-12v error message

[triton6]

I just put together a new PC today. It was my first build. Plus, this happens to be my first post as well. Everything is going smoothly except that I get a error message in my pc hardware monitor. The error message is saying that the -12v is dipping below -13v. Honestly, I'm not quite sure what this means, or if it is even something that i need to worry about. Any info would be helpful.
Thanks in advance.
Ian

PC: (nothing overclocked)
Ultra 400 Watt PSU
AMD XP 3200+ cpu
512mb RAM (1 stick pc3200)
BFG Geforce FX 5500 OC
20g + 40g hdd's
dvd-rom
cooler master aero 7 cpu fan
3 system fans

 

[Nubius]

Either something is being read wrong by your computer or the PSU is already failing

 

[ChipX]

the psu's rails are not accurate. in other words, defective. bring that shit back bro.

 

[triton6]

thanks, thats what i was afraid of, but still an easy fix. It will be fixed tomorrow. In your experience is Antec a reliable brand? I can get a pretty good deal on those. Can any harm come by using the PC in the mean time?
(thanks for the quick response too.)

 

[ChipX]

antec is the best. i was going for them but at the time i couldnt get a hold of anything with 600+ watts. u can use the pc in the meantime... but it is of at risk. if the voltage becomes anymore inaccurate, you can potentially damage whatever component is using that rail.

 

[triton6]

Also looking at my current system. would 330 watts be sufficient? how about if i am planning on upgrading to a 120g hd, and throwing another stick of 512 in there? maybe i should just get the 430 watter.

 

[ChipX]

heh... 330 watts is kinda sketch but it could be done until u get ur hands on something with more power.

 

[triton6]

sweet 430 it is then. its almost new years here. happy new years.
thanks again

 

[ChipX]

no problem man. happy new year to u too!

 

[triton6]

All is good with the antec. another question though.
Whats VTT regarding the PSU? do I need to be concerned with these levels?
thanks,
ian