Hardware Monitor Reports +3.3v as 2.65+- ... Expl please :S

[braden87]

Asus A7V8X-X amd 2500+ oced to 3200+
2 maxtor drives 80gig, 250gig
CHaintech gforce 5200 256mb
512 gen ram

Been using this system +- 3 years, just recently hardware monitor started detecting an error. the "+3.3V Voltage" (i have no idea what that is) has its value in red and it states anywhere from 2.62-2.65.

Is this a problem with my motherboard or powersupply?
Also the fan just burnt on my video card, replaced it, still having some freezing issues in graphics intense games, could this be a piece of crap video card messing things up?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
- Braden

 

[The_Prophecy]

Hi Braden,

If the 3.3V rail is going out of range, the power supply probably needs to be replaced, especially if it's 3 years old. Since you seem to need to start replacing parts (and given your current specs), now would be a good time to upgrade everything. If this is an option, reply with how much you would want to spend on a new system and i'll see what I can do. If this isn't an option, here's what I would go for, for a new PSU (and video card if you can afford it).

Power Supply: Antec Truepower 380W

Video Card: eVGA Geforce 6600

 

[wingsofzion]

Ok it looks like your PC is seeing reaching it's golden years. Time for a lil Viagra. I'd suggest three critical upgrades: New PSU, new vid card and more memory. PSU wise, the one Prophecy suggested is a good one. As for vid cards, that current one your using is dieing a slow death. Upgrade to a 7800GS (you'll REALLY need that new PSU for this one). After that maybe upgrade to 1GB or even 2GB. 512 mem is very low for running games of the current gen. If your looking to upgrade further maybe get a faster CPU in the AMD line that your mobo will support. This kinda upgrade is not that expensive if your shop at the right places. But it seems your PC is on it's last legs. From your PSU to your vid card. A few upgrades is very much in order.

 

[braden87]

Sigh,

Almost immediatly after I started this topic my computer stopped booting all together. When I power on, the monitor goes from standby to on, but I see nothing (black), normally if there's no signal, my monitor says so (it's a viewsonic), but it says nothing. I replaced my power supply because I found a very nice on for 25$ on tigerdirect.

HOWEVER, upon replacing the PS my computer still will not boot and does the same thing .... so I am left with what options? replace video card?


thanks for the help guys

 

[The_Prophecy]

Sounds like the mobo is more likely than the video card....

 

[waylander]

What exact psu did you find for $25? Not saying you need the best 1kw psu but $25 seems a little low for a good psu.

Do you get any beep codes when you are trying to boot? Are all the lights and fans coming on?

Are you sure that your video card didn't get damaged when the fan died?

 

[maury73]

With the symptoms you described 90% are the mainboard capacitors: they don't last forever, especially with OCed CPUs that put the VCore converters under great stress.

If you can replace the caps do a try, otherwise ask a friend to try his PSU in order to make sure it is really only the mobo: you'll don't damage it even if the mobo is fried, all PSUs are very well protected for overloads and short circuits.

 

[braden87]

I found an ultra 500W PS with the customizable cables (use only what u need) UV glowing and all for 25$ on tiger direct, I think it was an error, because now I see it on there for $125.... oh well their mistake

Yea I think it's the motherboard too, video card worked after I replaced the VGA fan.

If im replacing my Mobo, I'll need a new proc, memory and vid card because my card is AGP... this is sad news indeed.... looks like im stuck on this 300$ dell till I can save 500+ ... thanks for the help guys

 

[braden87]

So I've ordered a new Socket A mobo instead because I don't think I will have enough cash to buy a new computer, going to school this fall, expensive...

It's an Epox Model EP-8KRAI-PRO http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=E452-2406 ... Any good? Will I be able to overclock as well as with my Asus?

 

[braden87]

Got the epox installed, I have graphic output so it was the mobo

... however... HD is detected correctly but as soon as it tries to boot from HD bios freezes.

If I change boot order to CD before HD it says Booting from CD: then freeze... if HD is first in boot order it just freezes...

any idea what the problem could be

 

[The_Prophecy]

After replacing a motherboard, the operating system needs to be reinstalled. If you get lucky, you can do a repair install and not lose any of your data or other settings. If the system continues to freeze while trying to boot from the drive after you complete the first stage of the repair install, the hard drive will need to be wiped. If it comes to this point, put the drive in another computer and back up whatever data you want to keep.

 

[braden87]

I forgot motherboard replacement means reformat... I guess it couldn't read HDs... anyways everythigns good now except trying to play games... it will totally freeze (ctrl alt del even does nothing) at random points during gta:san andreas as well as when I play my half life MP games (only certain maps, other are completely fine) ... also I get wierd screen flashes when starting up, and after i hit advanced in settings under display properties, it flashes again when I hit geforce 5200 @ the top of that screen and again when I go to the actual nvidia settings page...
I'm using media centre edition, which I wasn't before... does this problem sound like anything to do with MCE or is my video card cooked?