is my power supply failing?

[linux-5ZoueyuiTZhBDgjK7y7TUQ at public.gmane.org]

> Hi folks,
>
> I've been having some trouble with hard freezes/crashes and installed
> the lm-sensors package on my debian sid box.  It gives readings that
> sound   somewhat scary, e.g.:
>
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> VCore 1: +1.78 V (min = +1.42 V, max = +1.57 V)
> [ALARM]
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> VCore 2: +1.25 V (min = +2.40 V, max = +2.61 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> +3.3V: +3.10 V (min = +3.14 V, max = +3.47 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> +5V: +4.60 V (min = +4.76 V, max = +5.24 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> +12V: +12.99 V (min = +11.39 V, max = +12.61 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> -12V: -10.67 V (min = -12.63 V, max = -11.41 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> -5V: -8.86 V (min = -5.26 V, max = -4.77 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:37:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> fan2: 0 RPM (min = 3013 RPM, div = 8) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:01 anarres /USR/SBIN/CRON[19578]: (mail) CMD (  if [ -x
> /usr/lib/exim/exim3 -a -f /etc/exim/exim.conf ]; then /usr/lib
> /exim/exim3 -q ; fi)
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> VCore 1: +1.81 V (min = +1.42 V, max = +1.57 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> VCore 2: +1.25 V (min = +2.40 V, max = +2.61 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> +3.3V: +3.12 V (min = +3.14 V, max = +3.47 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> +5V: +4.60 V (min = +4.76 V, max = +5.24 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> +12V: +12.99 V (min = +11.39 V, max = +12.61 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> -12V: -10.67 V (min = -12.63 V, max = -11.41 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> -5V: -8.86 V (min = -5.26 V, max = -4.77 V) [ALARM]
> May  4 05:38:23 anarres sensord: Sensor alarm: Chip it87-isa-0290:
> fan2: 0 RPM (min = 3013 RPM, div = 8) [ALARM]
>
>
> my question:  how do I find out more about what are acceptable voltage
> levels on Power Supply outputs? for instance I'm getting a +12 voltage
> of about 13.0 (not in this particular case, I knw):  is this way out
> of spec?  If so, will changing my PS fix thep roblem?
>
> thanks a lot for your help,
>
> matt

That doesn't look too good...

Generally there is a sticker on the side of your PSU that *should* tell
you the designer's expected variation levels per voltage rail. Anything
over 5% on the <5vDC rails and 10% on the 12vDC rails though makes me
nervous, given how sensitive things are.

If you do need to replace your PSU, one of my all-time favourites for rock
steady voltage rails is the Antec TruePower (TP) line. Remember though,
don't get the highest wattage you can afford! PSUs are most efficient at a
percentage of their maximum load (generally around 75% of their max). So
if you're drawing around 250w, a 330/350w(ish) PSU will be best for your
hydro bill. :p

HTH!

Madison

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