Quickest way to verify if a PSU works in another PC?

InfernoUk · 15 Nov 2015 at 18:36

Hey guys

Im having build issues and need to verify if my PSU is working properly.

Ive done paperclip test and everything powered on (Fans, lights, pump) however im still having issues, i wanted to run it into another PC to verify that PC can boot up correctly with it as then i can confirm the issue is my motherboard.

I wanted to know whats the best and fastest way to verify this without stripping apart another fully working PC.

Can i just plug the large molex mobo plug into another pc and boot it? or is there more to it..

RJC · 15 Nov 2015 at 18:40

For the other system to boot you would need to install power for cpu & the main ATX connector, also power to the gpu if it is using a external one, or you could remove this and use onboard. (if you want to see windows then you would need to install sata leads)

InfernoUk · 15 Nov 2015 at 18:43

i dont need to see anything, its more to see it all come to life and fans spin up etc, so just the large connector and the smaller 4 pin one?

Quartz · 15 Nov 2015 at 18:46

InfernoUk said:
Im having build issues and need to verify if my PSU is working properly.

Rather than risk another PC to a possibly faulty PSU, take the PSU from the other (good) PC and try it in the PC that's giving problems.

InfernoUk · 15 Nov 2015 at 19:10

Quartz said:
Rather than risk another PC to a possibly faulty PSU, take the PSU from the other (good) PC and try it in the PC that's giving problems.

yeah that sounds like a decent move, its just messing a round with a lot of cabling!

Is it possible to buy a new PSU and try it and if it wasnt the issue, return that new PSU?

crashNburn · 21 Nov 2015 at 19:20

to ensure the system is running you need to have visuals, you can plug in the power and fans etc, but seeing them spin doesn't mean its all good, even if the board has a light and its lit is still not a 100% assurance, i have faced many issues like this before, the fun of building eh!

if you can get a cheap psu 2nd had, something like a liteon or whatever for like a tenner then might be worth it, so long you not got power hungry items attached to the board otherwise get an old cheap board to trial, that way if the psu is dodgy it will only risk taking crap out rather than quality.

or just buy a new psu anyways if the current one isnt that new then no faffing at all

sneakysnail · 21 Nov 2015 at 19:56

you can get cheap PSU testers that might be of help. it's basically the equivalent of doing the paperclip trick and checking with a voltmeter but less hassle. I ran a new PSU using one for 2-3 hours the other day just as a check before putting it in my system.

If the voltage drops below the norm it will beep etc. wont help you test it under load of course but still handy to have running next to you for a couple hours
What problems are you having with your PSU specifically though?