PSU Recommendations

[Olimain]

I've been having a number of problems with my computer for a while now. Constant blue screens. I have had Scan stress test the motherboard and the CPU and have personally memtested the RAM and the HDD - all of which had no faults.

I rebuilt, with the minimum of components, and it was stable until I re-introduced a 2 disk RAID0 again, at which point the BSODs started again. Unplugging just the SATA cables did not solve the problem, however on unplugging the power from both drives has made the system more stable (though still the occasional blue screen when doing intense work).

Does this sound like a PSU problem? If so, could you please recommend me one. The system is used for video capture, encoding and editing (running XP Pro) and so needs to be as stable as possible. It will need to power 3 SATAs, and an IDE DVD drive (I use onboard graphics).

Many Thanks

Oli

[Olimain]

If it helps, the ASUS PC Probe is giving me the following voltage readings:

3.3V: 3.30V
5V: 5.02V
12V:11.80V

[peterb]

What is the make and power rating of your existing PSU?

[Olimain]

All it says on the side is Delta Electronics Inc, 245W, Model: DPS-250AB-22 A

[nightkhaos]

Looks to me like you need MORE POWER. Post your complete system specification and I will estimate the required.

[Olimain]

Gahhh blue screen again.

OK, system is:

ASUS M3A78-VM Mobo
AMD Athlon 7750 Dual Core Black
4 GB Corsair TwinX DDR2-6400
2 x Samsung Spinpoint F1 500GB (Raid0)
1 x Samsung Spinpoint F1 320GB (OS)
1 x Bog standard old DVD-RW IDE Drive
1 x Blackmagic Decklink PCI SDI Card

Thanks

[nightkhaos]

Gahhh blue screen again.

OK, system is:

ASUS M3A78-VM Mobo
AMD Athlon 7750 Dual Core Black
4 GB Corsair TwinX DDR2-6400
2 x Samsung Spinpoint F1 500GB (Raid0)
1 x Samsung Spinpoint F1 320GB (OS)
1 x Bog standard old DVD-RW IDE Drive
1 x Blackmagic Decklink PCI SDI Card

Thanks

With so many drives I would recommend a 450W PSU. 550W if you intend to upgrade the system at all.

[Olimain]

Can you recommend a good one? I'm looking for a solid system, so don't want to skimp on cost.

Many thanks again for your help. Do you think this is what is causing my problems?

[nightkhaos]

Can you recommend a good one? I'm looking for a solid system, so don't want to skimp on cost.

Many thanks again for your help. Do you think this is what is causing my problems?

It is the most likely corrupt.

Here is my recommdation, a Corsair HX 520W @ £73.59.

[Olimain]

My only concern is replacing yet another component for it to turn out it's not the problem. But the general consensus is yes to the PSU being bad?

[nightkhaos]

My only concern is replacing yet another component for it to turn out it's not the problem. But the general consensus is yes to the PSU being bad?

I strongly suspect the PSU. You said that with your RAID attached your system would BSOD. This means that an instablity is caused because of that RAID, as when you removed it the problem went away.

Next you also said that under high load with the RAID removed you still BSOD. This means that as the amount of energy being drawn increases the system becomes unstable.

All of this points to the power supply not being able to provide consistant energy under load, which means it needs to be upgraded.

Weither or not the PSU is the problem is also a null issue, because I can tell you that a 275W PSU WILL NOT run your system in it's current configuration. So even if the problem is something else, you will still need to replace the PSU.

[watercooled]

I'd say check with another PSU first as 275W should be enough for that rig, assuming it's able to output the rated load (my Gaming PC barely hits 250w from the wall under full load). I suspect HDD spin-up current could be to blame but you say it happens when the PC is running. However, the PSU could also be outputting bad voltages under load or a lot of ripple, both of which could cause BSOD. Either way, a PSU upgrade should be a good idea - I'd recommend a corsair CX400 which is great value and should provide plenty of power for your setup. http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/400W-...-year-warranty

Edit: Or even the PSU mentioned in this thread (it's 29.99 now): http://forums.hexus.net/shopping-ret...99-ebuyer.html

[Olimain]

Thank you nightkhaos and watercooled, I've already ordered the Corsair one previously mentioned - as budget isn't really an issue and it seemed to have good reviews, editor's choice etc etc. Fingers crossed it solves the problems.

You've been very helpful.