How can I tell if I broke my PSU?

[tno]

So I was adding a fan to my 8800gts 512 w/ accelero and was wiring it into the molex nest I had developed near the top of my case. I powered on the system and all ran fine, then I restarted and all went to hell. I had apparently wired one of my strings of molex back into itself and this caused one HD and my DVD burner to fry. I'm in the process of resolving that but the question now becomes, did I fry my PSU?

I have checked each string to make sure proper output with a multimeter. I have checked with Everest to make sure that the right voltage is hitting the proc and memory and so far all is well, no spikes/troughs with load and it all works, though I have had some weird power cycling on one of my drives, it's an old drive that i was just using temporarily while I wait for a new drive.

So, what should I do? Time for a new PSU? Leave it in since the V's are all spot on? Help!

tno

 

[Modelworks]

The power supply may be ok.
I would open the power supply and look around. Make sure nothing is burned, or looks bad.
If it looks good, use it.

 

[tno]

I have ordered a new PSU, just a cheap one that could be used as a bench PSU if I decide my old one is ok. Again, I haven't had any bad voltages, just that weird power cycling issue. When the new one comes In I'll tear the old one apart to make sure all is well and once my reconfigured rig is settled put it back. Thanks, Modelworks.

Jason

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
I would open the power supply and look around.

I would NOT open the PSU. Potential dangerous level of voltages inside (even when unplugged) plus that voids warranty. So what happens if there's scorch marks, but the manufacturer won't take it back because the "warranty void" seal was broken?

Well, if no longer under warranty, then just buy a new one... but most good PSUs have decent warranty lengths.

Since it still works and voltages are good, keep using it. PSUs have OCP for a reason.