I'm wondering if I can safely do the paperclip test on my power supply unit (PSU) when it's removed from my PC and without any wires connected to it. Logically, it seems like it should be fine, but I could use some reassurance. I really don't want to have to disconnect it from the motherboard since my hands are already hurting from all the work I've been doing!
3 Answers
Just a heads-up, I had my 1000w MSI PSU die on me after about a year of use. So, if you’re testing, be mindful it might not be working as it should.
Yeah, you really need to disconnect it from the motherboard to perform the test safely. Just make sure everything is unplugged properly before you start.
It depends on what you mean by 'without any wires.' If you're talking about not having it connected to the motherboard at all, then yes, that should be fine. But if you mean no modular cables plugged in, then that's a different story—you'll need to connect the ATX 24-pin cable for the test to work.
Oh, I see! That makes sense. I should've clarified; my PSU is fully modular, and it would just be the empty port I'm looking at.