Does passing paper clip test means the PSU will work in system?

bingaloman

Distinguished
Aug 14, 2012
493
0
18,790
I bought a Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 500W and it passed the paper clip test, but when I put it in the system, it just runs for like 1 second and all the fans spin but then shut off after 1 second. I know this is not a short or anything else in my other hardware because I tested a spare PSU when this happened and everything booted up fine.

So what I'm asking is, just because the PSU passes a paper clip test, that doesn't mean it's completely working right? because It turns on during the paper clip test but once in PC it boots up then shuts off.

 
Solution
The paper clip test only proves that the PSU is capable of turning on.

It tells you absolutely nothing about how (un)stable the PSU's outputs might be if the PSU has output regulation/ringing/noise problems. The PSU may turn on under no-load condition (paper clip test) but fail under load.

InvalidError

Titan
Moderator
The paper clip test only proves that the PSU is capable of turning on.

It tells you absolutely nothing about how (un)stable the PSU's outputs might be if the PSU has output regulation/ringing/noise problems. The PSU may turn on under no-load condition (paper clip test) but fail under load.
 
Solution

bingaloman

Distinguished
Aug 14, 2012
493
0
18,790


Thanks!