Measuring Wattage

[Cruthin]

Does anyone who how to measure the number of Watts a PC is using at any given time? I think I remember seeing devices that plug in between the power cable and the PSU for measuring the number of Watts being used.

Also, when would the maximum number of Watts be used in a PC; when the PC is first switched on and all the components are powering up or when the PC is running a Video card, such as, the GeForce FX 5900 at full speed playing the latest game?

Regards,

John.

 

[Guest]

Captain Obvious says yes its possible. But you have to know all the power consumption figures for your hardware!

The power load is greatest at startup, but only for a short period of time!


<b><font color=red>Captain Obvious To The Rescue!!!</font color=red></b>

 

[Cruthin]

I live in the UK and found this device http://www.create.org.uk/create/products.asp on sale. Looks like it might do my job.

 

[bum_jcrules]

As the Cpt'n has said... If you know the Volts and Ampes you can calculate the Watts.

V*A=W

Say 5V * 2A = 10W
or 12V * 13A = 156W
Etc.


<A HREF="http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Bill_Bowden/ohmslaw.htm" target="_new">Here is a calculator if you are or feel like being lazy.</A>

As for knowing whic to use... use the maximum ratings off the sticker/printing on each of your devices.



<A HREF="http://forumz.tomshardware.com//modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=7" target="_new">Check out the new Case Mod and PSU section of the THGC</A>

 

[Guest]

Captain Obvious nods. Looks like a good ghizzmo!

<b><font color=red>Captain Obvious To The Rescue!!!</font color=red></b>