Power supply testing question

[Haven]

Howdey everyone, this is my first post and I'm completely new to these forms so if I'm asking questions that have already been asked, just let me know. I've read the FAQ and the pinned post but am not finding any answers...so here goes.
The computer building advise I was given was to install components one at a time and try a powerup after each device or two. My first powerup attempt is with my case fans, CPU, motherboard, and videocard installed and hooked to my new powersupply. My power supply is the Enermax EG365P-VE(FC). When I turn on the power nothing happens! No fans turn on, no hums or clicking or lovely whirring greet my expectant ears. So here are the questions: 1) Is there any easy way to test a powersupply seperate from other componentry? 2) Does the power supply "Aux" plug need to plug in anywhere(it seems to be a 6-pin female plug)? 3) Can you just plug a power supply into a case fan and test the fan and power supply without any connection to the motherboard? Any ideas on what my problem might be?
Thanks for your time

 

[bozo1]

Most powersupplies need to be under load to turn on. A fan may not be adequate. A hard drive should work.

You also need to tell the powersupply to turn on. Either by having it connected to your motherboard and having your front panel on/off lead connected to the motherboard and pressing the front-panel on/off switch or by shorting the green and black wires (on the 20-pin motherboard connector) with a paperclip.

Either way, just by a fan or hard drive spinning up doesn't mean the powersupply is supplying all of the other required voltages properly.

What *I* would do would be to remove the motherboard from the case (to ensure that it is not grounding out somewhere) and put it on a non-conductive surface - foam, cardboard box, etc. Connect the powersupply to the motherboard. Connect your front panel on/off lead to the motherboard. (Making SURE it is connected to the correct motherboard connector.) Have nothing else connected except your video card (ensuring that it is seated well), one stick of RAM (seated well again). Make sure all motherboard jumpers (if any) are set correctly. If it still doesn't work, clear CMOS using the instructions in your manual.

One other thing, you didn't mention what motherboard you have. Some will not turn on unless you have your heatsink fan connected to the proper motherboard header.

 

[Haven]

Thanks for the quick response. I'll try a couple things and post my results.

 

[DaiShan]

also did you make sure to plug the power button from the case into the porper pins on the motherboard?, and are you sure you installed the standoffs correctly (those little brass things that came with the case) make sure they aren't contacting the motherboard in any place other than the holes.

 

[bozo1]

Might want to reread my message - I added to it after your response.

 

[QUIETCOMPUTING]

From reading your message, I was not sure if the following was done:
memory installed
power switch connector attached to M/B
voltage selector properly set and power swith on PSU turned on
wall plug in
CMOS jumper set to "normal"

 

[Haven]

Well, I'm a bit embarresed to say it, but I figured out what I was doing wrong. Bozo1 tipped me off when he said something about pushing the front-panel on/off button. Sad to say but I was turning that damn power supply on and off on the back of the computer but not pushing the power button on the front *sheepish shrug*. Everything is running just great now!
Firing up my new computer for the first time has led me into another question for anyone still following this thread. The CPU I purchaced and installed is supposed to be a Athalon 1.4gig processor. When I fire up the computer it tells me it's detecting a 1050mghz Athalon. Does this mean that I was sold the wrong product or is this a "safe guess" the computer's making until I set the BIOS?

 

[bozo1]

Glad you got it going. Nothing to be embarassed about. We've all done similar.

You need to set your frontside bus to 133. It is currently set to 100 which is why the speed is wrong. You set this in the BIOS on most motherboards, a jumper on some.

 

[Haven]

Thanks again bozo1. I'll tackle the BIOS tomorrow. If you frequent these forms you might be seeing a bit of me until I get more comfortable building computers and finish the one I'm working on now.