How to complete the paperclip test (Video)

The following technique will show you how to power on your PSU without a motherboard so that you can determine if your PSU is not powering on or if it's caused by either the motherboard or power switch.

1. Power off your computer PSU by flipping the power switch so that the "O" is in the down position and unplug the main power cord from the wall outlet and the PSU. Figure 1.
   
   Figure 1
   
   
   Warning: Do not attempt to do any of the following until you are absolutely certain there is no power to the computer and PSU.
2. Open the side panel of your computer case to gain access to the internal components.
3. Unplug the PSU power cord from the motherboard. This is typically located on the right side of the motherboard (on standard orientations). see Figure 2 for details.
   
   Figure 2
   
   
4. Prepare a paper clip by bending it into a "U" shape to be used as a jumper. Figure 3.
   
   Note: You must use a bare wire paper clip and not a plastic coated paper clip.
   
   
   Figure 3
   
   
5. Hold the PSU motherboard cable in front of you so that the locking tab is facing you. Then identify the 4th and 5th pin slots. Figure 4.
   
   Figure 4
   
   
6. Insert the paper clip into the 4th and 5th pin slots to create a connection between these two. Figure 5.
   
   Note: Pin slots have two different shapes and that the 4th and 5th pin slots should both be DOME shaped and NOT SQUARE shaped.
   
   
   Figure 5
   
   
7. Place the cable with the paperclip jumper in it, safely to the side and ensure that the paper clip is not touching anything.
8. Plug the power cable from the wall outlet back into the computer PSU and then turn on the PSU by flipping on the power switch so that the "I" is in the down position. Figure 6.
   
   Figure 6
   
   
9. If you CAN hear or see the fans spinning, then your PSU IS functioning properly.
10. If you CANNOT hear or see the fans spinning, then your PSU is NOT functioning properly.
11. Contact a technical support agent to report the issue.