Are you tired of your computer not working?
The world of computers has changed a lot in the last ten years. For high performance, you need to know how icky your computer feels and what it needs to feel better.
There are many different types of computer repair jobs, and each requires its own type of measurement. As the power of computers has increased, so have the problems they face. You’re an electrician, technician, or hobbyist with a need to do wiring and computer repairs. You want the best multimeter
for your needs – one that is accurate, reliable, and easy to use.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the best multimeters for computer repair available to help you make an informed decision about which model might be suitable for your needs as an electronics technician.
Here is our top multimeter list:
| Brand | True RMS | NCV (Non-Contact Voltage) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke 117 | Yes | Yes | Click Here for Price |
| Klein Tools MM700 | Yes | No | Click Here for Price |
| Fluke 115 | Yes | No | Click Here for Price |
| IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-342 Test-Pro | No | No | Click Here for Price |
| Extech EX330 | Yes (included with a different model) | Yes | Click Here for Price |
| Tekpower Mastech MS8268 | Yes (included with a different model) | Yes | Click Here for Price |
| Fluke 77-IV | No | No | Click Here for Price |
1) Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
Fluke 117 True RMS multimeter is a robust, small, and light-weighted portable device. This multimeter is an all-in-one tool that can be used to measure the voltage, resistance, capacitance, and frequency of a computer’s electrical circuits.
On a non-linear load, Fluke 117 is a perfect RMS for accurate measurement. It comes with 400 hours battery life and a 6000 count display which can display 4 updates in a second with a quick responsive 33 segment bar graph that has 32 updates in a second.
It has an automatic selection function of AC/DC voltage and for non-connect voltage, there is a volt alert function technology. It has pen-type tester tests wire walls. Plus, it has high and low sensitivity feature mode according to the wall width, perfect for continuity checking whenever the circuit is complete you will get a positive tone.
Fluke 117 electricians True RMS is best for testing computer wiring, cords, and cables and the current, voltage, resistance, continuity, and troubleshooting, moreover its auto turn off function is very helpful when you forget to turn it off after using it to prevent battery discharge.
In short, Fluke 117 electricians True RMS is providing all the testing functions for the beginner as well as professional PC technicians with simple settings and rotary mode.
2) Klein Tools MM700 multimeter: Best Multimeter for Electronics
Klein Tools MM700 multimeter is one of the best true RMS multimeters, a multifunctional device that is a highly accurate and reliable digital multimeter. It can work not only for electricians but is also ideal for use in troubleshooting with simple controls.
Klein Tools MM700 multimeter is a high-performance multimeter that is ideal for electricians. This electrical tester is auto-ranging for current, temperature, capacitance, resistance, impedance, frequency, duty cycle, and many others. It features an automatic ranging true root means square (TRMS). You know how you are able to measure voltage, current, and more without any problem. You’ll get accurate readings due to its flexible testing options as its backlight LCD display is meant for easy viewing and clear reading.
It comes up with minimum, maximum, and manual ranging modes technology for increased accuracy. It’s an ideal choice for professionals who need to take quick accurate measurements in the field.
At the same time, when you are testing very powerful AC/DC or when you need low impedance for drift voltage you can easily test it with this device. It gives you a quick and accurate results display which is easy to read because of its backlight.
Klein Tools MM700 can measure up to 1000v AC/DC voltages, 40M resistance plus temperature, and 10A AC/DC.
There is a fold-out stand at the backside of this device so you can easily place the multimeter at an angle. This position will allow you to use both hands to work with test leads and function keys.
Klein Tools MM700 multimeter comes with a carrying case, magnetic hanger, replacement test leads, 10A fuse 1000v, and thermocouple. All these features make it highly portable and very convenient to use.
Moreover, Klein tools MM700 is an ideal digital multimeter for troubleshooting the best multimeter for computer repair and wiring, leads, and diode testing.
3) Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter
Fluke 115 compact true RMS digital multimeters are the best multimeters for professional and domestic use.
