Using a paperclip or a small piece of wire, bridge the connection between the green PS_ON pin and any adjacent black ground pin. Once connected, plug the PSU into a wall outlet and turn the switch on.
Checking Power Supply Voltage Rails with a Multimeter
The Paperclip Test (Basic Output Verification) The paperclip test is a popular method to quickly determine if a power supply turns on and produces power. This test bypasses the need to open the case and plug in the motherboard, allowing you to check the PSU in isolation.
The 12V rail should measure around 11. Testing Under Load Conditions.
How to Check Power Supply Voltage Rails with a Multimeter
Safety Precautions and Preparation Safety is paramount when dealing with internal PC components and mains electricity. While the paperclip test is a classic diagnostic method, a digital multimeter provides the most accurate readings for how to test a desktop power supply effectively.
More About How to test a desktop power supply
Looking at How to test a desktop power supply from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on How to test a desktop power supply can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
