Thread: 'CPU over valtage error'. How do i fix this?

Originally Posted by I Love My Landy!

G'day everyone,

Lately my PC has been turning off by itself at random times. It did it a couple of weeks ago, and it has been doing it again all this morning. Sometimes when i turn it back on i get the following message: 'CPU over voltage error'. What does this mean? Do i have a problem with the power supply? Or perhaps the motherboard? My computer is probably 5 or 6 years old. Would it be worth fixing it or buying a new PC?

Thank you!

Edward

Its is always difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of PC problems 'over the phone', however ....

The power suppies job is to supply and regulate a number of different voltages to the PC. Commonly 12v, 5v, 3v and ~1.3v for the CPU. Failure to regulate any of these voltages to required tolerances will cause the symptoms you describe.

Power supplies don't last forever. I'd be getting a new power supply quick smart before something is fried inside your PC. If the PC currently meets your needs (when it is working) then there is probably no need to replace the PC.

What size power supply you need depends upon what equipment you need to power in your PC but given you said your PC is ~5 years old I would guess it would need about 450w. A new 450w power supply can be had for ~$100. But if you have upgraded gear inside the PC over years, particularly the graphs card, then you may need a larger unit.

The above comments apply to a generic desktop PC. Some years ago there are some 'name' brands of desktop PC (HP I think and maybe Dell) which were fitted with custom powers supplies. In these cases a generic replacement power supply may not be suitable.

If you need a new power supply, buy a new case with power supply.
I found in the past a power supply can cost say $100+ and a whole new case with power supply already fitted to be cheaper by $$.
Only thing is you need to remove MB and all your Hdds etc etc and fit them to the new case. Simple job with a screw driver

Thanks for your help!

Edward

The above comments apply to a generic desktop PC. Some years ago there are some 'name' brands of desktop PC (HP I think and maybe Dell) which were fitted with custom powers supplies. In these cases a generic replacement power supply may not be suitable.

Same will apply to putting it all in a new case, add IBM to the list as well.


Martyn

surely someone has one you could borrow to test??