Fluke 115 compact true RMS multimeter is a multifunctional testing versatile, accurate and safe device that measures AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, diode checks, frequency, and continuity with a single dial; you can easily switch between different testing modes to get results.
True RMS Voltage and Current Measurement Accuracy for More Reliable Results. The Fluke 115 true-RMS multimeter provides the most accurate voltage and current measurements, which is important because many meters inaccurately report average values instead of true RMS (Root Mean Square). This can lead to incorrect readings in complex circuits where voltage or current waveforms have a distorted shape, such as sine waves with clipped peaks. The Fluke 115’s true-RMS technology delivers more reliable results for your electrical tests
With a compact design and a large LED display with 6000 counts resolution, this easy-to-use multimeter gives you an accurate measurement of non-linear load. It is a one-handed device with simple functions which is very easy to operate with a backlit display.
Its operational temperature range from -10 degree to +60 degree and DC range is from 200ma to 1A. It measures 20A for 30 seconds and 10A continuously.
4) IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-342 Test-Pro- Best Multimeter for Laptop Repair
Ideal industries 61-342 test-pro True RMS multimeter, CATIII for 600v which is ideal for working within the industries and domestic, institutional, and communication sectors as well.
It is a highly professional multimeter that tests voltage, current, resistance, circuit continuity tests, diode tests, temperature, and capacitance.
Furthermore, the 61-342 multimeter from ideal Industries Inc. has an ergonomic design which makes it easier and convenient to use.
Ideal industries INC.61-342 test pro true RMS, ideal for professional users like electricians, data communication technicians, or other engineering staff. It works great in computer repairing checks wires, cords, and cables. Idea 61-342 built up with high quality and design with large LED display with backlit which is easily readable.
There is an auto shut-off option in it. In case you forget to turn off your multimeter after testing, after 10 minutes it will automatically shut off saving your battery life.
The fully-featured digital multimeter comes with test leads 770 and 9 v battery which has 150 hours battery life. There is a low battery indicator in it.
In conclusion, ideal industries 61-342 is the best multimeter for computer repair, perfect to use in industries and labs, ideal for electronics repair and technicians.
5) Extech EX330 with Type K Temperature Probe
Extech EX 330 is 12 function multimeter and non-contact voltage detector, ideal for industrial and domestic, perfect for IT purposes, checks wires voltage and current. You can say that it can be the best multimeter for computer repair.
The most important parts of a multimeter that every technician needs to know are the different ranges and functions it offers, apart from getting accurate measurements.
Extech EX330 is a multi-functional multimeter that measures voltage, current, resistance, with advanced functions such as capacitance, duty cycle, frequency, temperature, continuity, and diode testing.
Extech EX330 is a compact auto range multimeter that comes with multiple features. It has a 2000 counts large LED display which is easily readable even in dim light. Its auto-ranging option gives you the option to select different ranges while you are working on different components.
There is an audio beeper and red light indicator which alerts you when the voltage is near the live wire switches and outlets. Moreover, with its maximum hold and data hold function, you can capture its highest reading and save the display value or reading. There is a temperature measure wire that displays the temperature as well.
There is an auto power-off function that makes sure that your device is turned off when you forget to turn off it after fifteen minutes.
It’s an essential tool for computer repair technicians because it can be used to diagnose common issues like power supply failures.
6) Tekpower Mastech MS8268:
Mastech MS8268 is ideal for hobbyist and domestic use it is very simple to operate and understand with input indicator which makes it easy to understand and use for beginners but it is not suitable in an industrial environment or for professional users.
Mastech MS8268 is a multimeter that measures current voltage and resistance like others but it can also check input frequency, capacitance with the transistor checker. Large LED display with 4000 counts
It is an auto-ranging meter so you don’t have to select the range before starting to use it. There is a data hold function in which you can hold the measurement for record or saving it. With its power-off features, it can save its battery life and remains always ready to use.
It has 11 positional dials and a large LED display to read out all symbols and measurements. You can select AC or DC and resistance gives accurate and quick results.
It is the cheapest multimeter with all the basic functions that are needed for computer work at home.
