Can I test a power supply on an already complete build?

feriner

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Jan 21, 2013
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I just got a new power supply and want to test it to make sure it's not dead. Is there a way I can safely yet lazily hook it up to my working build to see if it works properly?
My original plan was to just hook it up to the mobo and leave everything else alone, having both psu's working in tandem. Would this create a problem?
Thanks!
 
Solution
It will work, but I'd connect the new PSU to the motherboard, the GPU and the HDD or SSD required to boot the system. Just powering on the system doesn't prove the new PSU is working properly; you should test it at full system load.

feriner

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Jan 21, 2013
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Got it, makes sense. Thanks!