Asus Probe error message

[balooga]

Hello,
The weather is quite hot where I am, so I'm keeping an eye on my PC's temperature with Asus Probe. The CPU and Motherboard temperatures seem to be fine but I'm getting a flashing message "+3.3v out of threshold!!!". I haven't a clue what this means -- is it something I should be worried about? Apologies if I've posted this in the wrong section.

[Starman*]

It means what it says, one of your voltages is out of spec. You can see more detail by clicking the "voltage monitor" tab. The "settings" tab will tell you the set alarm tolerance, probably the default +/-10% (may depend on motherboard).

It's impossible to say at what point a serious problem is going to occur but it's not a good sign. You could keep an eye on the voltage variation (graphically shown in the voltage monitor tab) to see if it is a constant problem or just a temporary spike.

A power supply to ATX specs should keep voltages within +/-5%. If the problem persists, your ps may be low quality or failing. It could be resulting from the current weather but that does not say much for the ps.

Starman*

[balooga]

Thanks for the reply. I did a search on Google for possible causes of the problem, and found one suggestion that it could be build up of dust around the fans and motherboard. I opened the case and did a thorough clean inside (something which I should do more often really). This has increased the value to between 2.976 and 3.024 -- which is still low, but at least the warning message has gone (for now anyway). I'll probably end up replacing the PSU, just to be on the safe side.

[Starman*]

I'm not sure why cleaning the motherboard would change the voltage but if it did, great. It may have affected the sensor by cooling it rather than actually raising the voltage. Your voltage is still over 10% below spec which is not good. If you have access to compressed air (used at very low pressure) or a can of Dust Blaster, you could also blow out the power supply.

BTW dust in a pc can be quite harmful if breathed in (germs etc) so do it outdoors. If I'm forced to do it indoors, I turn on the vacuum cleaner and put the hose end right up to where I am blasting. Sucks most out and just after the blast I move hose around in the general area to catch the rest. If at any point you are going to touch the innards of the pc, discharge your static on the case first.

Starman*

[balooga]

The value has started to dip lower, so the warning message has come back again. I'll get a can of Dust Blaster to use on the power supply, to see if that helps. Many thanks for the tips. :)

[Starman*]

The problem could also be due to the motherboard. If it is using excessive current on the 3.3v bus, that could dip the voltage. Could also be a faulty voltage sensor but not worth taking a chance on that one.

You could disconnect the ps outputs and measure the no-load voltage with a voltmeter. That won't check how good the voltage regulation is, but if it is low with no load then it's time for a new one.

In case it is temperature related, try and keep the pc away from enclosed spaces where heat will accumulate.

Starman*

[balooga]

The CPU temperature is 30C and the motherboard is 36C, so I don't think it's heat related. Some strange things are happening though. The time on my pc is lagging -- I corrected it a few hours ago, but it's already 10 minutes behind actual time. Also, for some reason System Restore won't let me go back before July 2nd, which is when the problem started.

This will probably make me sound stupid, but what are the "ps outputs"?

[Starman*]

ps outputs - power supply outputs. Disconnect from motherboard and measure 3.3v terminals. Pins 1 & 2 on ps, orange. Black are grounds.

Re clock etc, is the clock running slow because of low voltage or is the voltage low due to motherboard fault?

Starman*

[azzey]

Clock is being stupid?

Replace the CMOS battery and see if that solves the problem. Sensors have been known to go haywire when the battery is dead or near being dead.

[Starman*]

That's a good point azzey. If that were the case balooga can measure the 3.3v without any disconnections. If the voltage is within normal tolerance that could indicate the measurement is incorrect. I listed faulty voltage sensor as being one scenario (though not from the cause you mentioned); dumb that I didn't suggest measuring the voltage without disconnecting the ps.

Starman*