Sometimes it is convenient to manually turn on an ATX power supply without using the PC motherboard, to check if it is working properly. For this reason, we recommend that you read this article with which you will learn How to turn on an ATX power supply without the PC motherboard?
What is an ATX power supply?
Have you ever wondered what a PC power supply is? In this case, you may have seen the term ATX which stands for “Advanced Technology Extended”. ATX refers to a second generation power supply. This device is installed on the computer and converts alternating current from electrical energy into direct current.
An ATX power supply lowers the voltage so that other components of the equipment can be connected to it. In this way the devices are protected from voltage fluctuations or power supply problems.
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What are the characteristics of an ATX power supply?
An ATX power supply allows manipulation of its shutdown via software. Also, some models have a switch located in the back; This mechanism is used to avoid unnecessary consumption of electricity in "stand by".
Generally, i modern ATX power supplies have a digital button which replaces the mechanical switch. Additionally, ATX power supplies can be integrated into old and new microprocessors.
How to turn on an ATX power supply without the PC motherboard?
It's possible turn on an ATX power supply without using the motherboard of the PC. For that, you can follow the steps we explain below.
Materials needed to power an ATX power supply without the motherboard
To turn on an ATX power source without using the PC motherboard you will need a CD / DVD drive or some other device to plug into the power source and a voltmeter the "tester". With these tools, you can take the next step.
Try ATX power supply without motherboard
Unplug the ATX power supply from the motherboard (if it has been installed in your PC) and take advantage of this step to clean your PC power supply if it has a long period of use. When you have finished this job, proceed to make a bridge between wires 14 and 15 (green and black wires respectively). The green wire is used to turn on the power supply when it is connected to ground, while the black wire is used for the ground function.
It is recommended that you connect any device such as a CD / DVD drive to the power source to prevent it from deteriorating due to not connecting a power consumption.
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Use the voltmeter
In this step it is necessary to use the voltmeter to measure the different voltages of the connector. This way, you can determine if the power source is working properly. For this reason the voltmeter becomes an essential tool when repairing a computer when it does not turn on or start up.
In this sense, we recommend measure the ends of the connectors to check the voltage. The black wires indicate ground, the yellow wire should have a voltage of +12 volts, and the red wire should have a voltage of +5 volts.
The voltages for a 20 pin ATX power supply
Un 20 pin ATX power supply it should have the following voltages: For pins 1, 2 and 11 (yellow wires) the voltage is +3,3 V DC. Pins 3, 5, 7, 13, 15, 16 and 17 (black wires) must be marked with COM or “ground”.
On the other hand, pins 4, 6, 19 and 20 (red wires) should indicate +5 VDC. Pin 9 is +5 VSB, pin 8 is PWR_OK, and pin 14 is PS_ON #.
The voltages for a 24 pin ATX power supply
Un 24 pin ATX power supply it should indicate these voltages on each of its pins. For pins 1, 2, 12 and 13 the voltage should be +3,3 VDC, while pins 4, 6, 21, 22 and 23 are +5,5 VDC.
Pins 3, 5, 7, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 24 must be marked COM or "ground". Pins 10 and 11 instead are + 12V1 DC, pin 14 must be -12V1 DC. Pin 9 should indicate + 5VSB and pin 8 reflects voltage for PWR_OK and pin 16 is for PS_ON # voltage.
