ATX Power Supply

[hackercarlos]

Have you ever wanted to know how to turn on an ATX Power supply without a MOBO ?


Well, its very simple.

Tools needed: paper clip (yep, thats all)

Unfold the paper clip so that the two ends are pointing in the same direction. Next, insert one end into the part with the green wire and the next into one of other conectors with the black wire and after that your PS fan will come on (the fan spinning is an indication that your PS is on :) ) .

Disclaimer: I will not be held responsible for any damages to your PS while doing the above. ;)

[glc]

Not to speak of any danger of electrical shock to your person too. I am a qualified technician and won't do this without using something *insulated*. Paper clips aren't insulated.

[hackercarlos]

I did it with a paper clip and I did not get shocked at all but take GLC's advice because maybe you can. :eek:

Thanks glc

[HAL9000]

Good call GLC

[hackercarlos]

HEHE :D :D

BTW. What amount of voltage comes through the ATX power connector ? It could not have been that much because I did not get shocked ;)

[glc]

Not the point, carlos - ANY time you are playing with live circuitry of any type, you need to use the correct tools. That's why they make jumper wires and test leads with insulated alligator clips and probes.

[Toaster]

While the voltages present at the power suppies output don`t exceed 12 volts, this isn`t recomended for 2 reasons.
1. Personal safety.
While it would be rare to discover more then 12 volts at any output lead, the possibility exists. This is an unsafe procedure for both operator and supply.
2. Power supply failure.
Computer power supplies are of the switching type. Without a load of at least 10% on all outputs, one could possibly damage the supply and then damage any device connected to it. While 10% is a minimum figure, 20% is more realistic and safer for the supply under test. Taking mesurements of an unloaded supply with your meter would give erronous results.
Most power supplies use large inductors that may produce enough "back-EMF" to give the user a mild but respect inducing shock.

[hackercarlos]

OK. Thanks for the info ;)