Am I underpowered?

Cheator · 02-25-06, 05:06 AM

I have a nice Seasonic 500w PSU. I love it alot but I am REALLY having issues with my system (mostly seeming related to my Video card). I was wondering if it could be bcause it is underpowered.

My specs are in my sig but I will repeat them here:

Opteron 165 @ ~2400 mhz when I had issues( seems to have subsided once I downclocked)
Big Typhoon with stock fan
5 other 120 mm fans
80 gb 7200rpm hard drive
LG Burner (burns everything)
x850 XT PE (surely drawing alot of power) generall Oced to about 575/601

I was worried in the beginning about not having enough power. Here are some of the symptoms I am experiencing:

- 3DMark 03 turns t oa black screen, though my monitor is still getting a signal. The system is frozen at this point.
- Restarting causes my system to just... sit there, fans spinning at full speed
- Power led indicator blinks sometimes before posting process...
- Sometimes freezes on post
- I have once seen corrupted characters in BIOS

I am at a loss. I tried exchanging my motherboard a while ago, and they found nothing wrong with it. I have gone through different CPUs, and it seems that it is worst with my opty 165.

Any help would be appreciated guys. Thanks.

Enablingwolf · 02-25-06, 05:13 AM

Minus the CPU, I am running more hungry components then you and getting by with a 450. I would say that light of a system should be fine with a 500 watter.

Have you tested the PSU with a multimeter?

Cheator · 02-25-06, 05:17 AM

I don't really know how, and if it involves opening it I just simply...don't open PSUs. I don't open alot.

Enablingwolf · 02-25-06, 05:20 AM

For testing a PSU with a MM all you do is use the Molex plug.

To test the 5v look for the red and find a black. For the 12V find the yellow. You can also test off the main motherboard plug. Molex are easier IMO.

You can test under idle or load doing this.

Cheator · 02-25-06, 05:22 AM

Ok i think i will then. Thanks, I will post the results.

Enablingwolf · 02-25-06, 05:23 AM

Here is a guide to guide you along. Faster then me trying to type it out. Plus it has pics for your enjoyment.

http://www.driverheaven.net/guides/testingPSU/

Cheator · 02-27-06, 07:20 AM

Welp, I tried it and I can't seem to get any reading at all. The leads might be too short, so I am at a loss for now. One thing that concerns me is that my ATX power supply tester gives me a Danger light. I have a hard time beliving it since it is a powmax, and not an antec. It is also for 20 pin rather than 24 pin.

I am currently running it at around 2100 mhz and it seems ok, but as soon as I cna afford it I am going to get a nice big 600 W PSU. If that does nothing, I know it is this damned DFI and promise to get rid of the damned thing as soon as I can!

Thanks agfain for the help. I now know that when I get a decent MM, I can see just how good my psu is.

Cheator · 03-02-06, 06:26 AM

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...2418&sku=16184

I am lookign to get this PSU. It looks like it differs from the TPII with the 120 mm fan (which I am told gets really hot) and I was wondering if I should try this sucker. Anyone have any experience with it? I am just HOPING it solves my issues...

Mad Butter · 03-02-06, 11:08 AM

If your going to pay 115 or so, go with the OCZ Powerstream 520w. it has a great 12v rail and very powerful. plus it has cool led's in the back to let you know if you are overpowered, underpowered, or a green led means you are in range. check it out. http://www.atacom.com/program/print_...26&USER_ID=www

Cheator · 03-02-06, 08:13 PM

I have heard good things... but the Truecontrol II 550 W is about 100 bucks.

Btw, my ATX tester does infact say that my Seasonic 500w is having issues with it's -5v. It IS a 20 pin tester but it should still work. Anyway, I think I am getting the TCII. I like antec and I might stick with them.

ckj · 03-02-06, 11:43 PM

I heard that DFI boards take too much from the -5 rail and cause problems with seasonic PSUs. I'm not if it affects the 500w, I know it affects the 600w though, but I thought it was only a cold boot issue. Maybe someone more knowledgeable might come along.

Cheator · 03-03-06, 01:26 PM

I would certain'y understand. it takes a molex and a berg which are 5v if I am not mistaken. Anyway, it is a nice PSU, just couldn't take the heat...

Cheator · 03-04-06, 01:39 PM

In the meantime while I save up, does anyone see an issue with me using my Antec TPI 430w? Its a very nice, very stable PSU that runs my Opty 144, Neo2 plat, and FX5700.

EDIT: I mean using it for my Opteron 165 rig.

02-25-06, 05:06 AM	Thread Starter #1
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	Am I underpowered? I have a nice Seasonic 500w PSU. I love it alot but I am REALLY having issues with my system (mostly seeming related to my Video card). I was wondering if it could be bcause it is underpowered. My specs are in my sig but I will repeat them here: Opteron 165 @ ~2400 mhz when I had issues( seems to have subsided once I downclocked) Big Typhoon with stock fan 5 other 120 mm fans 80 gb 7200rpm hard drive LG Burner (burns everything) x850 XT PE (surely drawing alot of power) generall Oced to about 575/601 I was worried in the beginning about not having enough power. Here are some of the symptoms I am experiencing: - 3DMark 03 turns t oa black screen, though my monitor is still getting a signal. The system is frozen at this point. - Restarting causes my system to just... sit there, fans spinning at full speed - Power led indicator blinks sometimes before posting process... - Sometimes freezes on post - I have once seen corrupted characters in BIOS I am at a loss. I tried exchanging my motherboard a while ago, and they found nothing wrong with it. I have gone through different CPUs, and it seems that it is worst with my opty 165. Any help would be appreciated guys. Thanks. __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