With this multimeter, you can test the voltage coming in from the power supply to your PC. You can also use it for troubleshooting other components like RAM, motherboards, and hard drives.
7) Fluke 77-IV
Fluke 77-IV is best for engineers and electronics technicians with all powerful functions and catchy design.
With a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use quality, it is the best choice for you.
Fluke 77IV is the most accurate, speedy, and efficient multimeter that is used in most electrical repairs and electrical troubleshooting. It’s very simple to use and it features more qualities and measurements than were available in Fluke 70 series.
Fluke 77IV has the features of auto and manual ranging and has an input range option with a 1000V measurement range.
With 400 hrs battery life which can be saved by auto power-off function and a large LED display that is easy to read, this multimeter makes an ergonomic option. The backlit screen can be switched on and off according to your requirement.
You can measure AC voltage, DC voltage, capacitance, frequency, and resistance. Fluke 77-IV multimeter is an appropriate choice for both home users as well as professional electrical engineers for PC or laptop repair.
Factors to Consider before buying the best multimeters for computer repair:
The old days of computers were good, but they had their limitations. Computers back then weren’t designed for high performance and had limited processing power.
The computers of the past didn’t need to be repaired much because they were much simpler than today’s models. We are constantly looking for ways to make our work easier and faster.
That is why computers have gone from being large desktops with limited power to tiny mobile devices with powerful processors and long battery life. But this also means that there are new problems that need solving because of their small sizes like heat dissipation, charging, and security.
The hardware specs and difficult operating systems mean you have to bring out the big guns when repairing a computer from scratch.
Voltage and current ranges
Computers can be difficult to troubleshoot. Multimeters make this process a lot easier by determining where and how voltage is being used in the machine.
With a manual multimeter, you will have to first manually select the right voltage range before taking an accurate measurement.
Digital multimeters have auto-range features. This is a good thing because when you are testing voltage it can be hard to figure out what the scale on the meter is!
Auto-ranging digital meters automatically adjust their scales for different measurements and show up in big green numbers with little or no effort from you.
Auto-ranging models can make it easier for people who might not be experienced in electronics to diagnose problems with their computer power supply.
Analog vs digital model depending on what type of reading you need.
Analog meters measure voltage and resistance with a needle that moves across a scale while digital meters use LEDs or LCDs to display numerical values. The analog multimeter is probably the most common type found in a home or office setting because of its low cost and ease of use.
The digital multimeter is the best friend of any computer repair technician. They’re ideal for measuring voltage, current, and resistance but they also have the ability to measure frequency, capacitance, temperature, and much more.
Now, if you are working on, let’s say a motherboard, the digital multimeter would be your best choice because of its wide range of advanced troubleshooting functions like the ability to perform diode tests.
Features like autoranging, diode checking, continuity testing, and more
The uneven distribution of power inside the motherboard is a problem that is common in the world of computers and sometimes imperceptible. This uneven power distribution is also the reason that it takes some time for a PC to boot up and become usable.
Therefore, a digital multimeter is going to allow you to locate problems within the circuits and other electrical components with its multitude of different functions like autoranging, audible continuity tests, overload protection, and minimum and maximum trap that are all useful for a PC technician. Let’s get into the details of these features.
Auto Ranging:
Ranging is the process of estimating a voltage or resistance by comparing it to a known standard. Manual ranging requires you to set the range manually on your multimeter and then read out the readings from that range.
Many digital multimeters on the market today are equipped with auto-ranging features. This means that when you’re taking readings, all you have to do is turn it on and let it detect the voltage, and the auto-ranging digital multimeter will automatically adjust the range.
For example, if you are measuring something at 10V and your meter has ranged from 0-1000V as well as 200-2000V, a digital multimeter with an auto-ranging feature will adjust accordingly without any input needed from you saves time and effort!
Despite the convenience that exists due to the auto range feature, It is okay for multimeters to not have it. This feature just saves time and effort and if you are an experienced repair technician, it is possible that you don’t need this and would instead prefer to just set the range manually.
Diode testing:
Another useful feature that comes standard with most digital multimeters is diode testing. Many computers and laptops come with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and if they fail, there is a good chance that your PC won’t function properly.
