Psu high voltage

[The_GamingBeast]

Hi, for the past week my pc has been shutting down randomly, I found out that the voltages on the 5v and 12v rail are very high (5v=5.9-6v and 12v=13.8-14v) is there a way to fix this without buying a new psu, and if that is required which psu would be the best
Cpu: intel core2quad q8200
Gpu: nvidia geforce 8400gs (no oc)
Ram: 4gb 800mhz ddr2
Hdd: ide 160gb 7200rpm

 

[mortemas]

No, you shouldn't mess with the PSU. Just get a new one. A 500w PSU should be fine based on your specs. This one is on sale for $40 right now: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438101&cm_re=500w_psu-_-17-438-101-_-Product

 

[The_GamingBeast]

Thnaks for the quick response 😀

 

[mortemas]

OK, NP. Good luck! Let us know if you need help replacing the PSU.

 

[Rexper]

Where did you get those voltage readings? If from a software, ignore them. They are often very inaccurate. The only way you should measure voltage is using a digital multimeter.

 

[mortemas]

Where did you get those voltage readings? If from a software, ignore them. They are often very inaccurate. The only way you should measure voltage is using a digital multimeter.

True, it can be very inaccurate with software like Speedfan or the like. However, diagnostic data in the BIOS screen is usually the most accurate, followed by monitoring software that comes directly from the mobo manufacturer. If he has a multimeter I agree he should check the voltages.

 

[Paperdoc]

Yes, a good multimeter is better than many software tools. I'd be especially skeptical of third-party software. BUT it's good to check even the multimeter. There was a post here within the past year that came down to a bad meter giving false info. Take the meter and measure the voltage on the terminals of a common automobile battery when the car is NOT running. It should be just over 13 VDC. A common "D cell" flashlight battery should be 1.5 VDC +/- about 0.05. If your meter gets those readings, then it's accurate enough for what OP is doing.