How to test my PSU

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deadinthewater

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Dec 20, 2016
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After reading several threads, I'm fairly sure my shutdown issues are with the PSU. How can I test it and test it with a load as well? Thanks
 
Solution
bignastyid
The proper equipment to test it would cost much more than multiple high end PSUs. You could try using a multi-meter to measure the rails while the system is running.
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atljsf

atljsf

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test well, if it works, you already tested it

test it with load would be connect a gpu and apply load over cpu and gpu, with some benchmarks and prime95 who makes cpu run hard, unigine or 3dmark perhaps

if you have a no name psu, avoid a surprise, replace the psu, what pc do you have, we could tell you about how much watts you could buy to be sure
 
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Eximo

Eximo

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Basic test is to remove the power supply. Short pin 15 and 16 on the supply to turn it on. (AKA the paper clip test) and then measure the open circuit/no load voltage. 12V/5V/3.3 volt should all be reasonable (some supplies will show high or low numbers on no load). This requires a cheap $10 multimeter, available at hardware, automotive stores, and big box stores.

Essentially that is a test for a failed rail. On occasion the 5V supply will stop functioning while the 12V rail is still operable. This can trick some people into thinking their computer has some other problem, since LEDs and fans will still light up.

To test an unreliable power supply does require special equipment. Even the hobbyist way to do it with a false load (light bulbs/resistors or some such) typically costs more to construct than a new power supply will cost.

 
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deadinthewater

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Dec 20, 2016
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Ok everyone, first thank you all for replying. the build is as follows: Win 7 Home SP1 64 bit, CPU AMD FX 8350 ( Sandra told me it is not a production version, but an "ES" or engineering sample: and to return it for a production model. What do you think Peeps?;Mobo=Gigabyte 970A-DP3; Graphics Card GeForce GT 640; * gigs of Kingston Ram; C: Seagate ST35006630AS 500 gig; D:Western Digital 1 Terabyte; External Drive Toshiba 3T USB. used Case and PSU! Here is the Truth whole truth.... Last week I tried to encode a movie within Ten minutes the PC turned off completely. Tried again several times same results. So, I tried to run Sandra Lite to benchmark and grab a report,, no can do, the shut down wouldn't generate a report, so after several more attempts I just Formatted the C: and started over. Tried to Benchmark again Same shut down issues. Downloaded "SpeedFan" all voltages and perimeters are within tolerance. This build runs VLC with 1080 movies all day long but heavy loads just kill it dead. Question back to bignastyid: What is the definition of "Rails" when you replied to my first question? Also, I just remembered that either Sandra or SpeedFan showed that C: is about to fail but nothing implies that it has as yet. P.S. I'm an electrician not a well read geek, I understand what is thrown at me but I'm a experienced novice at best. No coding or language. Thanks again!!!!
 
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