Can an Active PFC power supply be converted to an "Always On, Full Power" PSU?

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MTProms

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It is easy to change an ATX power supply to always on. You simply tie PS_ON to GRD.

But when I tried this with my new 80 Plus Active PFC power supply, I discovered that power immediately surges ON. Then, after a couple of seconds, power drops to a very low level.

I suspect this would burn out some of my storage drives, which pull power from the Molex connectors.

Is there an easy way to make the new power supply operate like a traditional ATX PSU? Would I be smarter to cut my losses and find a non-PFC unit?
 
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I can't verify this but that sounds like a switched type power supply where it only supplies power as needed.

The easiest way I can think to test that would be to hook it up to some sort of load and then checking the power from another connector on the same rail. If the power is present then you should be fine with your drives.

I'm sure someone else here has done checked this before and will be able to help with some more specifics.
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Alexander Basterash

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Feb 28, 2014
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I can't verify this but that sounds like a switched type power supply where it only supplies power as needed.

The easiest way I can think to test that would be to hook it up to some sort of load and then checking the power from another connector on the same rail. If the power is present then you should be fine with your drives.

I'm sure someone else here has done checked this before and will be able to help with some more specifics.
 
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M

MTProms

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Feb 28, 2014
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Both the original and replacement are plain old ATX-style power supplies for rackmount PCs.

The easiest way I can think to test that would be to hook it up to some sort of load and then checking the power from another connector on the same rail. If the power is present then you should be fine with your drives.
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This is certainly a better idea than any I've had this afternoon. Thanks!
 
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M

MTProms

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Alexander, you are 100% correct. Molex power is up! (I confused listening to fan speed with power delivery. DUH!)
I appreciate your quick (and brilliant) response!


 
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