How do I test my power supply?

[chucklepard]

I am replacing the Mb/CPU/RAM/Video in my 4-year-old computer. I am happy with my case, power supply, hard drives (for now), and optical drives. I would rather put my money into a better CPU and Video than the case and power supply if they are good. How do I test my power supply to ensure it is in good working condition?
Thank you!

 

[Lutfij]

^ well apart from finding out your psu is alive and kicking - the second step would be to understand how much power your PSU can give out now, and how much power your new GPU will draw.

otherwise, we'll hear of a 4th of july from you when things go south.

* welcome to the forums newcomer!

 

[jemm]

The test depend upon the PSU manufacture -- which brand is it?

 

[Rugger]

I am replacing the Mb/CPU/RAM/Video in my 4-year-old computer. I am happy with my case, power supply, hard drives (for now), and optical drives. I would rather put my money into a better CPU and Video than the case and power supply if they are good. How do I test my power supply to ensure it is in good working condition?
Thank you!

If you want to keep your current PSU, then you must evaluate it's rated capabilities against your planned system build. What is the make/model of your PSU? What are the complete system specs for your planned build; MB, CPU, GPU, HDDs, CD/DVD, USB devices, other power draws from the PSU?

 

[Lutfij]

@ jemm - wait what? he's not asking about the paper clip test.

 

[Rugger]

PSU testers don't require the paper clip trick, but you're right in that they only check life without a load on the PSU. If the OP wants to avoid buying a PSU tester and measure voltages using a multi-meter, then the paper-clip trick would apply. This would also not provide a loaded evaluation of the PSU

The first thing to do is evaluate whether or not the current PSU will theoretically power the planned build. If it will work, then we can get into how to test the PSU for life...

 

[chucklepard]

My PSU is a Corsair 600 W, and is currently working. I am only planning for a Radeon 6770 video card, so the power output should be sufficient.

 

[Rugger]

You're absolutely correct that your PSU should easily power your rig...even with a significant OC.

Instructions for testing a PSU with a multi-meter: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/ht/power-supply-test-multimeter.htm
Paperclip Trick to be able to power on PSU without plugging into a MB: http://aphnetworks.com/lounge/turn_on_psu_without_motherboard_the_paperclip_trick


I have a Rosewill PSU tester that I use ($15): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899261023
Easy to use, but only provides unloaded results.

 

[chucklepard]

This is exactly for what I was looking! Thank you.

 

[chucklepard]

Best answer selected by chucklepard.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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