testing power supply connectors with multimeter

one of the best ways to test a psu is by multimeter because you get the actual digital measurement. numbers might not be exact so give account for latency range.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• molex
• connectors
• multimeter
• connector
• psu
• power supply
• sata
• mini
• floppy connector
• drive connector
• electronics
• installation
• computer
• bruno mars
• catch a grenade
• grenade

[boricuandragon]

My os is XP SP3. But, do you think BSOD is linked to a bad psu? Where did you get your multimeter?

[TheLocalComputerTech]

@boricuandragon No I wouldn't put the PSU at the top of the list. Make sure all your update packets are current and check to see if the registry has not been altered. Just in case you should download a registry cleaner to pick off any viruses lingering. Since its happening a lot with apps I would check your drivers next. and im assuming that this just currently started so it shouldn't be an issue of compatibility. I bought the multimeter at radio shack.

[boricuandragon]

Nice video! I have a question. I hear a buzzing sound coming out of my computer case and I'm getting BSOD like six to eight times every day especially when using applications on facebook or watching videos on youtube, the computer is on for 8 to 10 hours daily.

I wonder if that is the result of a bad PSU which is probably 8 years old and how a multimeter can help me determine whether is good or not, (I don't have one but plan to buy it for future computer fixes). Thanks in advance.

[TheLocalComputerTech]

@boricuandragon what os are you currently using?

[appleninja4ever]

Great tutorial. Your the man!

[TheScottie101]

Thanks a lot dude. You really helped!!!

[barlog20]

Your power supply is suppose to plugged in the electrical outlet when your testing it right?And how do you test to see if a power supply is under performing when its hook up to your computer and your computer is on running programs?

[paulo1149]

I heard the PSU should always be under load, even when testing?

[bargeanimal]

Thanks for the video. Please excuse my ignorance but what are you checking the documented levels against?

[alameerLover]

a very nice video ***** 5 stars . short and crispy. well done

[jiifurusu]

@fsmclean The usual number quoted is a 5% tolerance, meaning that the 12V lines should be between 11.4 and 12.6 volts, so yours is a little high.

[MetalheadzVal]

Would've probably helped me more without the freakin Bruno Mars musical in the background =/

[fsmclean]

Nice tutorial. One question that I am having a hard time finding the answer to. In what range would a reading be acceptable as in plus or minus. ie say a certain pin should be 12v an actual reading comes in at 12.8 . Is that acceptable?

[donstratton]

This is EASILY the best video currently on Youtube for testing your PSU with a multimeter! Very clear instruction, adequate video quality, good methodology.

Just to save some folks some time, let me point out that all voltages should be 3.3v, 5v or 12v. It is very likely that you will read fractions of a volt higher than that (such as 3.31 or 12.14) which is exactly as it should be. Anything much lower than nominal is suspect (such as 2.8 or 11.2).

Thanks dude!