Power supply testing

**HipHoper** · November 13th, 2013, 06:49 AM

I touched this subject few years ago, But I need some clarification help.
A client called me that his computer won't turn on.Usually it's the power supply, And I saw few times that if you take the power cable out of the power supply for like 15 minutes and turn it back on - it works.
In his case it didn't worked, So I replaced him the power supply and all is well.
Now....I tested his power supply today and it seems to work ok. I turned a computer with it and also tested it via digital PSU tester and voltages looks within reasonable ranges.
How can I be sure if the problem was temporary or might occur ?
I don't have electrical knowledge and tools to test the frequency and voltages of the power supply, I can only connect it to a motherboard and let it run some stress test like OCCT or prime95, But I'm afraid it won't show me if there is a problem with one of the power supply components.....
I also know that these kind of things are not being tested professionally at the warranty giver labs, And they might return it and say there is no problem with it......So it's a waste to even go there for a cheap PSU (Which also happens with a more expensive PSU....)

What do you suggest ?

**MobilePCPhysician** · November 13th, 2013, 10:12 PM

I always replace the power supply first. If the problem continues intermittently, then I will replace the switch, or just switch the reset jumpers for the power one. If it still happens, the mobo has a problem, and it's time for a new pc.

**HipHoper** · November 14th, 2013, 01:42 AM

Thank you mpp.What interests me is there a way to test if a power supply is ok.btw the reset and power buttons tip is great.once I replaced the motherboard to find that the problem was a reset button....

**Zonie** · November 14th, 2013, 08:45 AM

How about something like THIS.

**Escape_Driver** · November 18th, 2013, 03:47 PM

Have the client plug in the computer to his/her stove. I find it's the cleanest power in the house and normally doesn't have multiple devices that can cause noise and/or surges/brown outs. If that fixes the problem then advise the customer to get a good APC with a Battery.