seogoat

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Do I need a Multimeter to fix computers? What exactly does it do, where do I need to use it, and what type do I need. Are there any other tools I need that I haven't heard of...
 

curnel_D

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I'd go as far to say that if you're unsure of how to use a multimeter in computer repair, you could possibly do more damage with one than you could fix.

You wouldn't actually be repairing anything with a multimeter, but they can be very useful if you don't have a power supply tester on hand, and know which pins require which voltage.

There's rarely, if ever, a time that you'd 'need' one.
 

seogoat

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Everyone is unsure at some point in their lives. I want to learn everything though, not be scared of the unknown. But thanks for your responses.
 

delazaren

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A multimeter is a great instrument and I'd encourage everyone to learn to use one. However, in all the years I have been building and fixing PCs I never needed to use one. Usually if I don't know if a particular part works I use a second one to do the test.

As a previous poster stated there are power supply testers (I guess that would be the most comon use of a multimeter in a PC environment) that you could use to test pSUs.
 

delazaren

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Furthermore, few of the uses of a multimeter is to measure the level of the following:

- Voltage
- Amperage
- Resistance
- Capacitance
- Frequency
- etc

and also to test continuity in a circuit.

 
+1 for learning how to use a DMM.

@OP: If you trouble shoot PCs, in certain cases, a multi meter WILL be a valuable tool to have. This is VERY true when you are trying to check for a bad PSU. When the PSU is jumped, and voltages are tested, if the rails are VERY low (ie +12rail showing 9v,etc) or too high (+12 showing 14v,etc) it is a good sign that the PSU is bad, saved me a couple of hours of work troubleshooting stupid PSU problems.
 

CompuTronix

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I couldn't agree more. I troubleshoot electronics harware for a living, and I've used many different types and models of analog and digital test equipment throughout my career. A DMM is an indispensable tool, however, it's not much use without a basic understanding of Ohms Law and Watts Law.
 

kevinbyte

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Multimeter is useful tool to fix computers, do you know mastech or sinometer? they make multimeters and beat with fluke. You can check their dealer histest in union city