Q: I am currently using an Abit motherboard is July with an Enlight 420W power supply.
Recently the 3.3V rail fell sharply to ~ 3.10 to 3.20 (3.30-3.35 was a few months ago) and I noticed that the 3.3V pin on the ATX connector on both the supply and the motherboard seems to be burned (the pins on the mobo are normally silver, but it is a 3.3V darkened.) Can someone tell me what to do?
Re:You can remove it from the connector.
You need 2 long needles or pins.
If you look at the side of the Molex connector (if its clear, otherwise use a strong flashlight)
you will see each pin has a small lock on each side of it. Gently push the pins in and
hold while pulling upward (don't force it).
Clean the pin and push the pin back into place.
Re:I can't really touch the pin because of the big white plastic female connector its in.
Re:I wouldn't tin the connector pin.
It may change the resistance to much and make things worse.
Did you try cleaning the pin (scrape it with a small razor blade)?
If it flakes of easily then I would say you definitely have a problem.
If not, the voltage levels are still within limits (unless you are OC'n).
Re:The Power Supply is about 1 year old, and the motherboard is about 6 months old. It seems that the pin on the ATX connector of the motherboard is quite secure.
Do you think it would help if I "tin" the atx connector with a thin layer of solder?
Re:It could be an indication of a failing component (leaky capacitors) on the motherboard,
or just a loose fit on the pin.
You can try pushing gently down on the pin (in the connector) to see if it will help.
Re:The biggest problems I have had with all my home built computers has been with power supplys, I have had to change 3 over the last few years, and not all were cheap ones. I had a Sparkle one fail after only 2 years. How old is yours,if not that old try to get a replacement. Of all the componants that fail , power supplys seem to be top of the list.
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