Power supply problem...?

on my kids computer, running winxp, the components are failing one after another it seems. Over a period of 12 months we have replaced , ram, cd burner, network card, floppy disk drive, and now the video card is not working. It sounds to me like the power supply is not right...perhaps the voltages are too high. I have no way to test it under load...i wonder how the factory tests the supplies?

 

Check your voltages if available in BIOS. If not then download Everest Home.
http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=3
Under the Computer/Sensor TAB you should see some voltages, if this sensor is supported?

Is your mains supply clean. Do your house lights flicker, go dim, bright at all?

 

Paul,
Downloaded the program and checked the voltages.....and all seem to be ok. 12 volt rail is 13.1v but I think it is ok.

 

That's a pretty high normal for the 12 v. reading. That's 9% over spec, barely allowable. For comparison, mine runs 11.78 v. All things considered, I'd opt for a new PS. They're cheap and if delaying fries other components, you'll pay the price either way.

 

My work PC is showing 11.94 or 12.00. Whilst 1v increase isn't ideal, I'd be concerned if a number of things started blowing at a 1v increase. But how accurate is the Everest sensor. I don't know, so could be higher in reality? Can you beg, borrow or pilage a PSU, plug it into your existing system and compare voltages?
I guess a new one is cheap, even to buy given your luck thus far.

 

In the BIOS the 12v rail is showing 12.3-12.5 and in the Everest program it shows over 13. I guess I will need to use a tester to independently verify the voltages. If I need to get a new supply what should I buy? I know the ANTEC brand and HEC. How good are these brands?

 

Chuck_W

I think that your suspicion is likely correct and since psu's and so inexpensive, a suspicion is a good enough reason to get a new one. No preference in national brands.