Voltages on PSU

[Tedster]

I'm getting the following for voltages on my voltmeter: 11.66 on 12V rail, 5.08v on 5v rail,and 3.27 on 3.5v rail for my PSU. Is this good?

It's a generic 600W PSU.

 

[howard_hopkinso]

Nothing to worry about there mate.

+ or _ 5% variation of the voltages is acceptable. Your voltages are well within that range. The amount of amps delivered on the 12volt rail is something you should take a look at. The info should be on the psu label.

Regards Howard

 

[iss]

I agree with howard the voltages look fine.

 

[Tedster]

thanks. I'll test the amps and let you know.

I noticed the 3.5 rail is a hair under voltage. I'll retest.

 

[i_am_a_newbie]

thanks. I'll test the amps and let you know.

I noticed the 3.5 rail is a hair under voltage. I'll retest.

you mean the 3.3V rail?

 

[howard_hopkinso]

you mean the 3.3V rail?

Well spotted mate lol. It it is indeed a 3.3volt rail and not 3.5volts.

Regards Howard

 

[KingCody]

the ATX specification states that +/-5% is acceptable (as howard already mentioned)

but even cheap PSUs will often have good voltage readings when idle, but they will often fluctuate more than +/-5% when taxed. and since it's a "generic 600w", it will probably become taxed at around 350w~400w.

I am guessing that you read those voltages at idle or low-load? if those readings were under full load then you got very lucky with a "good generic" (nice oxymoron... hehe )

cheers :wave:

 

[Tedster]

I did a PSU calculator and with all my gear to include lights etc (which I don't use and turn off), my wattage requirements come out to about 300W.

So I think I have plenty of headroom on the PSU. I'm returning my burned out graphics card for replacement. I'm debating whether or not to replace the PSU. The voltages appear ok under idle.
I have no way to test under load as the graphics card is dead.

 

[KingCody]

300w is an average requirement for a modern system. (add 100w extra for dual video card systems). but the total wattage rating on a PSU is pretty much useless because it's what makes up that wattage that's important.

socket-A (which I believe is what you have) and all newer platforms rely heavily on the +12v rail. did the PSU calculator give a +12v amperage requirement?