PSU - Jump Start

How to Jump a Power Supply to Create a Test PSU​

   Information

This will allow you to turn on JUST your PSU without needing a motherboard.
This is most commonly used to test new parts and to check that lights and fan works properly before installing them

   Warning

This could damage your PSU if done incorrectly, and poses an electrical shock risk. Always take the appropriate cautions when working with electrical parts. The PSU EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF has enough power to SEVERELY INJURE OR KILL YOU

Now that the warnings are out of the way, onto the modding!

There are 2 ways to modify a PSU to turn on without a Motherboard, but this way is BY FAR the easiest and SAFEST.

Step 1​

Find the 20/24 pin motherboard connector on your PSU.


Step 2
Find the GREEN wire. There is only one. There should also be two black ground wires on each side of it

Step 3​

Take a paperclip (or wire) and stick on end in the green wire port, and the other end in one of the black wire ports on each side. This is what completes the circuit that the motherboard creates when you push the power button.

   Warning

Touching any other connectors to the green wire WILL electrocute and/or severely burn you, and possibly cause a fire!

Step 4

Cover the motherboard connector with electrical tape to keep it safe and make it look better.
​

Now, if you have a PSU with a power switch on the back (the one I used in the pictures DOES NOT), you will be able to turn it on and off by using the power button. If it doesn't have a power button, then it will turn on when you plug in the plug.

Here is my semi-completed project. I have utilized all 5 sections of this series. To the right is my keyed start switch (the key switch at bottom right and aircraft safety toggle switch). On the top is my cathode switch and my soon-to-be fan light switches. The bottom has 3 of my 4 potentiometer speed controllers.

For you modders out there, I hope this helps.​

~Lordbob​

Related Tutorials

---

• Start Button - Customize
• Fans - Speed Controller
• Lights - Add An On/Off Switch
• How to Test PSU DC Output Voltages to Determine if Faulty

 

[Everlong]

Good guide, but just for reference, you won't be electrocuted by touching the paperclip. The wire's you're jumpstarting through is just the powerswitch, which is a very small voltage.

 

[Lordbob75]

Good guide, but just for reference, you won't be electrocuted by touching the paperclip. The wire's you're jumpstarting through is just the powerswitch, which is a very small voltage.

Thanks for the clarification. I will fix that in the tutorial. I figured it was best to assume that anything and everything could electrocute you

~Lordbob

 

[Everlong]

Well maybe add a warning too that connecting the green wire to anything other than the wire stated will electrocute you.

 

[Lordbob75]

Well maybe add a warning too that connecting the green wire to anything other than the wire stated will electrocute you.

Ah, that is even better to know!
Amusingly enough, I was tempted to try that

I will put that in there.

~Lordbob

 

[CarlTR6]

Good tip. Thank you.

 

[Everlong]

It's a very handy tip when you're setting up a water cooling system as you jump start the PSU to start the pump to get the liquid flowing round the whole system smoothly.

 

[Lordbob75]

I take it Brink edited the name.

Thank you though, the new title makes more sense.

~Lordbob

 

[Brink]

You're welcome David. I thought that would help ID what it's about better. I'm glad that you liked it.

 

[Lordbob75]

You're welcome David. I thought that would help ID what it's about better. I'm glad that you liked it.

It is something I didn't quite think about, but fits quite a bit better.

~Lordbob