Is my PSU knackered?

sp00d · 12 Nov 2007 at 20:45

Basically, I came home tonight, tried to play WoW and noticed the FPS were 1/10th what they normally are. I windowed down and saw that an Nvidia warning was up basically telling me that the software is throttling the Graphics card due to insufficient power.

I booted speedfan and I noticed that the -12 and -5 rails are quite low. Now, I never really understood what the point of MINUS volts was, but anyway, here is the image:

So can someone tell me:

a) What are the minus voltage rails for
b) Is this the probable cause of my graphics problems?

Thanks

Will_3rd · 12 Nov 2007 at 20:49

PSU?

Can't really trust software, need a multimeter to be really sure.

sp00d · 12 Nov 2007 at 20:56

Will_3rd said:
PSU?

Can't really trust software, need a multimeter to be really sure.

I don't really want to buy a multimeter when that money can go towards a new PSU

MBM is also saying the negative rail readings are very low.

Surely the fact they are SO low in multiple software tools signifies something wrong?

If not, i will buy a multimeter (begrudgingly!)

Will_3rd · 12 Nov 2007 at 20:58

What brand is your PSU btw?

sp00d · 12 Nov 2007 at 21:48

Will_3rd said:
What brand is your PSU btw?

Jeantech

I was in Ireland at the Gfs, and needed a PSU asap to try out my 2nd hand PCI-E graphics card. Unfortunately, all I had access to was PC World.

Surprisingly, it has given me no problems for over a year. It has been quiet and reliable. It is also newer than the graphics card, which is why im reluctant to blame the PSU.