Method for Selecting Computer Power Supplies by Multimeter
There have been many experienced users sharing their opinions on how to identify good power supplies in various magazines and publications. These methods can be summed up into three categories:
First, visual inspection - Check whether the power supply uses high-quality components, has fine workmanship and a reasonable layout. Frankly speaking, this method is somewhat demanding. For one thing, it requires sufficient electronics knowledge. For another, to fully inspect the internal components of the power supply, you have to remove its housing cover, which will inevitably break the manufacturer's warranty seal.
Once the seal is damaged, the warranty becomes void. Even if the power supply is faulty, you will have to repair it yourself. Many beginners have been forced to become skilled practitioners out of necessity.
Second, tactile check - After the power supply has been running for a period of time, feel whether the air blown out by its fan is scorching hot and whether the housing gets too hot to touch.
Third, smell test - Sniff for burnt odors after the power supply operates for an extended period. The latter two methods rely purely on accumulated subjective experience. Without such experience, how can beginners make reliable judgments? Here, I recommend a method of testing power supply quality using a multimeter, which may offer some help to new users.
