Figuring out the total power consumption of your comp

[BadboyAl]

i have been looking into a new PSU and what I thought would have been a fast online buy from Newegg has turned into a quest to brake down what amount of Watts a comp needs and how many watts each item puts out within the computer case.

This is what I found so far:

Pent 4 2.66 533fsb = 66.1 watts
Pent 4 3.06 533fsb = 81.9 watts
Pent 4 3.00 800fsb = 81.9 watts

Amd 2200+ and above = 72 watts

I read on THG that you should take the cpu watts and X it by 80% to find the mobo's wattage output plus any devices you have attached.

There are several items I need help locating the wattage on:
1. Radeon9700pro
2. Avg CDRW drive watts
3. Avg DVD Player watts
4. Avg Case fan watts

Finding this info will not only help your peoples stability problems but give you an idea off what type of power supply you really need. Also, If you want to really O/C a top model how much extra watts you may need.

Anyones input would be great. Thanks

[ragtop]

Finding out the power draw of all those components would be an interesting exercise, but it won't really help you much in choosing a power supply because:

1. You not only need to know the overall power draw, but how much is required on each voltage rail (3.3, 5, 12)

2. Various tests have shown that the ratings on power supplies often bear no resemblance to what the power supply actually puts out.

3. Stability of a computer depends to a great extent on how "clean" the supply of power is. (voltage is correct, and has no momentary fluctuations) In addition, certain motherboards, etc. are much more tolerant of voltage fluctuations than others.

Stick with a good quality power supply that puts out something over 300 watts, and you should be OK. Use the cheap generic power supplies at your own risk.

[Gait_Keeper]

I agree with that
and if you're that worried about your electric bill I don't know what to tell you

[JohnE.]

Here's a good article on PSU's and power consumption:

Choosing a PSU

JohnE.

[Omardeth]

also it isn't the watts alot of time it is the amperage .

[Omardeth]

johne thats a GREAT link thanks i will have to save that one .

[BadboyAl]

Hey guys thanks for the input and the link was exactly what im looking for.

After a few benchmark results I found. I have decided on the Antec 380tru. Ranked tops for stable output and tru 380watt power as well as quite and efficent.

What I learned is that power supply and computer power needs are alittle more complex then most people think. Its a good thing to have knowledge on though since its something overlooked so much.

Thanks