How to test power supply

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nicholas
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Nicholas

I haven't worked on hardware in about 2 years so bear with me. I'm
trying to put together a machine from parts I have but I'm encountering
problems. The Mobo is a NOS MSI K7T turbo (MS-6330). On my first try
I got problem with post, and the D-led produced an error code. However,
I just tried to fire it up again and get nothing. I've swapped power
supplies to a new one and still nothing. The fans on the power supplies
don't turn etc. How can I test the supplies so I can be sure that it is
something else?
 
Nicholas said:
I haven't worked on hardware in about 2 years so bear with me. I'm
trying to put together a machine from parts I have but I'm encountering
problems. The Mobo is a NOS MSI K7T turbo (MS-6330). On my first try
I got problem with post, and the D-led produced an error code. However,
I just tried to fire it up again and get nothing. I've swapped power
supplies to a new one and still nothing. The fans on the power supplies
don't turn etc. How can I test the supplies so I can be sure that it is
something else?
Click to expand...

To test an ATX PSU:

First, disconnect everything from the power supply (including MB.) Plug
AC cord into the rear of the PS. IF the PS has its own rocker on/off
switch, turn it ON. There should be +5v on pin 9 of the 20 pin connector
(+5vsb, usually a violet wire.) There should be >0.8v on pin 14 (PS-ON,
usually a green wire.) This is from an internal pull-up to the +5vsb.

Connect PS power leads to 1 or 2 IDE HDs (for a load). Jumper pin 14
(PS-ON) to pin 13 (ground, black wire.) At this point, fan in PS should
start spinning, drives should spin, and + 5/12v, -5/12v, +3.3v, and
+5vsb should be present at 20 pin connector.

Disconnecting pin 14-13 jumper should turn supply back off.
 
Nicholas said:
I haven't worked on hardware in about 2 years so bear with me. I'm
trying to put together a machine from parts I have but I'm encountering
problems. The Mobo is a NOS MSI K7T turbo (MS-6330). On my first try
I got problem with post, and the D-led produced an error code. However,
I just tried to fire it up again and get nothing. I've swapped power
supplies to a new one and still nothing. The fans on the power supplies
don't turn etc. How can I test the supplies so I can be sure that it is
something else?
Click to expand...


Antec makes a PSU tester, sells for about 10 or 15 bucks and works well.

bluestringer
 
You can do-it-your-self with a breadboard, a solder gun, some
automobile turnsignal lamps (like sylvania #1157LL) , and some medium
wattage resistors along with the psu connector ripped out of a shot
motherboard. Some of the Books sold that advise on how to upgrade or
repair your PC have instructions. As far as that goes, repairing a
PSU is not difficult altho probably the only people that do it are
techs and electrical engineers who need to augment an off-the-shelf
unit for some special purpose. These books with schematics, resistor
specs, bulb specs etc are probably avail. at your local library.
Searching Google newsgroups for advice used to turn lots of good
stuff. I think Fry's plu#86800 Motherboard power supply
extensionp8/p9 kit used to work for AT systems & psus. The resistors
are available at Radio Shack or they used to.
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/highperformance/turbocools/510/index.htm
gives the pin out and voltages for ATX.

Bob
 
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