TeeTeeTee Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I've just purchased a new self-assembled computer (specifications in profile), but can't get it to boot up Windows, or even run in the BIOS stage for more than a minute or two. When it's been running for more than a minute or so, or when it attempts to load Windows, even safe mode, the screen goes blank and doesn't come on again until the computer is restarted. All fans inside the computer keep going after this happens, and I know the monitor is fine since it works with another computer. I checked the video card on another computer, and it had no problems after running for over 18 hours. I also tried a different smaller video card in the same slot on the motherboard, and it still worked fine after being on for over three hours - I don't have the model number of the card to hand, but it was 256MB and didn't require any extra power cables. The Radeon 4870HD requires two PCI-E 6-pin cables. Since the computer boots up with a smaller graphics card, yet the Radeon was tested as working, is it possible that the power supply isn't producing enough power? I managed to jot down the voltage readings from the BIOS before it froze again: VCore: 1.312VDDR2 1.8V: 1.936V+3.3V: 2.800V+12V: 11.985V Is that odd voltage the cause of the problem, or a symptom? Any help or insight would be much appreciated. edit (14/11/09): Replacement PSU arrived, voltage was measured at 3.3V by the onboard voltmeters, and everything's working fine. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorel_81 Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 Try with an BIOS update Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeTeeTee Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 Already tried that, no difference. However, I tried the power supply in an older computer, and the 3.3V reading was better - consistently above 3.1V, at least. Can a PSU produce different voltages on different systems, or is it a fault with the motherboard? Or is it just that the onboard voltmeters are totally inaccurate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorel_81 Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Motherboard voltage monitor program or BIOS could indicate wrong value. PSU rail voltage is different from one system to other. Try to measure all voltage rail with an digital multimeter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeTeeTee Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 Okay, I've measured the voltages with a digital multimeter - all the 3.3V rails (on the 24-pin connector) read 2.88V. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorel_81 Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 The ATX V2.2 tolerance for 3.3v rail should be in ±5% range, that's mean 3.17v(min) 3.30v(norm) 3.47v(max). 2.88v is under minimal voltage range, this is not good. Try to start your computer with minimal hardware component, try to reduce any consummer and check your voltage again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted October 22, 2009 Corsair Employees Share Posted October 22, 2009 It looks like the 3.3v rail is slightly out of spec, lets get it replaced! Please use the On Line RMA Request Form and we will be happy to replace it. Be sure to check the box that says “I've already spoken to Technical Support and/or RAM Guy.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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