Determining voltage and amps used by each component

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carrierPigeon

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 22, 2017
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Is there a way that I can determine the voltage and amps that each of my computer components are using (and be able to see how it changes over time)? I have seen some mention of software that monitors your hardware (taking data from the sensors) measuring voltage but I wasn't sure how "complete" that was. Or perhaps I'd need some equipment to do this.
 
Accurate amp draw can only be determined by placing ammeters inline with the circuit as clamp ammeters are not very accurate, especially with how much interference that can exist inside a computer case. You will need hacked up extension harnesses to do this, and you won't be able to isolate GPU 12v power draw from the PCI-E slot from motherboard 12v power draw without a modified PCI-E extension. I would not suggest trying to do it unless you're very familiar with electronics. Just get a kill-a-watt and get an idea of overall power draw.
 
Tsumi said:
Accurate amp draw can only be determined by placing ammeters inline with the circuit as clamp ammeters are not very accurate, especially with how much interference that can exist inside a computer case. You will need hacked up extension harnesses to do this, and you won't be able to isolate GPU 12v power draw from the PCI-E slot from motherboard 12v power draw without a modified PCI-E extension. I would not suggest trying to do it unless you're very familiar with electronics. Just get a kill-a-watt and get an idea of overall power draw.
Click to expand...
is there an easy way to just measure the power draw on a 20 pin or 24 pin connector?
 
carrierPigeon said:
is there an easy way to just measure the power draw on a 20 pin or 24 pin connector?
Click to expand...

A 24-pin connector has 12 power wires with 3 different voltages. You can combine the power wires in an extension harness, feed it to an ammeter, then split it back up so that you only need 3 ammeters, one for each voltage. Nothing premade will have this, you will have to make it yourself. Again, only do it if you're familiar with circuits and electronics, at the very least basic electrical engineering education.
 
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