PSU motherboard powerload?

[nathanneedshelp]

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]

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.