power supply tools help

[homecomiingbeer]

hello , i am looking for a tool or tools to test power supplies and motherboards to see if they are fried , wha tis the best tool out there and the best way to do it.


anyone thks

[XuLander]

ps test tool
dont personally own one of these, and it doesnt look like its going to give you any idea if the ps is sending the proper amp/volts, I have always tested them by replacing them, or hooking up to an old trashy MoBo that works.

The motherboards I just hook to a good ps with cpu HSF and memory installed if the fan spins you can normally trouble shoot from there.

Im a novice obviously, but this will give yah something to read while you are waiting for the correct answer

[macko]

I am a 30-year electronic technician. My advice, be careful. When working on power supplies you are working with input voltage that can be lethal. Ok since you asked: The two most important tools you need to check to see if something is "fried" is your nose and your eyes. A visual inspection can tell you alot. Lets start with the power supply. If nothing is obvious(no burnt smells or burnt pieces) you will need to test output voltages.To test a power supply you will need a voltmeter(multimeter) to test voltages. I do not suggest you open the power supply up and check it internally. Concentrate on the output voltages which under normal circumstances are low voltages, +3.3V, +5v, +12V, -5V & -12V. The power supply will have to be plugged in. Set your meter for the voltage scale and place the black test prod into the negative on one of the output connectors(usually the black lead) and put the red test prod into the red or yellow. You should get a reading of +3.3V, +5v, +12V, -5V or -12V. Without a power supply schematic you won’t know which pins should be which voltage, but if you get no voltage or some very high voltage, then you have a problem. Do this for all the connectors coming out of the power supply. Power supplies are inexpensive. I would say if you suspect a power supply is bad, just replace it. Even with 30 years experience, I don’t even bother repairing them.
Testing a motherboard can actually damage it if it wasn’t damaged to begin with. If you start poking a mulitmeter probe around a motherboard you could do more harm then good if you do not know what you are doing. Just use your nose and eyes for this one. A good source for multimeters is www.oselectronics.com. They carry a wide selection of meters and tools for all kinds of electronic repairs. Good luck.

[bailey]

run down to comp-usa and get a atx power supply tester,
they cost a whole 14 dollars and will tell you if all the voltages are correct instantly by a lit led for each one.

switching power supplys must have a load on them for them to work, do not turn one on without any kind of load.

you can measure all the voltages while the supply is connected to the motherboard with a digital volt meter, each wire are differant colors and each color is for each voltage

red +5
black 0
yellow +12
oarnge 3.3
white -5
grn is voltage good sig and should be about +5

all voltages measured with the black lead from the voltmeter connected to the power supply frame, not the black common wire

[homecomiingbeer]

many thks to all the responses what about a motherboard how would i see if it is fried without putting it in a case and cpu and all is there another way..

thks

[fyxxer32]

Bailey, I was thinking of buying one of those testers from Compusa. Have you used one?

[bailey]

yes I went out a got one and it works great, checks for all the voltages and if one is out of spects the led won't light.
it has a ok led for each voltage, and for 14 bucks , you can't beat it

[fyxxer32]

Gotta get one then!

[AzKidd69]

for testing mobo's follow this link gives you alot of good info and has links to some POST diagnostics cards also (if you plan on doing this type of thing alot)

[bailey]

what link is that ?