How to test a power supply unit

[cphowitzer]

I think the store stuck me with a lemon... a non-working powersupply unit. I dont know if it works or not, because it doesnt even move when I plug it in, it kinda whines...

Also my whole computer doesnt start. When plugged in everything, a green light flashes on the mobo for split second and dies.... Whose fault? PSU? Mobo? anything else?

 

[Sonic587]

What brand and model is this PSU? Also, list your specs.

 

[cphowitzer]

3.0C Pentium 4
1gb PC4000 Ultra Ram
DFI LanParty i865pe MoBo

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Noname PSU 450 watts

 

[Sonic587]

Originally posted by: cphowitzer
Noname PSU 450 watts

The store definitely screwed you. Return this POS now. NEVER trust your PC to a generic PSU.

What is you budget for a PSU right now?

 

[cphowitzer]

The PSU is L&C...

Store has no returns whatsoever.

Budget is about $20can... (i spent 2k already) =(

 

[Sonic587]

Oh man. This sucks. You should be able to get away with a US$40 350watt Fortron/Sparkle/Antec/Enermax. 400watt if you wanna future proof yourself. There was just a post in the videocard forum about this guy running 1gig RAM/Shuttle AN35N-U/2.2GHz Barton/6800 GT on a 300watt Antec.

 

[mechBgon]

By the way cphowitzer, I grabbed the manual for one version of your board and guess what? It has a feature where it will power itself down if it isn't detecting a fan RPM on the CPU FAN header. The CPU FAN header is located to the right of the CPU socket. There are two fan headers there, and it appears to be the upper one. You need to have an RPM-signalling fan plugged into that header, preferably one with ~2200rpm or higher, if it's like most boards that have this feature.

So if you don't have your CPU fan plugged in there already, try that. But I do agree, amputate that L&C power supply from your rig :evil:

 

[cphowitzer]

Is there a way to test out the PSU w/o any computer parts?

 

[Juice Box]

Yes, you must take a paperclip or some other form of wire and stick one end into the green connector <follow the wire> and the other end into any black wire <theres about 7> and then itll turn on..... If it works that is

 

[Moltres]

Assuming you don't own or know how to use a meter, there are PS testing kits available. However, they usually cost as much as a PS. Alternatively **AT YOUR OWN RISK**, you can hook a 4-pin case fan up to your PS and connect a wire to pins 4 and 6 of the motherboard connector, and then flip the switch on the supply (or plug it in if there is no switch). The PS fans and the case fan should run.

To determine where pins 4 and 6 are, hold the motherboard power connector with the retaining clip facing up. The pins are numbered from the top row going left to right. There are pictures of this at Koolance.com that shows in the installation guide how to find the right pins.

 

[JBT]

Originally posted by: digitalsnare
Yes, you must take a paperclip or some other form of wire and stick one end into the green connector <follow the wire> and the other end into any black wire <theres about 7> and then itll turn on..... If it works that is

thats how I do it. At first I always though I would get a shock but so far so good lol

 

[Juice Box]

Originally posted by: Moltres
Assuming you don't own or know how to use a meter, there are PS testing kits available. However, they usually cost as much as a PS. Alternatively **AT YOUR OWN RISK**, you can hook a 4-pin case fan up to your PS and connect a wire to pins 4 and 6 of the motherboard connector, and then flip the switch on the supply (or plug it in if there is no switch). The PS fans and the case fan should run.

To determine where pins 4 and 6 are, hold the motherboard power connector with the retaining clip facing up. The pins are numbered from the top row going left to right. There are pictures of this at Koolance.com that shows in the installation guide how to find the right pins.

OR, he can just connect those two wires, and plug a normal 4 pin fan into one of the many open molexes to see if it works...

 

[farmercal]

Store has no returns whatsoever.

Why then, do/did you shop there? Even Walmart will take back a defective item.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: cphowitzer
The PSU is L&amp;C...

Store has no returns whatsoever.

Two things.. that do not belong together. Sorry to hear that.

Originally posted by: cphowitzer
Budget is about $20can... (i spent 2k already) =(

Does Directron.com ship to Canada? They are having some sales on some spiffy "Super Flower" PSUs. (Yeah, the name is kinda funny, I know.) Check the Hot Deals forum, there should be several threads on the first few pages.

 

[Juice Box]

Canada, pfff