If so, then the power supply unit is completely okay. An adequate power supply is a must for systems to run seamlessly, and many problems occur if the power supply unit fails to provide sufficient voltage levels.

Manually testing a power supply involves working closely with high voltage electricity. Find IDLE and MAX power that your PSU should handle. Open your computer's case.

If you're looking for a step-by-step guide on how to fix power supply issues, you can take a look at our comprehensive guide. If you are having a hard time deducting the meaning of the numbers and graphs outlining the various aspects of your computer’s processes, PC Wizard is definitely the program for you.

The black probe stays in the same place, and we have to try different pins for the red probes. The red pins would give +5V, blues give -12V, oranges give +3.3V, and whites give -5V and so on.
Status This thread has been Locked and is not open to further replies. There are two basic methods to check if the computer power supply is working correctly.

Take a paper clip that can act as a jumper and close the contacts. The power supply’s fan should start up.

My assumption would naturally be that the power supply is done (possibly well done) but is there any good way to test this before I buy a new one?

SuperUser reader Sam Hoice has some PSU concerns: My computer powered off the other day on its own, and now when I push the power button, nothing happens.

There are two basic methods to check if the computer power supply is working correctly.

To do this, switch the knob of multimeter to DC connection (V with a straight line). eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'techdim_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',112,'0','0']));At first, insert the black probe into the black pin-24 which is the furthermost.

Insert the paper clip into the detected contacts to simulate connection to the motherboard for the power supply. Look inside the case for the motherboard light. We recommend testing every pin on the 24-pin connector that carries a voltage.

They run ~$20 US.

If you have built your custom PC by yourself, then you would already know about all of your components, including the power supply, but if you are not that …


Aside from the main power connector to the motherboard, don't forget to provide power to your hard drive(s), an optical drive(s), and floppy drive. Check that it has not been accidentally been switched off. Are any voltages outside the approved tolerance?

Power supply is an important component of the system, and there is no computer that will be able to work without it.

Skip the other black and grey pins, then insert the red probe in each pin one by one and notice the readings. If yes, replace the power supply. Assuming your power supply tested good or you've replaced your power supply with a new one, you can now turn your computer back on and/or continue troubleshooting the problem you're having. Spontaneous restarts or lockouts when trying to use the machine, Case fans and hard drives that do not spin, An overheating system due to heatsink and fan failure.

Usually this means you’re left only with the mouse, keyboard and monitor connected.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The gray connector is essentially a voltage level checker, that determines if the voltage is adequate. In such a situation, there could be a power supply failure, poor connection or a power button malfunction; Your computer is spontaneously shutting down while the operating system is booting.

If the fan starts up, then it could be the motherboard that’s dead.

Connect the GREEN wire with the adjacent BLACK wire.

To make testing your power supply easier, you should also move your disconnected and open computer case somewhere easy to work like on a table or other flat, non-static surface. PowerSupplyCalculator.net offers you the most accurate PC power consumption calculator on the web for free.

The green connector is the main ON connection. Some power supplies don't have a switch on the back of the unit. If your computers are under warranty and you suspect the power supply may be to blame, that’s when you would take advantage of manufacturer support and warranty for desktop computers that you purchase. Learn how your comment data is processed.eval(ez_write_tag([[970,250],'techdim_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_8',115,'0','0']));report this ad. It is necessary to pay attention to the capacitors.

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If you’re an electronics technician, you probably have one already, and are definitely familiar with this tool.