DescentBB

I purchased an antec 550 watt true control PSU from newegg and had it shipped to australia.

I tested the voltage rails in the bios when it arrived.

voltage rails
3.3 volt = 2.88 volts
5 volt = 4.54 volts
12 volt = 11.6 volts

YUCK!

The PSU is supposed to be rated at + or -3%
This PSU is -10%

The cord that shipped with the PSU is rated at 125 volts / 13 amps. Obviously I can't use this cord unless I purchase an american(female) to australian(male) adapter or a VERY expensive AC to DC transformer.

I have a bunch of australian pc to mains cords of which I used to test the PSU voltage rails.

The australian cords are 250 volt / 10 amps. Also written on the cord is RVV 300 - 500v. The australian cords are also noticeably thinner than the american cord.

The power supply input specs are as follows..
115v /12 amps, 230 volt 6 amps, 60 Hz/50 Hz

Could it be that the cords I am using are not acceptable to use with this PSU? or is this PSU faulty?

After RTFM..

PROBLEM SOLVED!

The antec true 550 watt PSU MUST be used in accordance with its fan speed control panel, which I neglected to install. Failure to install will result in the PSU defaulting to 95% of specified voltages (90% in this instance!)

It's actually a nice feature as it lets you specify more exact voltages for the PSU

The cord shouldnt really make a difference as long as it can tolerate the amperage thats being put through it.

Vader wrote:The cord shouldnt really make a difference as long as it can tolerate the amperage thats being put through it.

i agree with that, as long as it can handle the amperage then you should be kool. but good job finding the result on your own.

Considering the increasingly long list of failed parts I am RMAing these days, I think you're crazy to purchase from anywhere except a local supplier. The price savings are moot, and the return period unimaginably long, and the cost of postage prohibitive, if an item fails.

Do yourself a huge favour next time: Think global, buy local.

BTW - how much was the import duty on all that crap your dad sent you?

Should be all Free. I am unsure about the HS and the CPU goop. They may attract a 5% or higher tariff because they are base metal products. I couldn't find a catagory for them on the tariff website. I dumped them under electronic parts which is a free tariff catagory. The killer is GST and that lame $50 fee on all import custom dealings.

Some advice for anyone importing into australia..

Don't have any packages worth more than 1000 AUD or THEY WILL SCREW YOU!

They clear all packages under 1k with an informal customs clearance form. ANY package inluding GIFTS are subject to tariffs and GST.