When testing a power supply, if the yellow wire on a Molex hard disk drive connector provides only 10 volts DC, what should you do?

When a yellow wire on a Molex hard disk drive connector is providing only 10 volts DC instead of the expected 12 volts, this indicates a significant issue with the power supply's ability to deliver the correct voltage. Power supplies are designed to provide specific voltages to various components. The yellow wire typically corresponds to the +12 V output, which is critical for the operation of many devices in a computer system, including hard drives and other peripherals.

If the voltage is only 10 volts, this suggests that the power supply is unable to function properly. Continuing to use a power supply that is outputting incorrect voltages can lead to unstable operation or potentially damage other components connected to it. Therefore, the correct action is to replace the failing power supply in order to ensure that all components receive the proper power they need to operate safely and effectively. This approach helps prevent further damage to the system and maintains reliable performance.