Power Supply Testers

scottyd

Weaksauce
Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
113
Not quite sure if my psu is frying my hard drives or what, but as someone suggested I should probably test the psu. I would rather not use a multimeter, but I am thinking about running out and getting a power supply tester.

Antec ATX12V Power Supply Tester
VASTECH-PSU TESTER-ATX - ATX Power Supply Tester
Vastech 24pin Power Supply Tester

Is there one you guys suggest more than another? I am also thought about having a local computer shop test it for me.

Heres a full explanation of my problem.
 
Multimeter is easier and more reliable than a psu tester.

I suggest using the multimeter over the psu tester.
 
If you're not comfortable using a multimeter, then just get the Antec tester you listed above. I replied to your other thread as well.
 
How would I go about testing Sata power connections? The power supply is modular so I guess changing it out for a molex connection will have to do.
 
If you get despirate for a tester, try visiting frozencpu. I picked up a power tester called the ultimate lcd power supply tester. It has just about every connection on it including sata power.
 
I once tried somebody's CompUSA brand tester (may have been by Soyo), and it said a PSU was fine even though the +12V rail was 20% and the HD wouldn't spin. So I wouldn't trust a tester that didn't have a digital display

There's not much risk in using a digital multimeter so long as you plug the black test lead into the minus or COMmon socket, the red test lead into the voltage socket, and set the meter selector switch to measure DC volts. Don't plug the red test lead into the amps socket (will create a direct short) or set the selector switch to measure amps or ohms!

A digital multimeter (don't bother with an analog one) is not just a lot more accurate and can can also measure a lot more things, like the voltages of the clock battery, CPU, PCI-E and AGP slots, memory slots, and car battery, plus it can be used as a crude lie detector on new recruits to your cult.
 
So let me get this straight. I hotwire the psu by using a paperclip and connect the 2 leads, then I take the multimeter and stick it in those 2 slots your said. This is all on the 24 pin connector? What if I want to measure the molex connectors?
 
you also need to be carefull of the power supply testers with the digital display. While I cannot verify the accuracy of one, but at the price point they are selling at, accuracy could be questionable.

That said, However, I would still use one with an LCD over one with just go/no go led's, as it gives me an idea anyway of the status of the supply.

Using a DMM (digital multimeter) is the best way to test power supplies. you can test under load (in many cases, but not all) and thats whats important, right?? how it performs when the system is up and running.
 
By jumpering the green wire and any black one on the 20 or 24 pin connector, you will turn on the power supply. you can now measure voltage on any connector you wish to, as long as the leads fit into the plug.

Most DMM's contain protection against incorrect usage (measuring voltage while on ohms is common). good quality DMM's will also have protection against plugging the positive lead into the amps socket with the selector set to anything other than amps. my fluke will click at me loudly, before any leads are connected to the circuit. Just the action of plugging into the amps socket and switch in anything but amps causes it to warn you.
 
I went out and bought a cheap multi-meter. The problem is the cables on my 24 pin connector are not color coded so I don't know which to jumper. I also don't know what to set the multi-meter for the right readings.



 
I read a tutorial on how to do it and tested everything. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and at the most voltages were .5 over. Not really sure what the problem is if my psu seems to be fine.
 
ok, volt meter setup first.. all your voltages will be measured using the 20V dc range, which on that meter is 3 clicks to the left of the off position.

ok, to turn on the supply, hold the connector in the position shown in the pic you posted. take a paper clip, bend it into a "U" shape. Connect the 4th pin from the right, bottom row, to either the 3rd, or 5th from the right on bottom row. then turn on the switch on back of supply, or plug in cord, that should get the supply running (assuming its not bad).

remember to hold the connector in the same position as you have in the pic posted.

easy place to measure the 3 main voltages is the addon 4 pin connector at the far left. it has a ground, 12v, 5v, and 3.3v pin on it. Bottom left most, is ground, next to that is 5v, top left most is 3.3v, next to that is 12v.

hope this helps ya
 
after re-reading I see you didn't need the long explanation.. /slap face (mine).

with no other load on the system, they will be a little high, but .5v may be too much. if you can connect a hdd or two to the molex connectors, they will provide a little load to the supply, which may bring its voltages back into line. if so, I think it might be a good supply.
 
i have the Antec ATX12V Power Supply Tester. It's a good solution..think i paid like $9.99 for it @ Circuitcity a while back
 
I actually just ordered a new power supply. Many people seem to be saying Ultra is pretty bad and after someone in the other thread said it blew his capacitors and fried just about everything I don't think I want to stick with them. Some people in the MSI forums said to go with a single rail 12v like a PC Power and Cooling and thats what I did.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703005

They are actually based in Carlsbad, CA which is where I live. Their office is literally 10-15 minutes from me. Not that I would go there, but its nice to know its a local company.
 
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