Do I need a new PSU?

[the_merv]

HI,
My computer had been running fine for a year or so when it just started to crash(restart only resolved the crash). There were no error messages from Windows or from drwatson, so i assumed it was a hardware problem. I checked the voltage and it was often going below the reccommended levels and my voltage moniter from asus was ringing alarm bells. I took the computer apart, i cleaned everything, the fans. I took apart the psu and cleaned it up and got rid of all the dust. When i next turned my pc on the voltages were consistently higher. other than the +12v they are still low. Attatched is the voltages, could someon please tell me if i need to buy a new and more powerful psu. Thanks
http://www.mervisfamily.net/voltage.png


Jack

CPU: P4@3ghz
MOBO: asus p4c800 deluxe
RAM: 1GiG

[squasher]

.09 is very good, but I would not trust software readings of it, use a multimeter. If those are your real voltages, then you are doing fine with you psu.

[EWBatOVAclockin]

Everything looks good except for that low 3.3v line. BTW what kind of PSU do you have????

PEACE

[orionlion82]

Welcome- the_merv!!!!
some of the pre-775 asus boards are known to need a boost during higher O/C's.
i am betting
1. you are probably in good shape with your PSU.
2. if you have a northwood - you may be experiencing SNDS (search: there is a discussion)
3. you may think about the "droop mod" ( search: cool stuff on that thread too)

may we ask a little more info on your rig, so we can help you get to the bottom of it?

[David]

The 3.3v is a little low. I would check that with a multimeter if you can. Also you may want to check the RAM using memtest86 (from www.memtest86.com) if you are getting random errors.

[the_merv]

THanks guys, I will try this stuff. I know this site is for overclocking but I don't overclock since my ram(crucial ddr400) gets many errors when i do so. The crashes usually happen during intense games like doom3 or command and conquer generals. I have the latest drivers and a new(old model- 9600 pro) graphics card which is not oc'd either, so i don't think its overheating. The crashes also happen alot when watching o.c episodes for some reason :p. also what is the +3.3v, the cpu?

[orionlion82]

i am allso running crucial DDR 400 - 4X 512MB - timings by SPD
Right now, i am running my 2.8 northwood at full load, O/C @ 3.4GHZ
on a P4P800Deluxe
i am running 2.75V into the ram, and it is stable.
even if you dont O/C try 2.65V on that ram, it may solve your stability issues.
It May however, add more heat, and cause problms in that way, and allso put more of a strain on that PSU, in which - things will get worse, not better. However, if things get worse, it becomes much more clear that the PSU is at fault.
Edit: since it is a problem under load, I wouldnt be so quick to rule out heat. have you dusted your rig recently?

[Electron Chaser]

THanks guys, I will try this stuff. I know this site is for overclocking but I don't overclock since my ram(crucial ddr400) gets many errors when i do so. The crashes usually happen during intense games like doom3 or command and conquer generals. I have the latest drivers and a new(old model- 9600 pro) graphics card which is not oc'd either, so i don't think its overheating. The crashes also happen alot when watching o.c episodes for some reason :p. also what is the +3.3v, the cpu?

It still could be a video card issue. Go search for Nvidia File remover. AKA Nasty File Remover. Uninstall all your drivers then reinstall the latest drivers fresh and clean. BTW what are your temps?