How to use a DC buck converter to regulate Uno R3 input voltage?
The barrel jack needs 9-12 V, the internal voltage regulator of the Arduino will reduce this to 5 V.

Since you only supply 5 V, there is a loss in the internal voltage regulator why you probably get only 3.5 V.

And after applying 7 V, probably some (sub) system gets less than the necessary voltage, or there are occasional 'downspikes' lower than 5 V.

The default adapter that you use for supplying voltage to the Uno, also is 9V-12V. Also, check the polarity.

See the following link for more info: 

What adapter