How do I make a Dell power supply turn on when not connected to the motherboard?

[rndouglas]

I am trying to make a Dell ATX12V2.01 400 W power supply work with a couple of external USB drives. How do I turn the P/S on. It is not connected to a motherboard. There must be a way that the motherboard calls for power.
DrBob

 

[delluser1]

Pretty much the same way you would start any psu, jump the green PWR_On pin with any of the black ground pins on the main connector, and plug it in to the wall

 

[mcnumpty23]

yup--as delluser1 says

look here

http://aphnetworks.com/lounge/turn_on_psu_without_motherboard_the_paperclip_trick

 

[rndouglas]

Thanks, delluser1 and Mcnumpty23! I already knew about the green lead. What I didn't know (but should have) was that this switching p/s like many will not turn on without a load. You have to have something (like a hard drive or DVD reader) plugged in when you do your "paperclip trick"
Thanks again for the prompt reply.
DrBob

 

[rtrg]

Pretty much the same way you would start any psu, jump the green PWR_On pin with any of the black ground pins on the main connector, and plug it in to the wall

My PSU model PS-5251-1D 24 plus 16 pin does NOT have a GREEN wire. ONLY a single PURPLE wire. That the same as the GREEN?

 

[delluser1]

My PSU model PS-5251-1D 24 plus 16 pin does NOT have a GREEN wire. ONLY a single PURPLE wire. That the same as the GREEN?

Insanely old Dell psu, grey wire is pwr_on

PS, do not plug this into a modern motherboard

 

[rtrg]

Insanely old Dell psu, grey wire is pwr_on

PS, do not plug this into a modern motherboard[/quotemsg

Does the GRAY wire on the 5251D equal the GREEN wire on the 24RGY? Is the combination of the 5251D and a mobo 25REH(8100/400) the reason why I get a solid ORANGE led on the front power board? Will a 24RGY PSU solve that issue? Or is it just coincidence that the 5251D bad(low voltage?) I have a 24RGY coming. Please tell me my theory is correct. reeltoreelguy@gmail.com

 

[Chris Mckeeman]

Thanks, delluser1 and Mcnumpty23! I already knew about the green lead. What I didn't know (but should have) was that this switching p/s like many will not turn on without a load. You have to have something (like a hard drive or DVD reader) plugged in when you do your "paperclip trick"
Thanks again for the prompt reply.
DrBob

Is there anyway to simulate this load, I am trying to use an old PSU to power another projects and can't get it to turn on and i don't want to ravel with a hard drive or anything.