Testing my systems wattage with a multimeter?

[llmercll]

Can I do this, or would I need a kil-a-watt?

 

[Modder man]

i bought a kil-a-watt a few weeks ago it is definitely nice to have, i dont think a multimeter will work for that

 

[Neb]

i bought a kil-a-watt a few weeks ago it is definitely nice to have, i dont think a multimeter will work for that

If you put it in-line you can measure the amperage draw and calculate the wattage that way; but IMHO it's cheaper and easier to buy a kill-a-watt to get a general idea.

 

[larrymoencurly]

If you want to measure the actual power consumption of the individual components, you'll need to measure the current with either a Hall effect clamp-on probe or something that something that plugs inline with the wires (and possibly uses Hall effect sensors), and the cost will probably be more than a Kill-A-Watt.

 

[eddieck]

i bought a kil-a-watt a few weeks ago it is definitely nice to have, i dont think a multimeter will work for that

Isn't a KAW inaccurate with active PFC PSUs?

 

[blivit4]

Isn't a KAW inaccurate with active PFC PSUs?

Depends on the PS. The only reference to a specific PS that gave erroneous readings was some oddball make reviewed on JoyynGuru several years ago. Even Paul doesn't say much more than I got some that read wrong, and don't use a KAW anymore.

 

[Zero82z]

Isn't a KAW inaccurate with active PFC PSUs?

They can be very inaccurate, yes.

Depends on the PS. The only reference to a specific PS that gave erroneous readings was some oddball make reviewed on JoyynGuru several years ago. Even Paul doesn't say much more than I got some that read wrong, and don't use a KAW anymore.

Incorrect. Oklahoma Wolf has said on numerous occasions that he has seen his Kill-A-Watt meters report very different numbers from his Brand meter, and that the two KAWs he has don't even report consistently when compared to each other.