How much power does my computer use?

[jarlmaster47]

The title says it all. Here are my specs.

Dell Precision 350
Intel mobo
P4 2.4 ghz
Freezer 7 pro
512 mb of ram
HD 3850 agp
7200rpm hard drive
300mpbs wireless card
250W psu

I wanted to find out what it uses because someone told me that the computer would run better on a 450W PSU but my computer has run without a problem on the current PSU.

 

[DJ-CHRIS1]

You need a special tool to measure the power consumption of a computer, called a clamp meter. Most only have the ability to measure AC power consumption, so it tells you how much it draws from the wall, not how much is drawn from the power supply. But with the AC power consumption combined with the efficiency ratio of a PSU, you can quite easily calculate how much of a load is on the actual PSU.

It's my best estimate that computer draws 150W at peak, based on a 70% efficiency PSU.

 

[jarlmaster47]

Thank You.

 

[Atomic Rooster]

Plug your specs into one of these:

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5

Newegg Power Supply Calculator

 

[jarlmaster47]

Thanks! I did not know that they had this stuff. Thats so cool.

 

[Remeniz]

If you can get one of these you will see exactly how much power your rig is consuming from the mains.

 

[thattechguy1]

Yes, you need to use a power usage device it is called The Watts up. All that you do is just plug in the device and it reads. the output.
Here is some info from cNet about it.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6475_7-6400401-5.html

 

[Holysky]

he is banned this thread should be closed

 

[Atomic Rooster]

He may be banned, but this thread has some very good information.

 

[Holysky]

just the memory of that kid wants me to blow my head off lol

xbox 360 > PC my ass lol