Question : how can I test an ATX Thermaltake Purepower (Model: HPC-420-102 DF)

Hi Everyone;

         I am posting this question in an attempt to troubleshoot a power up issue I have with my main pc.  After replacing the motherboard along with getting RAM and a processor, this pc is still having issues.  At first, it would randomly post or present BIOS information on the screen.  Then, it would power up only without displaying BIOS information.  Now, it does not power up at all which makes me think it is a power supply issue.  Now, I should note I had issues with this power supply before which I was able to resolved from a previously closed post.  It involved straigtening one of the capacitors which was making contact with another one.  Surprisingly, this technique kept it running fairly good for over 2 years.  

           I do have a digital multimeter, namely, a Velleman DVM850BL for measuring volts, watts, resistance, etc.  I noticed the back or rear of this power supply has AC Input and DC Output values on its label.  I would like to use these numbers to help cross reference whether the proper amount of signal if getting to each connector for the motherboard.   Based upon my limited amount of knowledge on this matter, as I understand it, each wire or connector to the motherboard is suppose to have a corresponding electrical signal strength, like +5V, +3.3V, and +12V respectively.   To further break this down, and I hope this is correct, I believe the +12V should be the signal strength for the main power connector to the motherboard itself.  The +5V would be for the connectors to the IDE devices like HDD, CDROM, DVDROM, etc.  And, the +3.3V would be for the connector to the 3.5 inch floppy if available.  Once again, I am not sure if I have the correct interpretation here though.

          In closing, if someone could provide step by step guidance for testing an ATX power supply using the numbers given on the lable as values for gauging acceptable performance, it will be greatly appreciated.  

          Thank you so much.  

          George

Answer : how can I test an ATX Thermaltake Purepower (Model: HPC-420-102 DF)

There are Power Supply testers which work better than a person with a multimeter, maybe worth a try...
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&q=power+supply+tester&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=12386256364498125460&ei=UN1FTPX5MoH60wTmpdnBBA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCsQ8wIwAg#

You may want to find the US equivalent. Power supplies provide the following voltages:
+3.3v
+12v
-12v (ground)
+5v
-5v (ground)

Check that all of the power connectors are plugged into the motherboard, disconnect all removable media and remove all PCI/AGP cards, then retry. The P1 connector needs to be plugged in, you may also have a P2 connector which extends the P1 to 24 pin. Make sure the P6 connector is also plugged in!

Also try removing stuff from the headers, and the indicator lights etc. These MAY be causing a problem.

As you are askance for help, I strongly recommend you use a proper power tester instead of trying to use a multimeter. Once you have tested the power supply, let me know and I will help further if the above does not help to fix your problem.

Thanks.