Not enough power supply ??

[rigostars]

Hi there people

I will try to be as short as possible.This is my pc,
and i will try to describe my problem as accurately as I can.

Gigabyte Z68X-UD3P B3 (BIOS Version F7)
win7 x64
Hitachi-LG DVD+RW/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM
OCZ Vertex3 Series 120GB (sata3)
OCZ Vertex2 series 64GB (sata2)
Intel i5 2500K
Cpu cooler Corsair A70 (with 2 120mm fans installed)
Gigabyte GTX 460 OC (1GB GDDR5)
Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Titanium Fatality Pro
CoolerMaster SilentProM 600W (efficiency 80%=480W)
Kingston HyperX 2x2GB @ 2133Mhz
3 internal HDD's of 1TB each
1 external HDD of 1TB with its own power supply
5 120mm Case Fans


well,my problem is that RAM can't be stable @ 2133Mhz.
After 1-2 days of use,it will be downgraded at the default
frequency of 1333Mhz (at 1.5V),with a message at BIOS about
problem due to overclocking or power supply,and memory will
be downgraded at 1333Mhz(or something like that).
Running @ 2133Mhz (extreme profile 2,with all BIOS settings
at default values) ,sometimes my pc boots in seconds,as it should.
But sometimes,at posts cpu is not listed (??).Also,the machine
takes too long to boot,like 2-4mins.Or,it won't boot at all.
After the "Loading operating system" message,screen goes black
with a blinking dash in the upper left part of the screen.
I've run memory tests,all seem ok.I've spoken with some
pc technicians,some experienced ones said that I need a
''stronger'' psu (which is very likely),but the technician
I have spoken to from the store of purchase said that my psu
should be enough.Maybe it is a defective psu ? Just a guess.
(*the particular store isn't well know for its technicians)
Even at 1333Mhz,sometimes system takes too long to boot.
Motherboard,cpu,cpu cooler,RAM & vertex3 are brand new.
I am willing to buy a new psu,but only if that's the issue.
If I would have to buy a new psu,that would be AX1200,big time
If it is a motherboard issue,I have to uninstall everything and
return the motherboard at the store of purchase,plus I will have
bought a psu that wasn't neccessary.
Personally,I prefer the first case.

Thanks in advance

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome.

You said what PSU that you have but not how old it is which can make a huge difference. Anyway even if it is new it is a little on the low side and you need all the help you can get to run at those sorts of speeds especially the memory. When you said that you tested the RAM did you use Memtest86+ and as we would normally advise with single sticks for at least 10 complete cycles each ?

From what you have explained it does just sound like complete instability and so I would agree that a change of PSU to something like youn suggested would be of benefit.

[rigostars]

          Dark Mantis,thanks for your reply.I am glad you are very
helpful with new members  My psu isn't very old,like 2 years
old.I did run Memtest86+ all night long,when I stopped the program
about 900% was covered with no errors,but not on single sticks.
I am going to buy a new psu,& I'll post results.
                                                                       Thanks for your help.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes, whilst you can never be certain I think that is what I would do in your circumstances. You say your other PSU isn't old but two years is definitely not regarded as exactly youthful when it comes to power supplies.  You would probably find that it has dropped about 10 to 15% of it's output already. This is why it is important to over estimate when you are working out how much power you will need when shopping for a new one. I always run 850W plus and usually 1200W when possible.  Your new Corsair AX 1200 is a brilliant device and it is totally modular so you only have to fit the cables you need which makes for a tidier case inside.