test the power supply how?????

[Chrissirhc]

How do I test the power supply on my system. I want to check whether there is a regular power going throught the system. This is because in win2k programs constantly crashing and internet connection keeps on dropping (USB modem).

Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[edfair]

No way to really test it without some expensive equipment. Generally , if you are having power problems you will get reboots or freeze ups.
You could add additional load by plugging in the power of another hard drive and see if that affects the frequency of the crashes. That might show a problem.
What are the specs of the system, particularly the processor, and what is the power rating of the P/S?
And be aware that you have a switching power supply that is susceptible to problems if it is drawing power from a circuit that is feeding other switching supplies.
And double check the input supply switch for the correct position. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[readysetbo]

Is it just programs running under windows... or is the whole operating system causing problems?

I had a lady's computer once that was shutting down and rebooting for no reason. I moved some cables around, improved air circulaiton, and it runs like a champ now.

As far as the USB issues goes, that does seem a little strange.

Provide us with some more details. Like, is it specific to a certain program, a certain time, some specs on your pc, and anything that might help determine what is causing this.

 

[fidleid]

In fact, you can get a good digital meter for about $4 and with a little explanation you can connect it to the power supply and monitor the voltage as you access you hard disk. If the voltage dips significantly below 12 volts...the power supply is probably defective. I have montior a lot of computers and most PC, even the gighz units operate at less than 200 watts for the most part. So if you have a 250 watt supply it is not likely to be a rated power issue. Some less expensive computer have 150 or 165 watt supplies....in which case you might be operating on the edge of the supplies effectiveness.