Can you test PSU without motherboard??

filete · Post by **filete** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:12 am

Hi there,

I have the Sonata case with PSU True Power 380W.
I haven´t start building the system, but I would like to check
if the PSU is really quiet...
If not I will change the case for a SLK3700BQE...

Just cant figure out if its possible to turn on, without a motherboard?
I have connect mains cable, but nothing happens.
Even have connect a Nexus fan to one of the PSU molex plug, but the
fan don´t move....

Or do I have a DOA (dead on arrival) PSU?

rtsai · Post by **rtsai** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:23 am

How do I test a PSU?

Solid Snake · Post by **Solid Snake** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:11 pm

Shorting the green and black wire on the ATX connector will start the PSU. I know that some of my PSU's will shut off after a second if they don't see a load on the lines. Even if your PSU starts and stays on, this will not give you an accurate estimate of how the PSU will sound while powering your system. The reason for this is that the fan speed of most PSUs will follow either the current draw or temperature of the supply. Powering on with this method will barely get the fan going, so any PSU will seem quiet.