Unlike poking around with pins using a multimeter, a PSU tester is plug-and-play. All you’ll need to do is disconnect the power supply from your computer, connect the PSU tester to the power supply and CPU, and power on your PC to check the power supply.
It might be helpful to take a photo of where everything is connected before you start disconnecting wires.
The PSU tester should still be turned off at this point.
Some PSU testers require you to hold down a button to check the power supply.
The PG value should be within 100-500 MS. If the PG value is way too high, your computer will constantly reboot or shut itself down. A new power supply should fix that problem.
It might be helpful to take a photo of where everything is connected before you start disconnecting wires.
This paperclip will act as the pins that are inserted into the power supply that gives it the “Power ON” signal.
For example, a Corsair PSU requires you to short pins 16 & 17 while an ATX power supply requires you to use pins 15 & 16. [4] X Research source Before you do this, double-check to make sure that the power supply is completely disconnected from any power outlet, that it is switched off, and that it is not connected to any computer components. Failing to do so means that you’re sticking a metal paperclip into a live power supply that has electricity running through it. You can shock yourself and cause physical harm as well as damage your computer.
Many power supplies run the fan for only a second after it powers on; that is the zero-RAM feature. Don’t be alarmed that the fan isn’t continuously running! The fan briefly turning on means that your power supply is at least supplying output. This test will not tell you if the power supply is functioning as it should, just that it is turning on. You will need to perform the next test to ensure that it is outputting correctly.
If your multimeter does not have an auto-range feature, set it to 10. 00V.
You should repeat this test for every line that carries a voltage, like pins (for ATX PSUs only) 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, and 23. For Corsair power supplies, test pins 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 14, 21, and 23.
Even with the readings you have now, you aren’t done! You need to test if your PSU performs under pressure.
You can briefly use your computer without the case on, but just be careful not to ruin the insides of your computer! If the computer won’t start without the case on, you will need to remove the appropriate jumper on the motherboard. The manual for your computer should explain how you do this. Before you turn the power on, remove the paperclip you previously set up!
Repeat this test for every pin that has a voltage.
If you are still having computer errors, or your computer will not start, move on to other troubleshooting steps. The first place to check will be your motherboard.
