PSU question

SimonShaw · Jan 23, 2008, 01:49 PM

My PSU is running 4.7V on the 5v rail - is this too low?
Also, how can I measure voltages in a game without using a multimeter? I'm trying to rule out a faulty PSU

Cheers

Zardon · Jan 23, 2008, 02:28 PM

what problems are you experiencing.

SimonShaw · Jan 23, 2008, 04:14 PM

certain games are locking up on me, only happens in vista and usually only punkbuster games, which according to evenbalance puts more stress on the pc due to having to access PB all the time.
It happens with a 2900XT and my 8800GTS, so i know its not the card. The PSU is the only thing left I can think of and whilst monitoring the voltages in windows, the 5v struck me as being a bit low

Zelig · Jan 23, 2008, 04:34 PM

Software readings of voltage are notoriously unreliable, if you're concerned about voltage levels, you'd be far better off finding a multimetre to use.

Is your computer stable otherwise? (memtest, and prime95 for both cores, each 8 hours minimum?)

Skull · Jan 23, 2008, 04:57 PM

whats the 12v rail reading. have you tested the 5v rail under load ? im guessing that 4.7 reading is idle? seems quite low and i would certainly be looking at the PSU right now myself.

SimonShaw · Jan 23, 2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skull

whats the 12v rail reading. have you tested the 5v rail under load ? im guessing that 4.7 reading is idle? seems quite low and i would certainly be looking at the PSU right now myself.

12V rail is at 12.25 volts, and yes they are both in windows, not under load.
I dont have a multimeter, so am i going to have to acquire one in order to check properly?

Jan 23, 2008, 01:49 PM	#1
SimonShaw DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 64 Rep Power: 0	PSU question My PSU is running 4.7V on the 5v rail - is this too low? Also, how can I measure voltages in a game without using a multimeter? I'm trying to rule out a faulty PSU Cheers Last edited by Skull; Jan 23, 2008 at 04:57 PM.

Jan 23, 2008, 04:34 PM	#4
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Software readings of voltage are notoriously unreliable, if you're concerned about voltage levels, you'd be far better off finding a multimetre to use. Is your computer stable otherwise? (memtest, and prime95 for both cores, each 8 hours minimum?) __________________ --

Jan 23, 2008, 04:57 PM	#5
Skull Boney Admin Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 659 Rep Power: 59	whats the 12v rail reading. have you tested the 5v rail under load ? im guessing that 4.7 reading is idle? seems quite low and i would certainly be looking at the PSU right now myself. __________________ How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!

Jan 23, 2008, 02:28 PM	#2
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	what problems are you experiencing.

Jan 23, 2008, 04:14 PM	Thread Starter #3
SimonShaw DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 64 Rep Power: 0	certain games are locking up on me, only happens in vista and usually only punkbuster games, which according to evenbalance puts more stress on the pc due to having to access PB all the time. It happens with a 2900XT and my 8800GTS, so i know its not the card. The PSU is the only thing left I can think of and whilst monitoring the voltages in windows, the 5v struck me as being a bit low