The power supply is a vital component of a personal computer. The work of the computer organism as a whole depends on it. Timely diagnostics of its malfunction is the key to the health and longevity of your computer.
Necessary
- - voltmeter;
- - screwdriver;
- - paper clip.
Instructions
Step 1
Do not open the power supply to troubleshoot it. This is the lot of specialists. It is not necessary to disassemble the system unit to determine the malfunction of this critical component. Be attentive to the operation of your computer.
Step 2
Recall if there are frequent restarts and freezes of the computer for no apparent reason (while the computer is performing simple tasks). Note for yourself the appearance of errors in the work of programs and the operating system as a whole. Errors in the functioning of the RAM during testing and during further work in the system. Interruptions in the operation of the hard disk or the failure of the latter indicate a loss of voltage at the output of the power supply.
Step 3
Pay attention to the appearance of an unpleasant smell and excessive heating of the system unit. These are unmistakable signs of a malfunctioning power supply in your computer.
Step 4
If your computer shows no signs of life, you will have to disassemble it. Disconnect the power cable from the system unit. Take a screwdriver. Unscrew the screws that hold the wall of the system unit to your right. Remove the cover to access the motherboard.
Step 5
From the socket on the motherboard, remove the main plug of the power supply connector, which has 20 or 24 pins. Find the third and fourth pins, green and black wires lead to them. Close these two contacts using a regular paper clip. Plug in the power cable. In a serviceable power supply, the fan will start, and voltage will appear on its terminals.
Step 6
Measure the voltage with a voltmeter. Between the contacts of the black and red wires, it will be 5 volts, black and yellow - 12 volts, black and orange - 3.3 volts (minus on black, plus on colored ones). If the values you received differ from the above, your power supply is defective.
