PSU motherboard powerload?

nathanneedshelp · 07-25-2007, 04:29 PM

When I ordered my case I knew the next part I would order would have to be the motherboard, but when I got the case and psu unit I noticed the psu (power supply) had a 1/0 switch on the back so I plugged it in and the little fan inside didn't turn on. So I contatcted the seller and told her about it. She advised me not to try this as turning it on without a "power load" i.e. having some component like a motherboard in there would burn out the power supply. IS THIS TRUE??? And if so when the motherboard arrives should I hook up a monitor, keyboard, and mouse too, just to give it an extra "load"? Thanks for the input guys.

**ceewi1** · 07-26-2007, 12:42 AM

Flicking the switch on the back won't start the PC/PSU. If you want to turn it on without anything connected, you'll need to short circuit the green wire on the 20/24 pin ATX main connector with any black wire (while the PSU is plugged in, and with the switch on the back set in the on position).

These days, the ATX specification requires that starting the PSU without load must not damage it.

07-25-2007, 04:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
nathanneedshelp New Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 10	PSU motherboard powerload? When I ordered my case I knew the next part I would order would have to be the motherboard, but when I got the case and psu unit I noticed the psu (power supply) had a 1/0 switch on the back so I plugged it in and the little fan inside didn't turn on. So I contatcted the seller and told her about it. She advised me not to try this as turning it on without a "power load" i.e. having some component like a motherboard in there would burn out the power supply. IS THIS TRUE??? And if so when the motherboard arrives should I hook up a monitor, keyboard, and mouse too, just to give it an extra "load"? Thanks for the input guys.

07-26-2007, 12:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
ceewi1 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 21 Posts: 5,275	Flicking the switch on the back won't start the PC/PSU. If you want to turn it on without anything connected, you'll need to short circuit the green wire on the 20/24 pin ATX main connector with any black wire (while the PSU is plugged in, and with the switch on the back set in the on position). These days, the ATX specification requires that starting the PSU without load must not damage it. __________________ CPU: Core 2 Duo E6600 / MOBO: Gigabyte 965P-DS3 / GPU: Gigabyte HD4870 RAM: 2GB G.Skill F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK / HDD: 2TB Total HDD / PSU: Antec NeoPower 480W Cheap PSUs - 2% of system costs, responsible for 28% of system deaths As Sealed Stick was removed, lost or damaged, it shall be out of warranty validity. - The "Warranty void if removed" sticker on numerous CoolerMaster PSUs. Useful PSU Guides

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
PSU Burnt out after Motherboard upgrade	goca	Computer Cases, Power Supplies and Cooling	4	03-23-2007 11:56 PM
Urgent Help Needed!!! Motherboard Help!	blade007	Motherboards	12	08-26-2006 11:50 AM
Mobo 101	Praetor	Motherboards	5	07-15-2006 01:41 AM
Is this a PSU problem?	Bobo	Desktop Computers	0	06-28-2006 12:35 AM
Fried PSU = Fried Mobo? - NEED Help / Advice!	storge	CPUs and Overclocking	2	11-18-2005 12:36 AM