Recommended multimeters

[Luc@z]

I see lots of advice around here advising people to check their voltages, so if I figure if I'm going to do the whole modding and OCing thing correctly, I should get one (plus it'd be handy to have for other uses). My question is: does anyone have suggestions for any good brands and/or models, or at least what features would be handy to have in one?

[Fracture]

If you simply want to check voltages, etc, any digital one for a decent price will do. They are all fairly accurate.

 

You can go many different directions, depending on what you wan to use it for. I'm an electrician (well, still an apprentice), and I've got one of these - http://www.idealindustries.com/IDEAL-EZ/pr...32?OpenDocument

 

It's great for me because it's small (I carry it in my tool pouch), it's a clamp meter (great for load tests - reads AC amperage/voltage through the clamp, non contact) No, it's probably not the most accurate model out there, but it's excellent for my needs.

 

Wish I had one of these though - http://www.hiokiusa.com/modules/products/i...roduct&proid=39, but our local supplier can't get them anymore Super small.

 

If your big into electronics, you can get meters that can measure capacitance, and many other things.

 

For the average computer guy, the 20 dollar one from wherever is acceptable.

[Alexia]

Fluke is the leader in multimeters and testers in general. They make great quality testers if you're willing to pay for the brand price. http://www.fluke.com/

 

http://www.web-tronics.com/lowpriceddmm.html This is another multimeter I have. Tests AC/DC, amperes, resistance, and even transitors. For $10 it is a very nice meter. I tested its accurancy against the fluke and it is off 0.05 to 0.1, but that may vary by each unit.

 

You're really only going to need DC voltage and resistance for checking power supplies or overclocking voltages.

[red930]

RadioShack - Anything between $10 and $20 will do just fine.

[Guest culinist]

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?...pid=03482139000

 

I use this one. Think it awesome for $20.

[Luc@z]

Thanks for the info guys. I wanted to check before making a purchase, and I'm glad to find out I can get away with a <$30 multimeter.

 

Culinist, I'm liking the one you're suggesting since a temp sensor would be nice and convenient. Is it built into the unit or is there a wire that you plug in? (In the picture there's the yellow rectangle that might be where you plug the wire in, but it's not labeled so I'm not sure)

[Angry_Games]

ViperJohn told me the best way to go was with one that would read up to 3 decimal places...2 decimal places is good (the cheap ones at Radio Shack) but 3 places is the best.

[aspevacek]

I personally use a MAC EM710 because I work in the auto industry so long and it will do everything you could possibly need. It will measure temp for you as well which could be very useful. The price I am sure is a littel steep for most people.

[cal50]

Rat shack is fine for a decent meter. If you want something really nice check out some Fluke meters.

[red930]

I'm using this http://www.ztradingpost.com/product.aspx?p...ory=Multimeters 3 decimal+temp probe

[Luc@z]

Well, I went out today and got this one:

 

Link

 

The ranges are a bit smaller than with the one Culinist suggested, but they'll fit my needs. Plus it includes the temp sensor, looks like it'll go to 3 decimal places, and the max amps are a bit higher. Thanks again for the info guys.