Question PSU's 12V rail running at only 8.8V. Is it normal?

[Veloci]

 

[Ralston18]

Likely not.

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS.

Include PSU information: make, model, wattage, age, condition.

Reference link for testing:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-manually-test-a-power-supply-with-a-multimeter-2626158

 

[PC Tailor]

This is likely an incorrect reading. If any of your rails fall outside of +/- 5%, it needs replacing, but that low would likely cause obvious issues.
What is your PSU make and model?

I tend to use HWInfo and it tends to give better readings. Using a multimeter to test the rails is also an option, but this only covers voltages at idle.

 

[Veloci]

I'm sorry, I should've mentioned the specs earlier.

Casing: TFX Stone.
CPU: Intel i5 650.
Motherboard: Intel DH55TC.
OS: Windows 7 (Home Basic) 64-Bit.
PSU: FSP 300-60GHT (85+ Bronze).

The PC has no GPU. The only expansion card it currently has is a network card (Don't know what they are called).

I can't check it with a voltmeter as it's an office PC!

Thanks!

 

[Ralston18]

Office PC - who is the Office IT person?

Most offices/businesses take a dim view of employees working on or otherwise tinkering with company devices.

Too many things can go wrong and not end well for anyone.

Report the problem(s) to the applicable person or your manager. Request that the PC be fixed.

 

[jsmithepa]

8.8v on 12v rail? NOOOOOOOO! but I have a feeling you are reading something bogus, 'cuz that much undervolt would have crashed the PC by now.

 

[Veloci]

Most offices/businesses take a dim view of employees working on or otherwise tinkering with company devices.

That's the problem! And since I work in a small educational institution, there's no I.T department or even an I.T guy! When something breaks, they just buy us a new one! They have no regard for preventive maintenance.

In any case; I'll buy a PSU tester and see what it says. I always wanted to buy one, but never had a good reason, until now...

 

[Ralston18]

Fair enough.

Do post what tester you purchase or are considering to purchase. Someone else following this thread may comment accordingly.

In any case do be very careful and do some reading and planning before you start testing.

Use the tester safely.

Ensure that you understand what the tester does and does not indicate.

Be thorough and work to confirm any given problem before "fixing".

 

[Veloci]

Thanks, mate!

I'm thinking about ordering this from AliExpress:
PSU Tester - AliExpress

Video tutorial / review:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukcmp2EkYA0


It's quite cheap and seems to be rather accurate. But do let me know if you've other suggestions.

 

[PC Tailor]

Thanks, mate!

I'm thinking about ordering this from AliExpress:
PSU Tester - AliExpress

Video tutorial / review:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukcmp2EkYA0


It's quite cheap and seems to be rather accurate. But do let me know if you've other suggestions.

These are quite good actually, you'll want one that can actually read individual voltages as that one does - but I would say don't expect it to last forever!
It will certainly help clarify the issue you are encountering, just be wary for future reference that the PSU testers don't guarantee if the PSU is working or not. They just look for something obviously wrong, and if they pass, doesn't mean they are OK, but if they fail, it definitely means there is a problem.

The other side of the PSU testers to consider is they only check voltages at idle, whereas many PSUs throw out problems when itself or other components are put under load. So a PSU tester can pass a PSU normally in this scenario, but once the PSU comes under load back in the system, it's voltages start fluctuating for example.

They are great and handy tools, just come with their precautions.

 

[Ralston18]

Not familiar with that tester. However, at that price, very likely low end quality.

Plus, if you look at the enlarged photo showing the ports the SATA connection is out of alignment - likely cosmetic but clearly not showing their "best".

Look for other similar testers - especially those with high ratings from professional reviewers and verified purchasers.

A poor tester will provide poor and misleading results. And may "pass" an unacceptable PSU.

Once you identify a couple of candidate testers visit the manufacturer's websites. Read the tester's User Guides and Manuals. Check site FAQs and Forums (if any). Look for what is both said and unsaid.

 

[ElectrO_90]

You could just use a multi-meter and check voltages - although a lot more difficult if it goes down under load.

8.8V can happen - it means devices may or may not work, but it does mean the power draw goes up considerably
12v and 12w = 1 amp
8.8v and 12w = 1.4 amps

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Software won't read voltages correctly , at 8.8 Computer wouldn't even run in most scenarios , if it was accurate.