Can I test a PSU out of a PC

[KalaK]

I have recently bought a Antec Earthwatts PSU EA650 in a fantastic offer. Somehow, I want to make a Home Theater PC and that is why I am hunting for such fantastic offers. The product that I right now is only the Earthwatts PSU which i bought recently. I want to test this PSU since I don’t have the other parts that would compile to form a Home Theater PC.
I want to know that the PSU which I have purchased is a better one or not. So can anyone tell me How could I test my PSU out of a PC .Before I buy the rest of the parts, I want to know that is this PSU is really good or not. I am also having a multimeter too to test the performance of it but I don’t know how to connect the pins so that to test PSU out of the PC. Could anyone help me out in giving the solution for the same? Thank you so much in advance who have read this query………………

[Vicky Woodley]

You can test your PSU without any load but I don’t think it is a good idea.. Rather it would be a better practice if you add load to your PSU. If you have the load of around the 12V then you have to start the test with this load on other PC until this other PC is going to be your Secondary PC.

[Hymavath]

Yes,,I also know that it is not a good idea to test without any load. If you want to test your PSU then you have to add some load to it. Perhaps I have browsed on many forums about this topic and all I got is this.
It was written that, “Do not start the PSU unless it is loaded”. Also additional information was given that, “you should install a fan in order to conduct the test”.
Now, I an clear that starting the test without any load will be the main culprit to damage your PSU.

[Amadou]

Yes, it is right that not to start the test of the PSU without any load.
When I bought the new PSU of ATX i also conducted the test to check whether Can I test a PSU out of a PC but, the problem is that I tested it without any load. And the result was very bad. My ATX Power Supply Unit was damaged.