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How do I know if I'm getting enough power?

V

vage

2[H]4U
Joined
Jan 10, 2005
Messages
3,038
Hey guys, I recently decided to try and mod my PC and sleeve all the wires in a nice UV Blue so it would look like the murder mod, but only glowing blue. I bought dual 8" CCFL UV lights from FrozenCPU, but when I try and use them, their illumination is almost non existent.

You can see from my sig what I have in my system, just add into that the following:

- 2 Extra SATA HDDs
- Zalman Aftermarket Heatsink

I have done the online tests and for what I have they recommend a much smaller PSU than I currently have (620W). So I don't think that its really a power issue, but I just can't see why else these lights would just be so crappy.

So I was wondering if there was a site to test how much my PC is actually using, so I can see if it actually is a power issue.
 
You can see if its a power problem by only plugging the CFLs into your PSU, no computer attached.
Connect green to black on the big motherboard connector to power up the PSU.
If they work much better you know the PSU was struggling.
 
I believe I was running a similar system to yours power draw wise, and running two CFFL blacklight tubes I never had issues. My power supply is 610 watts, check your 3v, 5v, and 12v and see how much is being drawn from the lines. I would think if it were really a problem with your hd you would be much more prone to instability, any issues there?
 
Nope, no stability issues, the system is actually rock solid. It is a Corsair 620W PSU, and I can't seem to find a notch to change the voltage settings on it. I will try and plug in just the CCFLs and see how that works.
 
You could have just ended up with a defective inverter or a crappy set of tubes. Unless there's really something wrong with your PSU (doubtful), you should have no power issues to speak of.
 
Check for bad connections.
With HT voltage, electricity can arc over small gaps, maybe allowing some sort of function but with reduced power.
 
Well I tested it on a new PSU with nothing else attached and still had the same problem. I brought it back and they replaced the inverter and sure enough, they work great now. It's really nice having FrozenCPU like down the street from my house.
 
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