02-25-06, 05:13 AM	#2
Enablingwolf Senior Member overclocking at the speed of plaid Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Strongsville	Minus the CPU, I am running more hungry components then you and getting by with a 450. I would say that light of a system should be fine with a 500 watter. Have you tested the PSU with a multimeter? __________________ No one ever expects Aloysius Snuffleupagus
	QUOTE Thanks

02-25-06, 05:17 AM	Thread Starter #3
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	I don't really know how, and if it involves opening it I just simply...don't open PSUs. I don't open alot. __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

02-25-06, 05:20 AM	#4
Enablingwolf Senior Member overclocking at the speed of plaid Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Strongsville	For testing a PSU with a MM all you do is use the Molex plug. To test the 5v look for the red and find a black. For the 12V find the yellow. You can also test off the main motherboard plug. Molex are easier IMO. You can test under idle or load doing this. __________________ No one ever expects Aloysius Snuffleupagus
	QUOTE Thanks

02-25-06, 05:22 AM	Thread Starter #5
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	Ok i think i will then. Thanks, I will post the results. __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

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02-25-06, 05:23 AM	#6
Enablingwolf Senior Member overclocking at the speed of plaid Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Strongsville	Here is a guide to guide you along. Faster then me trying to type it out. Plus it has pics for your enjoyment. http://www.driverheaven.net/guides/testingPSU/ __________________ No one ever expects Aloysius Snuffleupagus
	QUOTE Thanks

02-27-06, 07:20 AM	Thread Starter #7
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	Welp, I tried it and I can't seem to get any reading at all. The leads might be too short, so I am at a loss for now. One thing that concerns me is that my ATX power supply tester gives me a Danger light. I have a hard time beliving it since it is a powmax, and not an antec. It is also for 20 pin rather than 24 pin. I am currently running it at around 2100 mhz and it seems ok, but as soon as I cna afford it I am going to get a nice big 600 W PSU. If that does nothing, I know it is this damned DFI and promise to get rid of the damned thing as soon as I can! Thanks agfain for the help. I now know that when I get a decent MM, I can see just how good my psu is. __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

03-02-06, 06:26 AM	Thread Starter #8
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...2418&sku=16184 I am lookign to get this PSU. It looks like it differs from the TPII with the 120 mm fan (which I am told gets really hot) and I was wondering if I should try this sucker. Anyone have any experience with it? I am just HOPING it solves my issues... __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

03-02-06, 11:08 AM	#9
Mad Butter Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: CT	OCZ Powerstream 520W If your going to pay 115 or so, go with the OCZ Powerstream 520w. it has a great 12v rail and very powerful. plus it has cool led's in the back to let you know if you are overpowered, underpowered, or a green led means you are in range. check it out. http://www.atacom.com/program/print_...26&USER_ID=www __________________ Apple Cinema HD Display 23" Samsung SyncMaster 172x Asus A8N-SLI 64 3700+ San Diego 2GB Corsair XMS 3200 nVidia Geforce 7800gt 2 36GB WD Raptors in Raid 0 2 300GB Western Digital & Maxtor SATA in Raid 1 80GB SE Western Digital HD (8mb) SoundBlaster Audigy X-fi Platnium Plextor PX-740A Samsung DVD-ROM 430W Thermaltake PSU Antec Modifyied Case
	QUOTE Thanks

03-02-06, 08:13 PM	Thread Starter #10
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	I have heard good things... but the Truecontrol II 550 W is about 100 bucks. Btw, my ATX tester does infact say that my Seasonic 500w is having issues with it's -5v. It IS a 20 pin tester but it should still work. Anyway, I think I am getting the TCII. I like antec and I might stick with them. __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

03-02-06, 11:43 PM	#11
ckj Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ca, USA	I heard that DFI boards take too much from the -5 rail and cause problems with seasonic PSUs. I'm not if it affects the 500w, I know it affects the 600w though, but I thought it was only a cold boot issue. Maybe someone more knowledgeable might come along.
	QUOTE Thanks

03-03-06, 01:26 PM	Thread Starter #12
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	I would certain'y understand. it takes a molex and a berg which are 5v if I am not mistaken. Anyway, it is a nice PSU, just couldn't take the heat... __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

03-04-06, 01:39 PM	Thread Starter #13
Cheator Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada	In the meantime while I save up, does anyone see an issue with me using my Antec TPI 430w? Its a very nice, very stable PSU that runs my Opty 144, Neo2 plat, and FX5700. EDIT: I mean using it for my Opteron 165 rig. __________________ Optimus (Main): Antec P180, Asus P5Q-E, E8400, 4 GB G.Skill PC8000, ATI 4850, Seagate 320gb, Antec TrueControl II Teletraan I (htpc): Asus M2N-E, X2 4400+, 2 GB DDR2, ATI 3450, Sapphire Theatrix, 1.25TB storage, Antec SP2 400w Galvatron: Asus M2NPV-VM, 4200+ X2, 2GB DDR2, ATI 2900xt, Seasonic 500w Tracks: Acer AS5920, C2D 2.1ghz 45nm, 3GB DDR2, Nvidia 8600m GT, 250gb hdd Gears: Asus Eee PC 701, 1 GB DDR, Win XP My Heatware! "Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side and it holds the universe together." - Malpine Walis
	QUOTE Thanks

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