How to Convert a PC Power Supply to a Bench Power Supply

by Robert Bayly
Use a standalone power supply to test motherboards and other components.

Use a standalone power supply to test motherboards and other components.

power supply image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com

Having a standalone power supply is handy if you want to bench-test motherboards, hard drives, CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs. The procedure for starting a power supply without a motherboard also allows you to test individual power supplies to see if they work. You don't need special computer skills to do this -- just the same common-sense precautions you should always use when working with electrical equipment.

Step 1

Make a jumper wire using the wire stripper to strip off about half an inch of insulation from each end of a 3-inch-long piece of 14-gauge wire.

Step 2

Locate the green wire on the 20-pin main power connector. The green wire is located at pin No. 14. The pin numbers are located on the top of the plastic connector. They are very small, so you have to look closely.

Step 3

Insert one end of the jumper wire into the connector at the green wire. Insert the other end into the connector at any black wire. There are black wires on both sides of the green wire.

Step 4

Set the power supply switch to off ("O"). Plug the power cord into the power supply and into a surge suppressor power strip. Switch on the power strip. Set the power supply to on ("I"). The power supply fan should start, indicating that the power supply is on.

Warning

  • Always switch off the power supply before attaching any components to it.

About the Author

Robert Bayly, based in Apple Valley, California, began writing in 2010, his "how to" articles can be found on eHow. With more than 15 years in the auto industry, Bayly has been an auto and diesel mechanic, service writer and parts manager. He received certificates from Pontiac (parts system), Cat Diesel (engine service), Saab and Fiat (parts- warranty system).

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