I have a problem with my hard drive and I want to check that the device is receiving the correct voltage from the power unit.
I also want to check that the device itself has continuity (unbroken supply) Could someone please describe how this is done using a multimeter: explaining firstly the correct colour coded high point and low point wires to be probed and secondly multimeter configurational settings for the task.Please could you describe the operation in detail as I do not want to damage anything including myself.
2006-12-14 22:39:07 · 5 answers · asked by Frederic 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
A power supply tester is your best bet.
• Tests 20 and 24 pin power supplies
• FDD/HDD connector testing
• Voltage function indicator (+3.3V, -12V, -5V, +12V, +5V, +5VSB)
• Intelligent Analysis Indicator judges if the power supply is malfunctioning
2006-12-15 09:34:56 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only 100% certain method to verify these factors is by using a quality multimeter.
If you are not an experienced micro electrician I suggest taking it to a service center ....
HOWEVER ...
It would be a lot easier to simply test a different device (another hard drive or a CD drive) on the same power cord & see if the problem persists.
- if it does then the issue is with the power supply
- if not then the hard drive has a problem
regards,
Philip T
2006-12-15 09:36:28 · answer #2 · answered by Philip T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're so afraid of damaging something then go to a shop.
If you're going to be cheap then don't put up all these conditions for answers.
Anyway the way to test power is to stick a meter in between (which you understand) but then the meter itself could cause a dip in power because the amount of power is low.
What you actually should do is total up the peak power of all the stuff you have in the machine and then overprovision by roughly 30%. Good power supplies can adjust the amount of output.
2006-12-15 06:44:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you think the problem is ....its not related to the current, or the power at all. Only thing that will make that a factor is a faulty PSU.
Whatever problem your HDD is giving you -- it is more than likely data-related....if its older then a spindle arm, or bad cluster/sector might be the problem ; but Im 98% sure its not a bad current....put the multimeter away MacGyver
2006-12-15 06:57:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.duxcw.com/dcforum/DCForumID3/447.html or the easy way pull the drive and put it in annother pc if you get the same results the drive is bad or go to circuit city spend 8 bucks and buy a psu tester
2006-12-15 06:47:32 · answer #5 · answered by bsmith13421 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