BIOS indicates +5V out of tolerance

[dougz]

If BIOS is correct, my +5v is out of tolerance. Should I trust BIOS? Should I care?

Measured by BIOS (not settable):
Vcore ---- 1.68v (AMD Duron 900, VIA KM266)
+3.30 --- 3.28v
+5.00 --- 5.5v (should be +/- 5%)
+12.0 --- 11.96v

Temps: CPU 42 C, M/B 32 C
PSU: Antec SLK 2600AMB case stock PSU
BIOS: AMI BIOS for Asrock K7VM2 P.130 12/13/02. Downlevel -- Current version is 1.90.

I know this stuff is antique & noisy. Just trying to see if it is worth saving PSU for secondary computer when I upgrade all my boxes.

TIA, Doug

[quikkie]

the voltage sensors are usually not that accurate, so personally I wouldn't worry too much. If you are bothered by it measure the voltage with a multimeter, but don't make the same mistake I made - make sure to measure across a device rather than use a spare power connector

[TomZ]

If it were my system, I would get a digital voltmeter and measure it to be sure. A too-high voltage could do serious damage to the components.

[dougz]

If it were my system, I would get a digital voltmeter and measure it to be sure.

Sounds prudent. I wasn't sure how accurate BIOS readings were. The other voltages were so close.

Would a power supply load/tester be a good item to have in addition to a DVM? (Not sure about CoolMax, but Antec has load resistor?) E.g., http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PS-124&cat=PWR or
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=77003

A too-high voltage could do serious damage to the components.

I'm hoping for serious damage, soon...

Box has been as reliable as could be for almost 3.5 years. If it would just die I could justify replacing this antique, noisy stuff.

[Devonavar]

No, I'd just stick with the voltmeter. You can do the same thing as those devices with a voltmeter and a paperclip.

[TomZ]

Actually, if your goal is to accelerate the need to replace the system, all you need is the paperclip.