Check PSU

I was given this too part out but, they werent sure if it was bad or not. I tried useing it in a machine an it didnt turn on. However, the machine its self got power. Its a Antec SP-350, It has one of those three pin fan connectors on it too. I wasnt sure if that was for the fan or voltage check

 

What? What does that have to do with anything

 

Do you know how much ram do you have
Do you know what kinda Cpu it has
How many HDD's
How many CD'roms
What kinda Video card
What kinda motherbard

The power supply is only 350Watts if i am not mistaken but correct me if i am wrong.
The Power Supply might not have enough juice to make the computer to start.
Does not mean that its bad.

 

As Goldenskull says, can you give us as much information about the computer you have, the more information you give the more likely MG will be able to help you and solve your problem.

 

I just wondered if the stupid thing was any good.

pent 4 2.8, 120 GB Harddrive, usb card, RJ11, Wireless.... 512 GB Memory

 

Its an Antec so its good quality and 350W should be fine for your computer without a video card.

To test a PSU you can either buy a cheap plug in PSU tester,or do it manually.

Remove PSU from computer,Take the motherboard power connector in hand,with a paper clip folded into a U shape bridge the green pin and any black pin,the PSU will turn on.

With a multimeter follow this diagram and check all the voltages,the black probe of the multimeter goes to any black pin and the red probe goes to the pin of whatever voltage your checking.

http://www.smps.us/atx-connector-20-24pin.jpeg

Your voltages should be within about 5% accuracy e.g your 12V should be no more or less than 12.6 to 11.4,this isn't a rule just a guide as it all depends on the accuracy of your multimeter and whether it's been calibrated, the voltages will change when the PSU is under load anyway.

The main thing to look for is completely dead voltages or ones that are seriously out.