PSU testing tools?

[opeeum69]

Hello, this is my first time building a computer, and I just built one using antec earthwatt 500, is there tools (software or physical tools like a meter or something) that I can buy to test how stable the different rails are, or simply any tools that can tell me how well the PSU is working?

I don't really know what I'm asking for, but I saw on some of the reviews, people cited for example rails staying within specified range as pluses (which is obvious i guess), so they must be able to somehow measure it with something, I'd like to get the something if it's not too difficult for a newbie to operate .

Thanks

P.S. I saw the kill-a-watt meter on newegg, but that doesn't seem too helpful since it just measures the overall power being drawn from the wall right..

 

[HOOfan 1]

Multi-meter is pretty much your best bet. Software readings are not accurate.

I think a $5000 Load Tester and a $3000 Oscilloscope and learning how to set up a scope probe are beyond a newbie....

 

[opeeum69]

thanks HOOfan1; I can use the multimeter, do you also know of any tutorials on how to test the PSU with the multimeters, or would it pretty much be self explanatory when my PSU arrives?

P.S. nevermind, I just googled and found couple tutorials, thanks

 

[octopus41092]

Yeah, you can just use the multi-meter. Set it to 20 on the DC side. Take the red one and stick it into the female molex, yellow for 12V, red for 5V and you can stick the black into the black for ground. For 3.3V you can stick it into the AUX plug with one in the green and one in the black. You can do it from the back if it doesn't fit very well in the front.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: HOOfan 1
Multi-meter is pretty much your best bet.

Yup. I recently fixed a computer that was rebooting while gaming. Popped my multimeter on the +12v and ground, then ran a game. Saw the voltages start dropping from near 12v at idle to near 11v before system rebooted. Swapped PSU, problem resolved.