How should you repair a power supply?



The power supply in your computer has failed, and you need to get the system up and running again. What’s the best way to repair the power supply?

A) Open the power supply and use a multimeter to identify and replace the bad components

B) Remove the entire power supply and replace it with a new power supply

C) Move the hard drive, motherboard, and other peripherals to another computer with a working power supply

D) Power supply units can’t be individually replaced. You’ll need a completely new computer system.

E) Do you still have some of those firecrackers from the last big holiday?.


The answer: B) Remove the entire power supply and replace it with a new power supply

The internal components of a PC power supply aren’t designed for a field repair at the component level. Since it’s almost always more cost effective to completely replace the power supply, a quick swap is in order. Removing a few screws will free the existing power supply, and the replacement should fit into the same form-factor.

Want to know more? Watch “Installing and Troubleshooting Computer Power.”

Troubleshooting power problems with personal computers goes well beyond the power cord. In this module, we’ll show you how to use a circuit tester and multimeter to troubleshoot power on the motherboard, the PC components, and the power outlets themselves. You’ll also learn about power protection systems and the process for installing a PC power supply.