3.3V computer voltage at 2.6-2.8

Catoosa · Apr 20, 2009

Quote from Daal:

Just bought a new power supply, its working like hell. Even better, my computer has never been faster, programs open and run MUCH more smoothly, its like its on steroids. So there is the lesson, sometimes its not the memory and CPU like the 'buy more' fundamentalists want you to believe, sometimes a cheap new energy supply makes all the difference

My PC repair manuals say power supply voltages should be within 5% of nominal to meet specification standards. Out of spec voltages can sometimes cause hardware damage or data corruption. I have had to replace several power supplies over the years when I had problems as you did. It is an easy fix.

Catoosa · Apr 20, 2009

Quote from jaley:

If you want a reliable PSU get a good brand like Enermax, Antec or PC Power & Cooling. I've had numerous cheap ones fail over the years.

I have had two Antec power supplies go out of spec (the first one was still in warranty and its replacement also went out of spec after its warranty had expired). I replaced the Antec with an Enermax which was about 2% out of spec when I received it. I am still running the out of spec Enermax without any noticeable problems. I think any power supply is likely to fail or go out of spec at any time. I also like and purchase the three brands you suggest.

dandxg · Apr 20, 2009

Quote from Daal:

Just bought a new power supply, its working like hell. Even better, my computer has never been faster, programs open and run MUCH more smoothly, its like its on steroids. So there is the lesson, sometimes its not the memory and CPU like the 'buy more' fundamentalists want you to believe, sometimes a cheap new energy supply makes all the difference

But did you buy a higher watt PSU or just standard replacement?

Daal · Apr 20, 2009

Quote from dandxg:

But did you buy a higher watt PSU or just standard replacement?

I had a 500W, bought a 450W, was told 500's are no longer produced

dtrader98 · Apr 20, 2009

A simple way to test this is to simply test the 3.3V lines that come out of the supply with no load (using a voltmeter). This will eliminate the board as a potential problem.

I had a supply blow out and die on a power surge (surge protector didn't help worth %$).

pupu · Apr 20, 2009

I had a similar issue; sudden shut offs and pc failing to start. I first thought it was the power switch. One day it wouldn't start no more.
tested it with the ps from my backup pc and it started so I order a new ps.

All went away once I changed the ps. 3rd in 2 years. hopefully this one will last. Got a decent brand and advanced model this time.

jeb9999 · Apr 20, 2009

Quote from Daal:

I had a 500W, bought a 450W, was told 500's are no longer produced

500W power supplies are readily available. Not a good idea to replace a 500W power supply with a 450W. If you couldn't get a 500W you should have gotten a 550W or higher.

dandxg · Apr 20, 2009

I didn't know you could do that just upgrade more power, good to know. I am running 2 monitors off a 300watt for 2 years! Ouch:eek: I will start looking around. I don't think they are more than $50.

JA_LDP · Apr 21, 2009

Quote from dandxg:

I didn't know you could do that just upgrade more power, good to know. I am running 2 monitors off a 300watt for 2 years! Ouch:eek: I will start looking around. I don't think they are more than $50.

your monitors have nothing to do with your psu. they run off external power. your video card is what gets power supplied from the psu.

dandxg · Apr 21, 2009

Quote from JA_LDP:

your monitors have nothing to do with your psu. they run off external power. your video card is what gets power supplied from the psu.

Yes thank you. I actually do know that, but a flub on my part. I just run a Matrox G200 so I should be good, but for a few bucks a PSU with more juice might be worth it. So far it's been fine though.