To tell if your power supply is bad, firstconduct a jump start test. It will show you if the power supply actually turns on. This is only a basic test, though.

To thoroughly verify if your PSU is bad,perform a multimeter testas well. Grab a multimeter and measure the voltage in each of your ATX power connector’s 24 pins.

If the measured voltage lies beyond the expected voltage range, your PSU is defective. Let’s get into the details.

Signs Of a Faulty PSU

Before getting to the actual procedure, here are some basicsigns and symptomsthat will help you determine if yourPSU is failing.

These signs usually aren’t enough to make a conclusive diagnosis. But if you notice them, it does mean that a proper PSU test is due. Begin with a jumpstart test, then proceed to the multimeter test.

Conduct a Jump Start Test

Alright! Here’s how to check your PSU health with a jump start test. You canfollow the same stepsfor testing all the PSUs these days since they have astandardized ATX pinout.

Please be mindful that the fans might spin for a while and come to a halt after a few seconds. This happens because your PSU has a zero-RPM orhybrid fan mode.

So, don’t yet conclude that your PSU is bad.Use a multimeterandconduct a digital multimeter test(DMM) before that. In fact, I advise you to conduct the DMM test whether or not the fans spin.

Test Your PSU Using a Multimeter

The multimeter test will help you know if every pin on the 24-pin power connector supplies the correct voltage to your PC.

To conduct this test, bring a multimeter and set it tomeasure DC voltage. Keep the clip/wire attached to the connector and check the readings on each of the 24 pins.

For example, you should get anywhere between +3.135V and +3.465V while testing a +3.3V pin. Similarly, it is between +11.40V and +12.60V for a +12V pin.

The voltage should always liebetween the tolerance limits. No discrepancies are bearable.

For detailed instructions, view our guide onsafely testing a PSU.

If the PSU neither passed the jump test nor the DMM test, you may conclude your PSU is faulty.

Lightbulb Moment:

Test Your Motherboard

Alright! Now that you have tested your power supply and found the PSU to be fine, test your motherboard as well.

For that,reconnect the PSUto your system and turn it on. Start by checking if there are anyorange LEDsorDebug LED/HEX codesglowing on the motherboard. Also, listen for anybeep codes.

Additionally, try turning on your computer from the motherboard byshorting thePW+andPW-pinson the front panel header. If shorting the pins turns your PC on, you probably have a badfront panel connectoror themotherboard header.

While at it, also scrutinize your motherboard for anyburnt parts. Carefully inspect if it has anybulged/cracked or leaking capacitors. Also, check if anyonboard chipsare broken.

Similarly, look for bent/broken CPU pins and motherboard headers. Examinevisible damagestoo.

If either of the above-discussed cases holds true, yourmotherboard is probably defective/dead.

Do note that testing/repairing the motherboard is a sophisticated process and needs extensive hardware knowledge. So, I recommend taking it to yourvendor/repair centerfor further troubleshooting.

If you prefer doing it on your own, refer to our detailed guide ontesting a motherboard.