PSU stand alone 5v load

[bitpop]

Why do I need a load? I really don't want extra crap hanging off.

I have a PSU tester that plugs into the motherboard cable. It turns it on and gives it a load. I think its the perfect solution plus I get a cool LCD to see PSU stats live. I just wonder how much of a load it is driving. Am I wasting 100w? What volts are being loaded?

Is this a good idea to get the psu to turn on and give it a 5v load?

http://amzn.to/GZcIIN

Or is this the best?
http://www.pcpower.com/accessories/1a-load-resistor.html

[1713898901]

1713898901

[1713898901]

1713898901

[DeathAndTaxes]

Modern DC to DC PSU don't need a load on 5V "rail".  All the AC power is converted into 12V and other voltages (like 5V) is supplied from the 12V.

Some older PSU:

Code:

                  |-----  12VDC   
120V/240VAC ------------   5VDC  
                  |-----    3.3VDC

Modern PSU:

Code:

120V/240VAC ------- 12VDC -----------  12VDC
                       |-------------   5VDC
                       |-------------   3.3VDC

I very very very seriously doubt your voltage tester is pulling 100W.  Is it as hot as touching a 100W light bulb?  The voltage it is using depends on where you have it connected. If you have it connected to a MOLEX (4 pin) connector then it is putting a load on +5V & +12V rails.  If I had to guess I would say it is probably <5W.

[JWU42]

I knew D&T would comment on this thread 

[P_Shep]

I can tell you the Rosewill Capstone 650W PSU doesn't need anything other than the PG signal grounded to produce correct voltages.

[Cablez]

So this begs the question does one really need to have any other voltage loads on a modern PSU used as a standalone unit?

If the voltages all come from the 12v rail do we have to hook up hard drives or lights to get a solid 12v under heavy load.

It seemed that the consensus was something was required, is that not so anymore?

[P_Shep]

I suspect it's a thing of the past.

[bitpop]

There are many threads that still say you need a load. But I'm just going to use my psu tester anyway, as a way to get the psu to turn on and have a cool lcd status. If it gives it a little load then maybe I also avoided another problem.

Instead of people shorting the power on wire and/or using a load, why not use a cheap tester like this to do 3 things at once?