Do I need yet another new PSU?

Hi guys,

quick history: I had a problem with my PC system. Random reboots and BSOD.
Turns out it was the PSU. Replaced it with a bigger, better and more expensive one about two weeks ago and didn't have a prob since.

Now, I also replaced the video card. And since replacing it I've been experiencing some voltage fluctuations and CPU fan speed variances.

First, here are my system specs:

-CPU: AMD Athlon64 4000+ ( "San Diego" 1.4v core)
-M/B: Asus A8V Deluxe (AGP system)
-RAM: Corsair TwinX 2048C2 (2-3-3-6 timing) 2GB
-Video: Gainward Bliss 7800GS+ AGP 512MB
-Audio: M-Audio Delta 2496 PCI
-Two (2) DVD-Burners (LG & Plextor)
-Two (2) harddrives: 2x Samsung 250GB SATA-2 drives (SP2504C)
-Running WinXP Home SP2 all drivers, updates and firmwares up to date.

here's a pic of my new PSU:
http://home.arcor.de/schneidas/DSC01240.JPG

In theory, that should provide me with sufficient power (33A max on 12V rail, 530watts).

Here's what I'm experiencing:
I've been monitoring the voltages on Lavalys' "Everest" and noticed the following:
Since I installed the new Gainward videocard (had a ATI9800PRO prior) I had these "anomalies "(?):

1.)CPU fan speed:
went from 1907RPM (pretty constant with the ATI card & the new PSU) to
1875RPM (occasionally decrasing to 1865RPM then increasing to 1889RPM or back up to 1907RPM) (with the new Gainward video card)

2.)CPU Core voltage ranging from 1.41V often dropping to 1.36V or 1.37V or 1.39V or back up to 1.41V (with the new Gainward video card)

3.)the worst one being the 3.3V being constantly at 3.23V or 3.25V (with the new Gainward video card) but i.e. when stressing the video card I even saw numbers as low as 3.17V or 3.16V

4.)The 12V voltage remains pretty much constant at 12.10V or 12.03V, but when stressing the video card it is dropping very rarely to 11.97V.
The 5V voltage also pretty constant at 5.05V, when stressing the card it can drop seldomly to 5.03V


So, are these numbers healthy or should I start worrying and replace the PSU yet again? Maybe RMA it?
(I'm especially concearned about the frequent drop of the CPU core voltage and especially the constant much less 3.3V)
Btw, no crashes, BSOD's or anything yet (knocking on wood) just these voltage fluctuations and CPU fan speed variances.

I've heard that a bad PSU can cause damage to your hardware.
I'd hate to replace a new PSU but if the life of my CPU, video card and hardware depend on this I'd rather replace a bad PSU than all the hardware

What do you guys think?
Thanks,
Schneidas

 

How about replacing the new card with the old one to see if that restores constancy to the fan and voltages? Might not be the PSU. Personally, I wouldn't worry though.

 

Ok, I'll try that.

Btw, something else.
I figured lemme see how the voltages are in the M/B BIOS and there I get this:
12V is constant at 12.03, 5V is constant at 5.03V, CPU Vcore is varying from 1.44 to 1.45 and the 3.3V remains constant at 3.232V.
Also, the CPU Fan Speed is varying between 1907RPM, 1875RPM and 1889RPM in BIOS.
So BIOS confirms the VCore fluctuations and the fan speed changes.
(although slightly different and healthier numbers - at least for the VCore voltage).

But there's two things I'm wondering:
1.)Which numbers to trust? Is BIOS voltages more accurate?
2.)Also: in BIOS the system is idle. So I wonder if that should be kept in mind.

And: when the GPU is stressed, Everest clearly shows 1.41V going down to even 1.35V's and back up till 1.41V's and so forth...

I don't have a clue? Should I be worrying?

 

Hi Schneidas.

Doesn't appear to be anything wrong. Those fluctuations are normal.

Giles

 

Cool! Thanks very much for the info.