Question How can I test a PSU?

[chribonn]

I had a homelab computer with a few hard disks no GPU. The computer started crashing and hanging. On the proxmox forums I was told to check memory and PSU.

Memory was OK, and with the PSU I replaced it.

The original PSU I had in the computer was a Corsair RM850e a couple of years old (but out of warranty by maybe a year).

Before chucking it out, is there a test I can perform on it; it hadn't even gathered the "proper amount of" dust on the inside 🙂

How can I test

 

[punkncat]

Simplest way would be to decide the level of "tester" you are comfortable with, or a multi-meter which would require a certain level on know how already in place.
The cheapest of those testers can give a very general answer but should not be relied on as the end all, be all on load characteristics.

 

[--SID--]

RM850e out of warranty? Don't think so. RMe is introduced in 2022 and came with a 7 year warranty!
I doubt it's the PSU. What are the full system specs?
What BIOS version is the motherboard running?

 

[mikemid]

Test a PSU with a Multimeter or a PSU tester: specialized tool that plugs into the PSU connectors and displays the output values.

 

[geofelt]

The simple "paper clip" test is useful only to confirm a dead psu.
It says nothing about how the psu operates under load.
You can buy simple psu testers for about $15:
https://www.amazon.com/Computer-PC-Tester-Connectors-Enclosure/dp/B076CLNPPK

A tester to look at operational characteristics is very expensive. Think some $50k and the knowledge to interpret.

Don't dump the RM850e. Send it to Corsair for a RMA.

For better help, post the make/model details of all of your parts.