Hi, SekeRob,

If the PSU is as old as your CPU, it's probably best just to replace it, as it may not have a lot of life in it yet as is. I strongly discourage you or anyone else from taking a PSU apart unless you really know what you're doing, as the capacitors and other electrical components can potentially be lethal, even when unplugged.

What are your CPU and system temperatures looking like? The problem may not be the power supply, but the aging and possibly overheating system around it.

If the system isn't the problem, and you decide to get a new PSU, I still wouldn't go with a Platinum-rated one for your build. A Gold or Silver rating would be a better value for your setup, even with your unfortunately high electricity costs.

Hope this is at least a bit useful. Happy crunching!

Kasey

I'd suggest the following course of action:
1. vacuum clean the computer, including PSU - cost only some W of electricity!
if it doesn't help
2. open PSU & vacuum clean it - cost only some W of electricity!
if it doesn't help
3. replace the fan - cost only a fan, just make sure you get similar W of fan...if you get more stronger or weaker in power, some stuff wont work - fan speed regulation for example!
if that doesn't work
4. replace the PSU

if the PSU is without a circuit protection, you replace it immediately...no need to have unprotected PSU, let alone fix it!

hope it helps...I'd do that on my computers... ;)

On the efficiency front you might think about replacing it but my thought would be:

Get the most efficient possible and fit it to the highest power rig you run 24/7, then move the current one in that machine to the Q6600 rig.

When you consider that there is only about a 10-15%, at most, difference between bronze and platinum you have to consider the cost of purchase and whether it is worth it to you.

Assuming you are going to buy a high efficiency psu then you should be looking at Buying a Superflower Leadex or Seasonic oem with good cables. You will never be disappointed following that simple rule.

The other thing that happens if you buy a high efficiency psu is that you produce less heat.

If you can then look at the graphs at http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/80pluspowersupplies.aspx

Here you will see that most supplies are at peak efficiency when running at around 50% load.

This whole subject has been discussed at
http://forums.pureoverclock.com/general-hardw...-affect-overclocking.html

Finally, strip the old fan from the current psu and replace it. Put psu in cupboard as a spare or for testing.

"Get the most efficient possible and fit it to the highest power rig you run 24/7, then move the current one in that machine to the Q6600 rig."

Now here's a man that has been pocked and measled [a local expression translating to something like veteran]. Great idea... have to look if the plugs are matching.

Yes I know about capacitors... they're shocking up close to the naked skin. When replacing a battery in a UPS, that was the main stay-away caution paid attention too.

BTW, the 4770 PSU is just over 2 years, so is likely good for many more part-time years in the Q6600.

While you are at it do a skt 771 conversion on the q6600 machine and use a 45nm xeon..... you can get them very cheap and probably sell the q6600 for more. Probably pay <20 Euro for 3Ghz and a bit more for faster.

Often more efficient themselves and faster too provided you have the right MB and bios.

One of those jobs to do if you are bored or need a small project