Help getting a Dell power supply powered up

[reebboy]

I have a Dell PS-5231-1 230W power supply and am trying to figure out how to get it powered up. It has a 20 pin connector that goes to the motherboard and I need to figure out (I assume) which pins to jump to simulate a switch to get it started. If any one knows how to jump start it or where to find the wiring schematic for powersupplys would be much appreciated.

It was in working condition when it was given to me and I have found 2 of the 20 pins on the connector are showing 12V but there is no voltage anywhere else nor is the fan running.

[SteveJ34]

If its an ATX power supply, short the green/black wires in the middle of the connector. There is only one green and there's a ground next to it.

[reebboy]

Thanks. I'll see if it is an ATX and try it out  

[SirPeale]

That may, or may not, work.  If the motherboard doesn't like that the POWER_GOOD variable is flakey, it may not power up.

I started a thread not long ago regarding just this (and it's a topic that comes up a lot)

Take a capacitor, 10v 10uf, put the legs into a jumper (after removing the strip of metal, that is) and put that assembly onto the power switch pins on the motherboard.

[reebboy]

Unfortunately the 20 pin plug has every other color in the rainbow but no green wire. I plan on using this to test lighting, LED's and what ever else and possibly using it as a standalone power supply for my next cabinet.  

There are 2 pins off the mobo connector that are showing 12V and several black wires on the it as well. I'm assuming that jumpering one of the 12V pins to one of the black ground wires  may start it but then again I may be looking at nice fireworks show.

 I'll try checking again on previous postings on this.

[SteveJ34]

That may, or may not, work.  If the motherboard doesn't like that the POWER_GOOD variable is flakey, it may not power up.

I started a thread not long ago regarding just this (and it's a topic that comes up a lot)

Take a capacitor, 10v 10uf, put the legs into a jumper (after removing the strip of metal, that is) and put that assembly onto the power switch pins on the motherboard.

I think he's talking about firing up a power supply without a motherboard....

[reebboy]

The powersupply was given to me so I don't have the computer it came with. I have no plans on using it on a computer just as stand alone power supply.

[Hamselv]

Visual guide on making a 'test' PSU: http://www.casemodgod.com/mod_test_psu.htm

It is for an ATX power supply, though, so if you don't have the green and black wires you might not be able to use it.

Older AT power supplys should just power up from the button on the back, if I remember correctly.

But maybe Dell has gone the usual, annoying way of large-scale 'brand PC' suppliers and have swayed from as many industry standards as possible, on purpose!  

[jlampc]

Be careful!!!  Even though the dell has the same connector as an atx it's not an ATX...They wire it nonstandard. If you plug a Dell PS into a non dell board you could damage it. Try typing the Part number and the word ATX into google.
Very few Dells use a standard ATX powersupply. It won't work and could damage your stuff...I recommend not using it.

 

[Hamselv]

Be careful!!!  ...I recommend not using it.

Well, he is just going to use the molex plugs/wires as a standard 12V supply, i.e. he won't be hooking up a mobo to the thing.

I Googled a bit and found this: http://www.informit.com/articles/article.asp?p=31105&seqNum=4. Check out Table 3.8, which contains the pinout for DELL pseudo-ATX power supplies. As far as I can tell from just looking at the table, you will need to short the grey wire with one of the black wires. Anybody agree?  

Anyway, plug a PC fan, a 12V light bulb or something similar into one of the molex connectors, and the use a short length of wire to short the two pins on the motherboard power plug. See if the things turn on... If they do, then cut off these two wires completely a few inches before the mobo plug and solder them together to make the short permanent.

[reebboy]

Thanks for the web address Hamselv. I agree, it appears that the Grey wire appears to be the magical power up wire. I'll try it out and see what happens.