How to test a PSU

[FriedSpam]

Hi,

My old P4 2.8Ghz system died a few weeks ago, so I'm building a new system.

Problem is I want to use my old PSU (Seasonic S12 600W) in the new system but I don't know if it's ok or not. I don't want to damage my new system.

What's the best way to test a PSU?

-The fan spins if the correct pins are shorted and power applied...

 

[waylander]

Easiest way is to buy a psu tester.

http://www.frozencpu.com/psu-208.html

 

[waylander]

I never said it was the best way or the cheapest way, I said it was the easiest way.

 

[Mondoman]

An important advantage of a PS tester over a voltmeter is that the tester applies a load to the PS (i.e. makes the PS do some work!). I've seen some offered for $15, but as mp said, it all depends on how often you think you'll be using it.

 

[kevdog]

Although the above options are all better, if you just want to make sure the power supply works, just take a paperclip or any other piece of wire and short the green wire to the black wire and then turn on the power supply. If the light or fan on the powersupply starts up, then you know at least the power supply works.

 

[trixst4r]

Although the above options are all better, if you just want to make sure the power supply works, just take a paperclip or any other piece of wire and short the green wire to the black wire and then turn on the power supply. If the light or fan on the powersupply starts up, then you know at least the power supply works.

black wire to the left of it if the green pin is on the top row. There is a black wire to the right also. Just wanted to clarify.

 

[306maxi]

Although the above options are all better, if you just want to make sure the power supply works, just take a paperclip or any other piece of wire and short the green wire to the black wire and then turn on the power supply. If the light or fan on the powersupply starts up, then you know at least the power supply works.

If you read the original post you'll know he's already done that......

 

[FriedSpam]

Thanks mpilchfamily, extremely helpful!

Black/Yellow all give 12.12V
Black/Red all give 5.01V

So it looks like I can keep this PSU without frying my system!

 

[FriedSpam]

Well, I ended up buying a coolmax clone of the PSU tester above as I was a bit worried about frying my new system and thought it'd be a bit cheaper this way. Now I'm a little bit more worried...

With just the 20+4 pin connector connected:

+5 = 4.4
+12v1 = 12.0
+3.3V = 3.2
-12v = 11.7
+12V2 = 10.7
5VSB = 5.0
PG = 330

What is PG and aren't +5v and +12v2 too low?

If I plug in the 8pin, 6pin or a 4pin, everything stays the same except:

+5v = 4.7
+12v2 = 12.0

Ok, better but should this happen? And isn't +5V still too low?

If I plug in the floppy/molex/SATA connectors:

+5v = 4.8

Is this normal? Is my PSU ok or should I RMA it?

 

[rstrapple]

i believe +/- 10% is acceptable....

these testers dont test under load... some psu problems only show up under load,