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How to check my PC power supply is OK?

How to check my PC power supply is OK?

How to check my PC power supply is OK

You can follow the following steps to check if your PC power supply is OK:

1.Visual Inspection: First, visually inspect the Power Supply Unit (PSU) for any signs of physical damage such as burns, blisters or leaky capacitors. Check the PC Power Supply Unit (PSU) and see if there is any glowing, white or colorless current. Make sure all connections are secure and there are no loose wires.

2. Power Supply Fan: Turn on your computer and you will hear the power supply fan running. If you ca not hear the fan or it will not spin, this may indicate a power supply problem. It should start spinning when you power on the system.

3. Power Supply Tester: You can use Power Supply Tester, which is a hardware device to test the performance of power supply. It connects to the main 24-pin ATX connector and provides voltage readings for each power rail. Follow the readings collected by the power supply tester and learn from the readings to understand which readings provide information and fall within their range within their time limits.

4. Power Supply Voltage Reading: If you do not have a power supply tester, you can read the voltage using a multimeter. Shut down your computer with this method and stay safe before hacking takes priority. Set your multimeter until the DC voltage is clear and working as it passes over some metal inside the case and you energize the bite to read the red probe power rail. Collect the numbers from your power supply specifications and compare them within the range to understand.

5. Power Supply Replacement: If you have a known good power supply in your pass, you can temporarily replace that known good unit with your current power supply. Connect the new power supply to your PC, making sure all connections are made correctly. Turn on the computer and verify that it is working properly. If it works properly, it indicates a major power supply problem.

Turn on the computer and see if it works properly. If this is the case, it suggests that the main power supply may be faulty.

If you cannot strictly follow these steps or have any suspicions that the power supply may be the problem, obviously consult a computer expert or take it to a professional trusted repair shop.

How to test the Power Supply Unit (PSU) in your PC?

Prepare the necessary equipment: You will need a digital multimeter and a paperclip or a PSU tester (if available) to measure the voltage.

Disconnect Power: Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power outlet. Make sure to discharge any static electricity by touching a grounded metal object.

Locate the 24-pin connector: Locate the 24-pin connector on your motherboard. This is the main power connector that supplies power from the PSU to the motherboard.

Test a paperclip: If you do not have a PSU tester, you can use a basic paperclip test to check if the PSU is on. Straighten a paperclip and insert one end into the green wire pin (pin 16 or 17) of the 24-pin connector. Insert the other end into any black wire pin. This will simulate the power-on signal.

Measure voltage: Set your multimeter to DC voltage mode. Insert the black probe into one of the black wire pins of the 24-pin connector (ground) and use the red probe to measure the voltage on the other pins. Refer to PSU specifications or online resources for expected voltage.

The +3.3V rail should measure about 3.3 volts.

The +5V rail should measure about 5 volts.

The +12V rail should measure about 12 volts.

Check the peripheral connectors: If necessary, you can check the peripheral connectors (eg, 4-pin or 8-pin CPU connector, SATA power connector) using the same method.

Check for Stability: When measuring voltages, note that they are stable and within expected limits. Any significant deviation from the specified voltage may indicate a problem with the PSU.

Use a PSU tester (optional): If you have a PSU tester, follow the instructions that come with the tester to test various aspects of the PSU, including voltage, fan operation, and power-on signals.

If the PSU fails any test or shows significant voltage fluctuations, it may be defective and should be replaced. Note that testing the PSU can be potentially dangerous, so it is recommended to seek help from a qualified technician if you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process.


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