PSU problem

[Vrocipes]

I have a question about PSU, maybe it is a problem, maybe it isn't, that is why i am writing this thread, to figure it out with your problems.

My PSU: LC power 550W LC6550 V2.2

Recently i am having some memory errors sometims, what i know for sure is that memory sticks are ok and that all bios settings are default, and nothing is overheating. So this leaves it to CPU or Motherboard, i ordered new motherboard to try with it first. But i noticed that from PSU is coming some smell, like burning rubber or something. When i cleaned it from dust smell has gone, maybe it was just dust causing the smell.

So i am thinking, could the PSU cause all those troubles, and should i buy new one before i try new motherboard so i dont waste that one too, if PSU wasted last one by any chance?

Or if voltages are ok and psu doesnt smell anymore it will be fine?

Hope you understand what i wrote, cause i maybe complicated it a bit.

Thanks for any help i will from you guys!

[mpilchfamily]

A list of system components would really help. But i can tell you right now that the PSU in question is a poor one. I suspect you have a fairly decent system. If you have anything like an 8800GT or better in your system that PSU is not able to support it. Never cheap out on the PSU.

[Vrocipes]

My configuration:
Intel Core 2 duo E6550
Asus P5KC
XFX 8800GT
2x1gb Patriot extreme performance (i also tried geil sticks, same problem)
Seagate 320gb

Do you really think that my PSU cant handle that config?

Thanks for help, bye.

[mpilchfamily]

Yep just as i suspected. Your PSU is just barely able to support your system and has finally given out. Sure the PSU has more then enough wattage. But its a matter of how that wattage is distributed among the voltage rails. Your system needs a PSU that can offer between 26A and 28A on the combined 12v Rails. On top of that if its a poor quality unit it can't sustain that kind of a load for very long and quickly wears out. From what i can find about your PSU it has 2 12V rails rated at 18A each. But the wattage available to the 12V rails is only about 300W at best meaning the 12V rails only have 25A available to them. Keep in mind the amperage ratings on the rails are what the rails are rated to handle without failing and not the actual amount of current available to each rail. Have a look at the label and see if it mentions the exact wattage on just the 12V rails. If I'm correct that the PSU only offers about 25A on the 12V rails its no wonder your having problems.

A system that is under powered can exhibit all sorts of problems that make it seam like other components are at fault. The PSU influences every part of your system. So the first thing you need to do is get a better PSU that can support your system properly. Then see if your still having any problems with the system.

[Vrocipes]

Thanks for answer. I have just changed my motherboard to P5Q PRO and i also changed PSU to Enermax liberty 500W. I think that this PSU should work just fine. It works ok for now.

One other thing, maybe not related to this but still. I had some boot problems with memory, like i said i have 2x1gb Patriot extreme performance 800mhz and 2x1gb Geil black dragon 800 mhz. Sometimes system booted up, sometimes it didnt, then i changed a bit the order of memory sticks and seems fine for now. I let all memory settings on auto and here i wana know if i am making a mistake, and should i make latences and voltage as specified on ram sticks rather than leave all on auto?

Thanks a lot, bye!

[mpilchfamily]

You may wan to check the voltage settings on the RAM. Make sure they match what the RAM needs. You may even have to take it up another 0.1V to get things stable.

I'm sure your limited on PSU choices but I'll give you this warning anyway. The Enermax liberty has some reliability issues. For the most part they are a good PSU but they do have a higher then normal failure rate after about 18 months of use. I will say its a hell of allot better then the one you had.

[Vrocipes]

On memory it is specified 2.2V, but at much lower latences, so bios sets them propery for 1.8V, at least it should? But i will raise voltage for 0.1V to make it more stable. Probably not best choice of 2 different manufacturers, but ok.

About PSU i didnt know, but all i can say is that 12V line is higher than 12V now, before it was under 12V.

Thank you, bye.

[mpilchfamily]

If the RAM calls for 2.2V and you have only 1.8V then you need to at least have it at 2V. That should fix the boot problems.

[Vrocipes]

Even if that 2.2V is for much lower latences?
So that means if i look on CPUZ for memory latences at 1.8V, and i set them, this still isnt what should be? And i better raise voltage to at least 2.0V to get stability?

Thanks, bye!

[mpilchfamily]

Even if you are running the DIMMS looser then there specs they still need some added voltage. You may be running it loose on timings but what about the speed your running them at?

[Vrocipes]

Speed is 800Mhz, so 5:6 FSB:RAM.

[MikeB12]

if stability is what you're after, just auto spd the timings. and set the speed at near stock speed with a divider, depending on your oc.. and the ram at 1.8-1.9v if it's rated at 1.8v at 800mhz. the auto spd will iron out any instabilities you have in your manual spd timings if any exist.

cpuz should give the voltage ratings for the speed. the higher speed you go, the more voltage it will need. but the auto spd timings should iron the timings out on their own


for example:
one of mine