By using a digital multimeter you can test whether or not a diode is working properly and you can also isolate problems to individual components rather than replacing them altogether.
For diode testing, you are going to be using resistance mode as there are a lot of multimeters that do not come with a specific diode test mode. This means that you are going to be measuring the resistance only once the power provided to the circuit is zero and not when no voltage exists at the diode.
Audible continuity test:
The audible continuity test is also an important test, it helps to troubleshoot problems and locate issues.
For example, if you know that something in that particular area of your circuit board is not working properly and there are no indications on the surface of any damage or if there is an incomplete path for current flow, then without this feature, it would be a lot more time-consuming to isolate problems and figure out where the issue is coming from.
A beep indicates continuity and a quiet tone indicates a break in the path.
It can help save time because it allows you not to replace any of the computer parts unnecessarily.
Accuracy of measurements
Accuracy refers to the degree of closeness that one measurement is to an accepted industry standard. When it comes to repairing computers, digital multimeters are very convenient and accurate for many computer applications. Some DMMs have a limited range for accuracy while others may be more susceptible to environmental factors that cause errors in measurements. The best way to determine what type of DMM you need is by knowing your application and needs as well as which features are important to you, like accurate readings and other features, etc.
What do I need? What should I know about my application? Which features matter most to me? These questions will help narrow down your choices when searching for the perfect DMM with the best accuracy!
Don’t worry about spending a few extra bucks if you can get an accurate multimeter that’s going to benefit you for years to come.
Test Probes:
Test probes are the connection between your multimeter and the component or object you’re testing. These are also referred to as test leads. It is very important that they have a low resistance value because if it’s too high, then there could be an issue with accuracy. Some multimeters come with test probes, some don’t.
Getting Additional Test Leads:
It is recommended to buy additional test probes because they’ll be used frequently especially if you are testing other objects and components outside of the computer. It is also important to note that all test probes on the market today are insulated, so it’s okay to use them with live circuits or when sparks occur!
Non-silicone vs silicone test probes:
Non-silicone test probes are not only less accurate but can also contaminate the device. The probe material will stick to anything it touches and this could be a problem if you’re testing something that needs to be kept sterile or wants constant calibration checks.
Silicone is non-conductive and won’t react with chemicals, so silicone probe technology is much more stable than other materials like metal or carbon fiber. It’s important for technicians to have reliable tools in their arsenal when troubleshooting complicated machinery, which is why silicone test probes should always be preferred over non-silicone ones because of these benefits.
Impedance:
To start with, let’s look at what each of these modes means in terms of electrical current flow. High impedance mode means that the meter draws very little current when measuring an unknown voltage or resistance because there is a significant voltage drop across a small resistor (10k). Low impedance mode allows for larger currents to flow through the circuit which lets you measure smaller voltages more accurately than in high resistance mode. Medium impedances falls somewhere in between these two settings but can be used as either depending on what you are measuring
Wrap Up
In the past, analog multimeters were all that was available. These use voltage to measure resistance and current flow in a circuit. They are limited by their accuracy, resolution, and input impedance.
Digital multimeters make more sense for today’s technicians because they offer higher accuracy, as well as an LCD display with a backlight so it is easier to read in dark areas or outdoors on a sunny day.
This article discussed seven different options of multimeters for computer repair and maintenance. These multimeters vary in features and budget. Some of these can be used in other jobs of electrical repair also while others are specific for computer repair works only.
Digital multimeters have been around for a while now, but they’re still one of the most essential tools in an electrician’s toolbox. With all the specs and measurements that you can get from your digital multimeter, it’s easy to see why these are so popular with technicians.
Whether you’re looking at voltage or resistance, this is just about as accurate as it gets when it comes to measuring different parameters.
And even if you don’t need something super-accurate for what you do on the job, there are plenty of other reasons why digital multimeters can be convenient when doing computer work around the house too. Here is an in-depth review of one of the best multimeters Fluke 325.
Also, read our article on the best multimeters for electronics technicians.