One other matter we need to mention before we get into the nitty-gritty of the testing: This PSU comes “SLI Ready” for those interested in Dual Graphics Card systems. Of course, those familiar with computers would already have noticed the two PCI Express power connectors, but it does need to be mentioned since it’s prominently displayed on the box.

Some Test Results:

I compared the PC Probe II for the ASUS Motherboard with results from using a Digital MultiMeter. The following comparisons are while Idle in Windows:

PC PROBE II

+3.3	+5	+12
3.30v	5.0-5.03V	12.23V

 

DMM

+3.3	+5	+12
3.35-3.36V	5.01-5.02V	12.26-12.27V

So, this does show that one cannot depend on the Motherboard Monitor (Software) to provide accurate readings although they are close.

Now we need to see what happens when the system is put under some stress.

Using Prime95 I tested again all three of the main voltages:

+3.3	+5	+12
3.35-3.36V	5.01 steady	12.25-12.26V

NOTE: With SATA drives being so common these days, it’s worth noting that this makes testing the 3.3V rail so much easier now. Most users have at least one extra 15-PIN SATA power connector to work with. With the Black Ground Lead of the DMM inserted into any black ground on a IDE/PATA Molex, take the Red Positive Lead of the DMM and insert it from the back of the spare 15-PIN SATA power plug onto the metal of the ORANGE wire. Voila! You have now got a good source for testing the 3.3V rail without having to probe deeper into your computer’s housing. Otherwise, without a SATA drive, you’ll need to locate another ORANGE wire to work with located elsewhere and usually deeper into the insides.