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I have put together a new PC build and when I turn on the machine it's showing me the following error/warning:
"Asus anti-surge was triggered to protect system from unstable power supply"

Besides that, everything functions as normal.(though I couldn't get windows to boot from the SSD after installation, but I'm assuming that's a different issue)

In the bios the 5V and 12V are both highlighted in red. The 5V is showing as 6.440V, and the 12V is showing as 24.480V.

I have the 20+4 plugged into the main motherboard socket, and one of the CPU4+4 plugged into the other 4-pin socket.(it comes with 2x separate cables labelled "Left" and "Right")

I haven't been able to procure a DMM yet so I'm not able to definitively confirm if it's the PSU. But from looking online I get the impression it's more likely to be the motherboard.

I've tried resetting the CMOS settings in bios and removing the motherboard battery.

My equipment is:
- Motherboard - B150M-A: https://www.asus.com/au/Motherboards/B150M-A/overview/
- PSU - RX-535AP: http://www.raidmax.com/power-supplies_rx-535ap.html

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    "it's more likely to be the motherboard." -- No it's not. Since the largest voltage from the PSU is +12VDC, the MB "malfunction" would have to double that voltage. That's not likely. The simpler explanation is a malfunctioning PSU.
    – sawdust
    Commented Jun 21, 2016 at 6:43
  • @sawdust thanks for the input. do you know of any way I can confirm where the fault lies without a voltmeter?
    – alexwatever
    Commented Jun 21, 2016 at 6:46
  • I actually seriously doubt that a power supply would output 24V instead of 12V. It sounds like there is some really bad connection somewhere causing this.
    – Julie Pelletier
    Commented Jun 21, 2016 at 6:48
  • Did you try disconnecting everything that is not needed to go in the BIOS setup?
    – Julie Pelletier
    Commented Jun 21, 2016 at 6:50
  • 1
    A voltmeter (or multimeter) is an essential tool. Substitution of a known-to-be good PSU is the alternative. BTW what is the AC line voltage where you are?
    – sawdust
    Commented Jun 21, 2016 at 6:54

1 Answer 1

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At 24V, the MB and other components would of been almost certainly damaged. Probably the sensors in the MB are malfunctioning /calibrated wrong.

Your best bet is to get a voltmeter and measure any red+black (the 5V) and any yellow+black (12V) wires from HDD connector or 24-pin main MB connector. Usually the 5V is a very exact value, while the 12V can be a little higher, but in no case as high as 24V.

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  • Thank you @Overmind. I was thinking the same thing, I've had components fried for less. Though I would be easier to ascertain if it is the PSU. Thank you for the instructions on how to measure the 12/5V voltage it's made it a lot easier. I'll be able to jump in and check that out today. I'm going to mark yours as the correct answer as I think it's the best one can offer with the information I have so far.
    – alexwatever
    Commented Jun 21, 2016 at 22:53
  • Don't forget to post the measurements/finding.
    – Overmind
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 5:59
  • I was able to get a multi-meter and measured the PSU following your instructions. They both read correctly at 12v and 5v, so I think the motherboard is faulty and giving false readings, would you agree with that? I don't know anything about electricals but my assumption is that it's impossible for the motherboard to somehow amplify the voltage to 24v? And therefore is a false reading?
    – alexwatever
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 9:38
  • Well, then its clear: the BIOS readings are totally wrong - that may be caused by the sensors themselves or the calibration. Try to make a BIOS update, maybe you will get correct readings after that. If it's a calibration problem, a BIOS update may fix it.
    – Overmind
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 10:51
  • I've updated the bios and unfortunately no change. I've now organised a replacement and that should take care of it. Thanks for your advice @Overmind I appreciate it, I'm glad it was a incorrect reading and I haven't fried my hardware. :)
    – alexwatever
    Commented Jun 23, 2016 at 14:25

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