How much power?

J

J_I_M_B_O

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 31, 2006
Messages
400
Where can i find how much power my entire system is using? Like the whole systems power consumption?
 
I don't know of any built-in sensor that determines how much power is being used, usually all thats reported is the voltage of various lines in the system.

My UPS reports how much power its putting out, if you have one you could look at the software for it to see if yours does.

The other option is to buy something like the Kill-A-Watt that you could plug your system into to measure the wattage drawn from the wall.

For comparisons sake, my E6850, 3HD's, 8800GTS, 20" LCD, and speakers are drawing 233 watts at idle right now.
 
Thanks im trying to lower power consumpition by underclocking and switching out parts. Im trying to get a refrence point for how my system is now
 
There are a couple of devices you plug in the wall and then plug your computer in and it will tell you the power draw in watts.

Kill-a-watt is one I think, shop around, about $25. Pretty accurate. Widely used by some of the gurus in the power supply forum which is where I heard about it.

http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html

Remember the efficiency of your power supply will affect the reading, if you power supply is 75% efficient and the meter reads 200W used, your computer is only really using 150W the other 50W is lost in the power supply.

However since your power supply will not change as you change internal computer parts and settings, it would be a valid way to measure the energy savings or increases those changes make. (Well the power supply efficiency is not constant, but constant enough).


Damn handy thing to have around the house anyway.

Doh, I stopped reading the first reply at the UPS bit. my bad.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top