Use an external PC power supply to test computer components.
To enable a PC's motherboard to switch on the power supply when it needs to wake from LAN, or turn off the power supply to automatically shutdown, the supply uses electrical signals on pin-14 to act as the power switch. The main switch on the back of the supply acts only as a master switch, cutting or restoring mains power to the supply. To turn the power supply fully on, connect pin-14 to ground using a piece of wire. You can then test the power supply is working or use it as an external power source for testing peripherals.
Instructions
1. Plug the power lead into the power supply and turn the switch on the back of the power supply to the "On" position. This provides power to the supply but does not actually turn it on.
2. Locate the green wire in the 20/24 main power connector block which normally plugs in to the motherboard. There is only one green wire in the block located at pin-14 corresponding to the ATX "PS-ON" signal. Notice the black ground wires on either side of the green wire on pins 13 and 15.
3. Strip 1-cm of insulation from the ends of a piece of solid core copper wire. Holding the insulation of the wire, push one end of the copper wire into pin-14 of the connector corresponding to the green wire. Push the other end of the copper wire into pin-13 or 15 to make a connection to ground. The power supply will turn on instantly.
4. Remove the wire to turn off the power supply.
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