Question about power fluctuations and Folding@Home

[Silversinksam]

Ok I have a 431 Enermax PSU in at the moment(gave my PC Power and Cooling psu away, Yes I'm a idiot)

Anyway under full load my 12volt rail drops from its normal 11.80 to 11.50v when Folding is off

My 5volt rail is rock steady at 5.05 under load and at idle

Now anyone have this problem, or do I need to buy another PC and Power and cooling PSU

[new_novice]

i have an antec 480 and my 12 fluctuate from 11.7 to 12.05, so i have no idea if that's bad, both my 5 line fluctuate a bit too, 4.9 to 5. and all i have is CPU, CDRW,sound card, HD, 7 fans, G4 ti4200, that's it. So in another word, i'm in a boat like you, always on folding though.

[walaka7]

I wouldnt get overly worked up about a slightly low 12V. If you are running heavy on the 12v loads, you may want to consider getting another PSU and share your loads

[Silversinksam]

Appreciate the reply ;)

I guess I should add what kind of power I'm drawing

(2) Sanyo Denki 120mm
(2) Adda 80mm
Cd-rw
dvd
3 cold cathodes
2 Wd giggers 8meg
Floppy
(3) 25 watt rheostas
1 Baybus voltage regulator
CPU drawing about 70 watts
Ti4600
SBlive Xgamer
3Com Nic

[Gnerma]

I run 6 case fans (5 80mm, 1 120mm) 2 HDDs, 2 optical drives, on the machine in my sig and my +12v rail is just about what yours is.. this is with a 430w Antec True Power. It fluctuates between 11.56 and 11.64. It freaks me out but as far as I know it has not caused any problems so I don't worry about it.

[Silversinksam]

Originally posted by Gnerma
I run 6 case fans (5 80mm, 1 120mm) 2 HDDs, 2 optical drives, on the machine in my sig and my +12v rail is just about what yours is.. this is with a 430w Antec True Power. It fluctuates between 11.56 and 11.64. It freaks me out but as far as I know it has not caused any problems so I don't worry about it.

Thanks for the replies fellas, It doesnt cause me any problems so I guess I'll just live with it

[larva]

The 11.8V reading doesn't concern me in the least, but the fact that it drops to 11.5 under load is somewhat disconcerting. I'm sure you noticed less deviation under load with the PC P&C unit. Stability of the machine is always the best criteria, but it does worry me when I see load impact a supply like it is yours. While there will always be a tiny deviation with load, to me .3V is indicative that the supply is having a bit of trouble. In the end only you can decide whether the peace of mind is worth replacing the supply.

[Silversinksam]

Originally posted by larva
The 11.8V reading doesn't concern me in the least, but the fact that it drops to 11.5 under load is somewhat disconcerting. I'm sure you noticed less deviation under load with the PC P&C unit. Stability of the machine is always the best criteria, but it does worry me when I see load impact a supply like it is yours. While there will always be a tiny deviation with load, to me .3V is indicative that the supply is having a bit of trouble. In the end only you can decide whether the peace of mind is worth replacing the supply.

The PC Power and cooling barely deviated at all. My machine is perfectly stable, but the 11.5 reading when folding is on makes me wonder, interestingly, other programs like Prime dont cause it to deviate as much.

I have even shut off all my Cold cathodes and unplugged all drives except for essential ones like the Hdd's and it still drops heavy with folding. (its only my 12volt rail though which is interesting)

PS I was very careful wiring all my stuff up and gave the hdd's dedicated lines and all the non essentail items have thier own line

[nikhsub1]

Correct me if I'm wrong here but don't P4's draw their power off the 12V line? I think they do... AMD CPU's draw from the 5V. SSS have you tested the PSU with a multimeter? If not you should, your PSU may be fine, doubtful but maybe. Man I can't believe you GAVE your PCP&C away, wish I had more friends like you!

[Yodums]

Originally posted by nikhsub1
Correct me if I'm wrong here but don't P4's draw their power off the 12V line? I think they do... AMD CPU's draw from the 5V. SSS have you tested the PSU with a multimeter? If not you should, your PSU may be fine, doubtful but maybe. Man I can't believe you GAVE your PCP&C away, wish I had more friends like you!

I was just going to reply to Gnerma with the same response since P4s have an option to run off the 12v. I'm sure Sam has it connected to run off the 12v.

If it doesn't create any problems, then I wouldn't sweat it.

Why'd you give your PCP&P unit away Sam? ;)

[Silversinksam]

Originally posted by Yodums


I was just going to reply to Gnerma with the same response since P4s have an option to run off the 12v. I'm sure Sam has it connected to run off the 12v.

If it doesn't create any problems, then I wouldn't sweat it.

Why'd you give your PCP&P unit away Sam? ;)

Yes I will check it with a Multi tomorrow, a friend of mine wanted a mission critical setup and I told him the PC Power and Cooling was the Cadilac of the PSU's so I traded with him. I was the best man at his wedding and we're buds so I let him have it. He helps me when I need anything so what comes around goes around


PS I'm going to get another PC Power and Cooling PSU next month as I spent my PC allowance at Newegg refurb :)