How to Start a SMPS Without a Motherboard

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Have you ever wondered how to start an SMPS without the motherboard? This wikiHow article teaches you how to start an SMPS without a motherboard.

Things You Should Know

  • Open your computer's case and remove everything connected to your SMPS first.
  • You'll need a paperclip to start an SMPS without a motherboard.
  • The paperclip will act as a bridge and connect the SMPS to itself, so if it does not turn on, your SMPS may be faulty.

Steps

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  1. Open your computer's casing. Be sure that your computer is completely turned off prior to starting. Remove the screws that are present in the side panel of your computer. You need to remove only one side of the panel.
  2. Please note that some connections contains a clip attached to it. Make sure to remove the clips before you remove your connections.
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  4. Try to locate green and black wire. Please note, that there will be one green wire and many black wires. You can select any black wire you want.
  6. The SMPS should be running now. If it does not turn ON, insert the paper clip firmly and try once more. If still your SMPS didn't turn ON, your SMPS might be faulty.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I sprayed Collins near the fan but it is not working now so what next?
    Community Answer
    Don't spray any liquid or chemical in an SMPS fan; it can be dangerous as it may harm you (electric shock) and it can break the fan (which may be why yours is not working). In your case, the SMPS parts may be now faulty due to contact with liquid. You may need to replace the fan.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 18
  • Question
    Why do I need a green and black pin when starting SMPS?
    Community Answer
    The green and black pins are needed to check the serviceability of the SMPS without connecting it to the motherboard.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 15
  • Question
    What do I do if I tried this, but it blew up my PSU?
    JVz
    Community Answer
    This is not going to blow up the PSU. I have tried out testing more than 2000 SMPS in this method, but was not successful in blowing out even one PSU so far.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 18
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      Tips

      • Make sure you have grounded before starting to remove your SMPS. Since static electricity can destroy your computer peripherals, this step is necessary.
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      Warnings

      • Make sure you conduct this test on a table with yourself standing with a rubber or any insulate material.
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      Things You'll Need

      • A Screwdriver (to remove the SMPS from your computer case)
      • A Paper Clip
      • A power Supply

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