testing power supply??

[katie279]

Hi all,

Just a general question - I've often wanted to test or use PC components (eg pull data from hard disks, fans etc) without having to build it all into a PC case in order to use.

Is there an 'external' power supply option that exists for this?

I've got a pile of old IDE hard disks that I'm wanting to format/wipe properly before throwing away - I've got a usb > IDE/SATA connector so that's fine, I just need to power them via molex.

As PSUs always need a motherboard connection to turn on/off, they're always a bit awkward.

I've done the paperclip trick before to short the PSU and get it working, I'm just curious if there's any proper solutions used for rapid testing etc. I'd be quite happy to have a permanent 'test PSU' that simply has a switch that actually works on its own....

 

[EsaT]

USB HDD dock is the way easiest for handling loose drives.
There used to be also models with both IDE/PATA and SATA drive support.
Most western retailers no doubt have removed those from stock, but pretty sure you cand find them in web.

Though for testing fans you would need separate PSU. (I myself have Seasonic G-360 for that)
If wanting to use for powering devices like drives just remember than totally outdated design cheapos might have voltage regulation problems without load in all rails.