Advice needed from PC Hardware experts...

Andrew Bunk · 12-27-2004, 11:20 PM

Hey all,

I'm running into a possilble voltage issue and I'm not sure why. I figurted there are probably some very knowledgable people here so it couldn't hurt to ask.

First here are my system specs:

WinXP Pro
Intel P4 3.0 Ghz
2GB DDR RAM PC3200 FSB
LanParty PRO875 board (Canterwood I believe)
2 120 GB SATA drives running RAID 0
1 120 GB IDE drive
1 DVD-Rom drive
1 CD-R/RW drive
BFG Tech Mad Dog GeForce FX5200 Ultra 128MB AGP Video Card
Delta 66 PCI Audio Card
420W PSU

I have been using this PC for almost a year for digital audio production and have had no issue at all. Today I installed World Of Warcraft. When I started watching the intro movie, my Winbond Hardware Doctor would very briefly display a warning message and then disappear. I finally caught one, and it looks like my +3.3V is dipping just below my low limit, which is set at 3.10. I believe the warning I caught said 3.07. The +3.3V is generally steady around 3.18 when the system is idle, and I have never had this warning come up during extensive use of my audio applications, which can be pretty demanding. I'm not sure if this means the system is not getting enough power, but I would have thought 420W would be plenty. I am running about 6 case fans and also a UV light. I should also mention that today is the first day I am using dual displays with my video card. I'm not sure if this would affect system voltage, but I felt I should mention it.

I have not yet started playing the game, but I'm afraid that this issue could continue. I've read around the net that some people were not happy with the FX5200. I'm hoping my video card does not need to be replaced.

I'm not sure what to do at this point, as hardware is not my strongest area of expertise.

Any info or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Chris · 12-27-2004, 11:34 PM

Remember, not all PSUs are the same. A "eh" 420 would get pummeled by a good 350, etc.

Good power supplies (known good)

Antec
PC Power & Cooling
Mercury Research
Vantec

Not-So-Hot PS's

CaseMagic
IOMagic
Codegen
Deer
ForcePower
ChinaStar

And so forth.

I don't recommend this company, and their stats are totally stolen (ripped) from TomsHardware, but the calculator is still valid:

http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/

Andrew Bunk · 12-27-2004, 11:45 PM

Thanks for the info Chris-it is very helpful. I ran that calculator and it had me needing about 385W, and I'm sure that's a low average since I could specify everything I have.

My PSU came with the case I bought, so I'm guessing it's probably on the cheaper side. I can't egt in the case right now, but none of your good recommendations sound familiar.

I am using a custom PSU from PC Power and Cooling in my Dell (Dell and their damn proprietary connections), and it's been very solid.

I'll probably go get a 500W PSU-I think a few stores around here carry Antec.

Andrew

EDIT-Just noticed on the NewEgg product page for my case some mentions the power supply being weak. Oh well, live and learn. Antec has a 480 watt model that looks good.

Chris · 12-27-2004, 11:51 PM

Quote:

I'll probably go get a 500W PSU-I think a few stores around here carry Antec.

Antec are very, very good. Right now, that's what I'm using.. I'm using the NeoPower 480 in my main box, and enjoy it.

In my HTPC, I'm using the Antec Phantom.

In my wife's PC right now, I'm using a Vantec Stealth Ion 2, which has also done us well.

Anyway, I know a lot of people bypass PS or just use what comes in the case.. you'll find yourself a lot better off in the long run to get a good, decent one that will last. I can't tell you how many people I've seen with totally borked PCs because a power supply blew out, etc. because it was a real "lightweight" (if you pick up a 400W PS, it should have some "heft" to it, it should not be paper light

)

Andrew Bunk · 12-28-2004, 12:08 AM

Chris,

Do you have any experience or knowledge of the Antec TruePower 430W or TrueBlue 480? Best Buy and CompUSA seem to have those around. I might have to pick one of those up if the MicroCenter near me doesn't have the NeoPower 480.

Also, do you think my weaker PSU could also result in the CPU temp being a little hot? When the system is idling or I'm running audio apps, I seem to be between 35-43C. However, if I'm installing something like World Of Warcraft or GB's of sample data, and the CPU is being run more heavily, my CPU temp will sometimes hover around 54-55C. This seems a little high to me, especially with all the fans I am running. Just curious...thanks again for all your help!

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Shane Martin · 12-28-2004, 12:28 AM

Another good PSU is the Fortron.

I'm using a server level one in mine and no problems with voltage at all. 550W PSU. I believe its made by AGB aka Athena Power and ran me $89 at PC club.

http://www.pcclub.com

Andrew Bunk · 12-28-2004, 12:41 AM

It just occurred to me that I should have posted this in the Computer area-I forgot about it.

Mods, please move if possible. Thanks!

Andrew Bunk · 12-28-2004, 12:59 AM

Man I can't believe how much less NewEgg is charging for the same PSU's-glad I caught that before buying at a B&M. Htey're out of the Neo480 at the moment so I think I cam going to order the TruePower 480. Thanks again everyone.

Chris · 12-28-2004, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Do you have any experience or knowledge of the Antec TruePower 430W or TrueBlue 480? Best Buy and CompUSA seem to have those around. I might have to pick one of those up if the MicroCenter near me doesn't have the NeoPower 480.

I use a good deal of the TruePower and Trueblue, both very good powersupplies. Fortron, as mentioned above, is also a very good power supply (FYI, Fortron is rebranded many times and marketed as Sparkle, but they are the same)