ATX PSU testing question?? - Tech Support Forums

Brainchild · September 13th, 2002, 12:34 AM

I have a bunch of ATX power supplies that I don't know if they work. Aside from buying a testing tool, and using the jumper method (which only works on the switched models), how much of the system has to be together to make the PSU come on?

Meaning will it come on with the MOBO only, mobo/cpu mobo/cpu/ram?

Any idea?

Thanx
BC

**Martoch** · September 13th, 2002, 12:37 AM

This seems like an easy way!
http://www.hardwaresite.net/case5.html

**Martoch** · September 13th, 2002, 01:06 AM

Ruuuuuuuuuussssssstttttttttttttttttty?

Brainchild · September 13th, 2002, 01:17 AM

I was tied up with other things for a minute Mike,in th community of course

I knew I could do it that way, but the illistration that I have says only ones with the switch in the back of the PSU. These don't have, and sure enough they won't do anything.
So I figure I have a MOBO, and maybe a CPU, would that be enough to test the boogers?
Or will that method work on the non-switched ones as well??

Dokeman · September 13th, 2002, 01:25 AM

if all you want to do is make sure it turns on, all you need the is the PSu and a mobo..
Plug up the mobo to the psu then connect the 2 pins where you would plug in the power switch with a screw driver and if if comes on its good, if it dosent well...you know. All that will happen is that the fan will start turning.

The PSU will come on, but nothing will happen. If you had a speaker plugged into the mobo, you would get beep codes telling you there was no CPU, memory, and all that junk.

**Martoch** · September 13th, 2002, 01:29 AM

All of the sites I read indicate that it doesn't matter (switch vs non-switch)...but a lot of sites recommend this:

Quote:

Make sure there is enough load connected to the power supply before testing ( at least motherboard and one hard drive)!

Quote:

you can short pin 14 (PS_ON) and 15 (ground) and the power supply will attempt to turn on, but without a load on at least the 5V line, it will immediately shut down (or burn out). Switching type power supplies such as those used in PCs will not run without a proper load.

Brainchild · September 13th, 2002, 01:58 AM

Thats what I was asking about. Seems that just plugging it itno a MOBO, turn it on,results.........NEXT!

I have a dozen or so to do, Just looking for the quickest way

I am not lazy

BC