Antec TruPower II 480watt PSU issues

[Kai Robinson]

I've had this PSU for just over a year now, and it's been almost flawless in its operation. It's not exactly heavily loaded but i have noticed that the voltages it puts out are a little skewed.

5v = 4.7v

3.3v = 3.24v

12v = 12.8v

I'd like to bring these values at least, back into check, especially the 5v and 12v lines. I've heard of people opening these up and playing with trim pots inside, but i've never done this before. I've got a DMM at my disposal, but what else would i need?

Actually, is this even possible?

[HotGore]

What are you using to measure it?

[=ACID RAIN=]

I assume he's using the DMM he mentioned.

You could do that, or I think it might have voltage sense lines. These would be where you see 2 lines going into the ATX plug @ 12v, 5v and 3.3v, for instance. One will be the load line (heavy, thick) and the other will be a thin line used for voltage feedback to the controller IC. If you start with low resistance and work your way up, you can put a resistor inline and raise the voltage that way as well. I'm not sure of the approximate values needed, but if you jump it with a paperclip while it's not hooked to anything else, and find the values to drop the voltage over a wire with resistance, say 0.4 volts, then you might put that inline on the feedback and see what it nets you :)

Obviously your 12v is fine though, if not a little high. That would be best turned down at the pot if it has one, I agree.

[NickS]

All you'd need is your DMM and a screwdriver. If your brave, do it with your PC on. If not, find some old HDD's to simulate a load.

[KTE]

I'm doubting those are gathered using a DMM (?). Those +12V are too high, and the +5V too low, on load they will drop lower. You'll be looking at faulty components if prolonged use at such +12V rails, if real. MB VRM wil stuff up too.

[Kai Robinson]

Those are just the voltages being reported with software...i'd guessing its a bit like vDroop - although isnt that drop still a bit on the severe side?

[SparkyJJO]

Those are just the voltages being reported with software...i'd guessing its a bit like vDroop - although isnt that drop still a bit on the severe side?

There's your problem. Check with a DMM.

However I wouldn't be surprised if the caps in the PSU are fuhjyyu and wouldn't surprise me if they are failing/going to fail. A recap is recommended for the older truepower 2 line. After that, aside from not being 80% efficient and not having APFC, they aren't bad units at all.

[Kai Robinson]

I had considered upgrading to a newer unit, but i think i'm okay for a while yet...unless i'm going to need the new 8-pin power connector if i get a P5E sometime soon...

If it needs re-capping, i can do that myself, rapid electronics should stock everything i need (solid caps, right?) - question is, are all the traces on one side of the PCB? I've never done soldering on both sides of a PCB before, its the only reason i ask :)

Cheers for all the assistance btw :)