the paypal account. I ran into a powerstar 600w PSU. ever hear of it? Is this a cheapy unit? The price for a new one is only $15.95. Of course shipping is $15.95 also, which means the unit is probably $25.00, still cheap.

eBay: PowerStar Black 600w Silent ATX Color LED Power Supply (item 320085314677 end time Feb-26-07 12:08:07 PST)

I am sure I would be better off just buying a better one. I have about $65.00 to spend. Any suggestions.

This is if it is recommended to replace my current PSU.

Dyre Straits

As long as Prime95 is running it is creating a load on the system. You probably want to start that Torture Test and let it run for several minutes while you test the voltages.

The fact that the voltages go UP during the testing is a good sign. But, I still feel the voltages could be better. Watch for a lot of fluctuation during the testing. Just let the DMM sit there while you watch it. Play a game or two while checking, too. Fluctuation of only a few increments isn't bad. But, if you're seeing a wide range of variance, you definitely need to look for a new PSU.

I'm not familiar with PowerStar. But, at $15 new, it's likely a real cheapo. I really feel you'd be throwing good money after bad to go that route.

For your system, if you can get a good 500W with 20A or better on the +12V Rail that's what you should be looking for. Also, for your system, a single +12V rail PSU is a good option.

__________________

drivehard454

I think I may be getting a new PSU anyways. The one in my case has a fan that is rattling. I have to smack the back to get it to quiet up. This just started a couple days ago. I was going to open it up and put a drop of oil on the fan to see if that helps, but maybe just replacing is better anyhow.

I pretty much answered my own comment on that powerstar. I would rather get a good unit. I might be looking at building a more up to date system in the next 6 months or so, maybe I can use the new PSU in that system.

Should I look at getting 600w and up?

Also, getting back to this RAM issue. I still haven't found anywhere that it shows on the system if it is actually duel channel. All I see, in the BIOS and in the properties, plus on some software, is that it is 1024MB. The MOBO technical info states that with two sticks in the separate slots will be duel channel. Now with that said, would putting the other two sticks in the other slots change the duel channel, or actually help any?

RoyBatty

I think good 500W PSU (Enermax) is more than enough for your system.

Dyre Straits

RE: The RAM and Dual Channel. (I don't think you want them Dueling. )

Anyway, here's how I'd go about it if there's really no visible indication on the screen or in the BIOS:

Run 3DMark '05 a few times without the new RAM installed. Get a good average of the performance. Then....

Go ahead and place the extra RAM sticks -- AS LONG AS THEY ARE IDENTICAL -- into the remaining slots that are color matched. Test the system using something like 3DMark 05. See how well it performs. Do it a few times to get a good average performance.

See if there's any improvement or not. If so, you're good to go.


Then, RE: PSU -- Like I said above, and Roy agrees -- a good 500W is adequate for your system. Anything more could be considered for your future plans.

__________________

RoyBatty

Did you try CPU-Z? It shows if your RAM is running in dual channel mode or not.

drivehard454

Ya, wouldn't want dueling, dueling is bad.

I'll give it a try.

As for the power supply, I look in newegg and it asks about type:

ATX
ATX12v
ATX12/EPS12v
SFX

which to choose?

Also there is a PFC, active/no

What is this?

Thanks as always

drivehard454

RoyBatty, I think I have that installed already. I will check it when I get home and give that a go also.

Thanks again

RoyBatty

Your motherboard has 20 pin power connector, so you need ATX12V PSU. I don't know what PFC is exactly (edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_factor_correction), but it's better to be active.

Dyre Straits

Also, RE: RAM Status -- You apparently have BIOS 1002 or earlier on the mobo. You will need to upgrade to BIOS 1003 at least, in order to see a visual RAM status during POST. From the ASUS Technical Support site.

__________________

cozumel

RE PSU: what you reply depends on what your future plans. If you're planning on keeping your current system for the foreseeable then 500W will more than do the job. If you're getting addicted to improving your syetm and are considering a whether to build a new system then you could go for something with more power. Whatever you go for remember that your PSU is about the most important thing in your system so it needs to be of a high quality. For that reason my advice would to only consider a PSU from a manufacturer with a reputation for reliabity and quality. Check out the reviews in DH for an idea of which manufacturers are good etc

__________________

drivehard454

Cozumel, yea thats what I was kinda thinking about. I may as well pull this one out and get a good unit. I can then use that when I put something together. Then I can throw this one back in and use this computer for other stuff.

I looked your PSU up on Newegg and it seems they have a problem with self destructing! Have you had good luck with it?

cozumel

I always keep a cup of water handy for when the damn thing starts to spark and I've managed to prevent any unnecessary calls to the fire dept so far

Seriously though, I've had no problems and am extremely happy. Voltages are rock solid. DH were using the same PSU at the end of last year in their office (see review) and all the other reviews that I googled to in other tech forums highly rated the PSU for stability etc.

__________________

drivehard454

Haven't had time to do the Ram test, may not for a couple days. We are right in the middle of moving, so soon after this I hafta close up shop, until I can get everthing set-up at the new place. I hate being without internet for more than a couple days. I get withdrawels.

Anyhow I will post what I find out on the ram readings and suggestions you guys gave. Thanks

I've looked at a few PSU's. I kinda like the sounds of these units. Any comments?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...342&CatId=1483

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...997&CatId=1483

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...442&CatId=1483

Dyre Straits

I've been using ULTRA myself for over a year now. AND, I've posted some reviews of ULTRA PSUs here on DH recently. Right now, I have a 600W ULTRA in the system and will be posting something about it soon.

As for that XION: Everyone of those I've picked up off the shelf is so light, I'm afraid it's too cheap. Weight of the PSU says a whole lot about its quality. The XIONs are just too light.

The other one, I'm not familiar with.

__________________