By J.N Villarreal
Check the Power Supply on a Computer
Knowing what PC power supplies do and how
they work can be a great help, especially when you want to test the reasons why
your PC is malfunctioning. Sometimes, power supplies can be the cause of your
computer problems. Here is how you find out if the power supply is the main
culprit or not.
Do a troubleshooting first
If the power supply is not responding, and
there is simply no activity on your computer, it is best to inspect the power
supply for any damages. If there are any damages, you may need a replacement
power supply.
Check to See If the Wall Outlet has Power
Connect another device such as a T.V or a
radio to the wall outlet. If the outlet works and the problem persist, then you
have found the source of the problem and you need to get the wall outlet
fixed.
Wall Outlet has Power so What Now?
In the
case that the wall outlet has power, check the power cable going to the PC to
see if the AC voltage is making its way towards the system.
Use a Millimeter
Check if the power cable contains voltage by
using a multimeter. The multimeter will tell you if there is power in the cable
or not.
There is Power In the Power Cable
If there is power in the
power cable, then you need to open the PC and check for power from the power
supply to the motherboard.
Check for Re-booting Problems:
The main problem with a
failing power supply is that your computer may shut off without warning. If
there are any booting errors when the computer restarts, then it is another
indicator that the problem is within the power supply itself.
Check for power distribution problems
If the hard drive
receives power, and yet the CDROM drive does not, then it is another indicator
that the power supply is failing, since you may receive power at one device,
but not another.
Check Power Supply Itself
In the
case that the wall outlet and power cord is good, you need to make sure that
the connection with the motherboard is secure. Next, it is time to check the
power supply itself by following these simple steps.
a)
Turn off the computer, but be careful not to unplug it.
b)
Set the multimeter to read DC volts in the next range
higher than 12 volts
c)
Locate a power connector similar to the hard drive or
the cdrom drive connector that is unused
d)
Turn on the PC and insert the black probe into the
power connector on one of the black wires.
e)
Touch the red probe to the yellow wire on the power
connector.
f)
Check the multimeter, which should be at +12 volts.
g)
Next, touch the red probe to the red wire. The reading
should be at +5 volts
If there are no readings, or different
readings occurred then it is time to get you a new power supply. In the case
that the readings were correct; however, you should check the P8 or P9
connectors at the motherboard.
Note: If you see P4 and P5, they are the same as P8
and P9
Checking the Motherboard
To check the motherboard, follow these steps:
a)
Insert the black probe into the P8 at one of the black
wires.
b)
Insert the red probe into the P8 connector at
the RED wire. The
reading on the multimeter should be +5 volts.
c)
Check the power going to the Motherboard connections by
inserting the RED probe into P8 at the YELLOW wire and you should get +12 volts.
d) Leave the BLACK wire touching the
black wire at the P8 connector. Check the BLUE wire and the reading should be a
-12 volts.
e)
Next, move the black probe to the black wire on the P9
connector.
f) Test the WHITE wire by inserting the
RED probe and the reading should be -5 volts. Check the RED wire on the P9
connector and you should get +5 volts on each red wire. You will not get exactly five or 12
volts but the readings will be very close, such as 5.02 volts.
g) If the Power Supply is a couple of
volts off, in either direction, such as when the RED wire should be reading -5
volts but it reads -8 volts, or if there are no readings, replace the power
supply.
Wrap-up
Computers tend to break down overtime, and
perhaps too much abuse, or power outages can cause the power supply to
fail. If you do not feel comfortable
performing these tasks, it is best to call a technician for help.
Tip
“Do not perform these
tests if you do not know what you are doing. There is high voltage present so
never open the power supply case either.”
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