Under Voltage Errors

Retro Arcade Fan

Hi everyone.

I have a Raspberry Pi 4 overlocked in my arcade cabinet and randomly get the Under Voltage error (739.483647 Under-voltage detected! (0x00050005). It's inconsistent. Most people with this problem post that their power supply is insufficient and that's why they get this error. However I've got a 5.1V, 3A adapter (Model DSM-05130), which seems to meet the minimum requirements.

While the RP4 continues to work without issue, I'm worried this under voltage message might lead to more permanent damage. Considering the message is random and inconsistent, are these signs that the power supply itself needs to be replaced?

I appreciate the input. Thank you.

Lolonois

As you stated the PSU meets the minimum on a stock Rpi (emphasis mine).

As you overclocked you Pi the PSU most likely can not supply the demand. 5.1V*3A is 15.3W at its best, which caps the increased power demand caused by overclocking.
Another source may be the wiring (too long/too small (diameter) wires between PSU and Pi).

The most sensitive part on undervoltage is the SD slot/card, which may wear out earlier. The PSU itself may also deteriorate as it has to run all time at the limit.

What freq. is your RPi4 overclocked to?
How many and which devices are connected to the USB ports?

Retro Arcade Fan

@Lolonois I appreciate your help.

over_voltage=6
arm_freq=2000
gpu_freq=750

I have a usb extender with 2 sinden guns and a mouse/keyboard combo (which is usually off when playing gun games).

Darksavior

@Retro-Arcade-Fan I have used my pi4 with those overclocking settings for over 2 years without the undervoltage icon. I only use the official pi power supply.

I'm not using light guns, though. Try it without the guns. You might need a powered usb hub.

kounabi22

@Retro-Arcade-Fan

i use those setting with over_voltage=5 with no problem and have 4 controlers on pi4.
Also have the official adapter of pi4.
Try and see maybe the cable of the adapter are not so fit well in the charge port of pi4,sometimes the case of pi4 are the problem because the charge port is more deep in the hole than the cable can touch well with it.put some other case and try again.

Lolonois

@Retro-Arcade-Fan To identify if it is the cable or the PSU: Can you try with a different USB-C PSU (e.g. from a laptop) (if you did not already?). What was the result?

Your USB devices do not impose a large load.

Side note: Even if other users report to have no undervoltage with the same settings and hardware type, there may be slight differences depending on production line tolerances and the production batch your Pi is from. The Rpi foundation only assures to get the same experience with a Pi while sticking to the specs (i.e. no overclocking).

Retro Arcade Fan

@kounabi22 Thank you. I did read some people having problems with plugs being loose and have checked this. Been using the same setup for over 2 years and it doesn't move at all.

Retro Arcade Fan

@Lolonois I haven't tried a different power supply. I don't have one. I'd be more worried if I saw the message all of the time. But as stated, it's so random when it does show up. I could also try removing the overclock settings for a bit to see if it shows up.

Also, I will state that the power cord going into the pi is not the standard. It has a clickable power button on the cord that's mounted under my arcade cabinet. I'm curious. How do "most" people turn their RP on and off?

Darksavior

@Retro-Arcade-Fan You are not using the official power supply so that is your problem. That can be unreliable over time.

Lolonois

@Retro-Arcade-Fan maybe you can lend a PSU for a few tests?

It seems to me that the PSU has worn out over time.
Another source may be that -if the RPI has collected dust- the power demand has increased.

You may shorten the cable between PSU and RPI if it is feasible, longer cables impose a slight voltage drop. As a ballpark number 0.1V per metre (3ft.).

If you just want to get rid of the message/yellow bolt you may mute the warning. See Disabling the Low Voltage Warning section here: https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-low-voltage-warning/

Additional note: I use a power strip and a switch outside at the cabinet: Thus I can totally shut down the Arcade (Rpi, Monitor, Amp) to 0 watt.

Retro Arcade Fan

@Darksavior Amazon.com has many power supplies that say they're made for the RP. But not likely "official." https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/type-c-power-supply/?variant=raspberry-pi-psu-us-b lists 5 vendors that look like they sell the "official" one. I'm not a huge fan of purchasing from random sites. Do you recommend one of these over the other?

Darksavior

@Retro-Arcade-Fan The shops listed on the pi website are approved resellers and are reliable. I would then compare them to see which ones charge less shipping.