[REQUEST] How do I test a proprietary power supply?

[Appletax]

I am working on an HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-2003w.

I want to test the power supply, but it doesn't use the standard 20+4 pin mobo connector. I cannot use my PSU tester. It uses a 4 pin connector. Using info from this website, I placed the black probe on the COM port (black wire) and the red probe on the +12v (yellow wire). I did not short the green (ground) and black (COM) cables that are in PWRCMD connector. I thought that shorting the PSU is always required, but it worked - the 4 pin mobo connector and the 4 pin CPU connector were all at +12 volts. Did I do this correctly or do I need to do something different? The PSU part # is L76557-003.

It would be nice to find a resource that has all the various pin layouts for PSUs.

Here's my multimeter and how I have it configured for this testing:



The connectors:

 

[GTP]

I am working on an HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-2003w.

I want to test the power supply, but it doesn't use the standard 20+4 pin mobo connector. I cannot use my PSU tester. It uses a 4 pin connector. Using info from this website, I placed the black probe on the COM port (black wire) and the red probe on the +12v (yellow wire). I did not short the green (ground) and black (COM) cables that are in PWRCMD connector. I thought that shorting the PSU is always required, but it worked - the 4 pin mobo connector and the 4 pin CPU connector were all at +12 volts. Did I do this correctly or do I need to do something different? The PSU part # is L76557-003.

It would be nice to find a resource that has all the various pin layouts for PSUs.

Here's my multimeter and how I have it configured for this testing:

View attachment 17504

The connectors:

View attachment 17501 View attachment 17502 View attachment 17503

I wouldn't spend any time testing it. If you suspect it in any way remove, bin it and replace. In the time it takes to test it the client could be on their way.
Further, if you do take time testing it and you deem it "ok" and it fails later it's on you.

 

[HCHTech]

Sadly, you can't prove a power supply is "good". You can only sometimes prove it's bad.....and then only if it's essentially dead. Anecdotally, I have to presume that they are making power supplies more robust these days - I can't remember the last time I had to replace one. We used to keep several models in stock and go through them at a decent clip. The ones we have now have a thick layer of dust on them.

 

[NETWizz]

... with a proprietary power supply tester of course. You could measure the voltage when it is in use against something known to be 3.3v, 5 v, and `12v.

If in doubt, I would try swapping it with a known good as the test. If you do not have a known good, you can of course RMA or buy another one.

 

[lan101]

Sadly, you can't prove a power supply is "good". You can only sometimes prove it's bad.....and then only if it's essentially dead. Anecdotally, I have to presume that they are making power supplies more robust these days - I can't remember the last time I had to replace one. We used to keep several models in stock and go through them at a decent clip. The ones we have now have a thick layer of dust on them.

Yeah I used to like to keep 3 or 4 in stock all the time but anymore 1 is good and that might sit for months lol. I usually keep 2 standard ones around and when 1 sells I'll get another one lol.

 

[Diggs]

when it is in use

This is important. I have used computer power supplies on my workbench for years as a stable power source for tools, instruments and projects. I short the two pins in the 24-pin harness so it starts up every time I flip its switch. Totally no-load when no instruments or tools are plugged in it reads 10.3 volts on the 12 volt rail. As soon as I plug something in (battery charger/discharger, IP camera, etc.) it jumps and holds at 12.1 volts.

 

[sapphirescales]

Sorry but that's a disposable crap box. Not much you can do except replace the case, motherboard, and power supply in order to turn it into a real computer. If you want you can buy a replacement power supply from HP if your client is willing to wait but if it doesn't fix the problem you're stuck with it. Let the client decide whether they want to wait a week or two and take a chance on this crap box, have you build them a decent computer, or have you replace the motherboard, case, and power supply to get rid of the proprietary garbage. Or of course they can go to Best Buy and buy another crap box. It's up to them.

I'm surprised you guys don't replace power supplies more often. Unfortunately OEM desktops don't use standard ATX PSUs anymore so if that's all you're seeing then I can see why you're not stocking or replacing them much anymore. The PSU market itself has caught on to this trend too. It's difficult to find a good quality basic power supply nowadays. Anything with even a minimum level of quality is at least 750w and $80+. I keep a few dozen power supplies in stock in various brands and wattage ratings and we go through them regularly. Then again, we see (and build) a lot of custom builds. I'm also surprised how few custom builds most of you guys seem to see in your shop.