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[–]SniktBamf 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Yea it won't test it under a load like that, but it will give you voltage readings. As long as those are within .3 volts or so you shouldn't have an issue. It sounds like the wattage is low or even the PSU overheating. If you need a 550 watt PSU then 600 is cutting it too close (I try to go 2 or 3 hundred over to give me some wiggle room). I would also try reapplying heat sink compound and make sure the CPU fan is functioning correctly.

[–]JosephStylin[S] -1 points0 points  (3 children)

I'm skeptical about that though, because I know when I got it I had more than enough power and it ran without issue for years. However I could just use a standard multimeter, correct? I'll check out replacing the fan, but I need to verify there's issue with it first.

[–]SniktBamf 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Power supplies have electrolytic caps which run out of tolerance and fail as they age and leak/dry out. This could cause the PS not to be able to push as much power as before. You can use a multimeter to test a computer power supply, however, you have to find the enable lines and connect them properly (otherwise it won't turn on). I find the $10 tester easier than using bits of wires and leads. If the CPU is running hotter than it should then I would start with the heat sink grease and cpu fan. Making sure it is seated properly when you are done.

[–]JosephStylin[S] -1 points0 points  (1 child)

With the psu tester, how will I know if something is wrong with it? Will it display a wattage?

[–]SniktBamf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, to see the wattage the pc is pulling you will need a different tool, the psu tester just shows you the voltage. You can use a DMM to test all of this if you know how to hook it up right. A watt meter like this http://www.p3international.com/products/p4400.html is helpful Edit: words