Low 12v on Sparkle FSP-60GN

[majestik]

I don't have my multimeter at the moment but I just upgrade my Raidmax 400w PSU to a Sparkle 400w from newegg. In MBM5 I was reading 11.80+ on my Raidmax. Now Im reading as low as 11.49!! 11.64 avg. Though 3.3v and 5v look good... Should I be worried?

[Nebulous]

Unless you suffer bsod's or random crashes i would'nt. get a cheap digital multi meter from radio shack for 15 bux and check the rails. Besides you can adjust the rails from the inside of the psu, You just still need a dmm tho.

[majestik]

Yeah it seems to be ok ...but only started using it about 20mins ago heh. We'll see. I will adjust it in the inside when I get enough confidence or am forced to when it crashes. I just wanted to get something a little stronger than my Raidmax that I didn't have to worry too much about failing or dropping to low. I'll pick up my DMM I have at my parents and test it when I get back from there on Friday.

[Nebulous]

yeah, your best bet is to adjust it up to 12v-12.15v so it's within spec. You'll have to remove the psu from the case, then jump the green and black wires from the ATX connetor to power it on.

You'll have to play with the dials to find out which one raises the 12v line. Just remember that when you turn 1 dial and nothing happens turn it back exactly where it was and then go to the next one. Follow this procedure until you find the dial for the 12v line. Crank that baby up, but be sure to put a load on it like a fan to the molex. After it's adjusted, seal it back up and re-install it back into the case and you're good to go.

[ColtIce]

there's a picture with them labled in this thread http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=258903&highlight=pots

[Nebulous]

Originally posted by ColtIce
there's a picture with them labled in this thread http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=258903&highlight=pots

Yup. Thanx for the back up :D

[majestik]

wow...thanks a lot. I will do it in a few days when I get my multimeter back. That avatar is distracting Nebulous....stop...making....me ....stare!! :P (p.s. that better not be a man)

[johan851]

A lot of motherboards read voltages completely wrong. MBM5 says my 12v line is at 11.55 or 11.49 when it's actually at exactly 12.00v. It also says my 3.3v rail fluctuates between 3.07 and 3.20 when it actually stays rock solid at 3.3v.

Don't base your readings on MBM5 or the mobo sensors - get them from a multi.

[schismspeak]

My dads computer was reporting as low as 11.37 in MBM with a channel well 480w psu, but when I tested it with a DMM under load it wouldn't go below 11.75, so before you change anything, check it with a digital multimeter.

[OBLIVIONLORD]

mine fluxuates from 12.00 to 11.73 under load according to mbm5. When its in idle it stays at 12 constantly without any hickups. Maybe this is a sign that while its under stress it really does get lower volts in the 12v and that I should be woriried even when it hits 11.80v?