How to Start a SMPS Without a Motherboard

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Last Updated: August 27, 2023

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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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.
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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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.
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.

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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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.

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Question

What do I do if I tried this, but it blew up my PSU?

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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.

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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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