An information handling system (IHS) is provided which includes a power supply with a self diagnostics feature. The power supply supplies power to a test load resistor for a predetermined brief test period. The test period selected is sufficiently short so that a relatively small power rating load resistor is not overheated during the load test. A first indicator is activated if power good is indicated after the load test. This provides a notification that the power supply is operating properly. If power good is not indicated after the load test then a test is conducted to see if the supply is connected to the system board. If the supply is not connected to the system board and power good is not indicated, then a second indicator is activated to conclusively notify of power supply failure However, if the supply is found to be connected to the system board and power good is not indicated, then a third indicator is activated to notify the user that the source of failure is undetermined.