At numerous forums devoted to computer technology, messages about the malfunctioning of computer components, overheating, and even burning out of the power supply or motherboard along with the video card appear with enviable frequency.
One reason for this is the incorrectly calculated computer power. Obviously, this is a rather important issue, since it is associated with the performance of the entire computing system. In this article we will talk about how to choose the power of a computer power supply, ensuring the stable operation of its electronic assistant.
At first glance, it might seem that the problem is far-fetched, because now you can buy a unit even per kilowatt. Accordingly, if the user enters without thinking about the possible consequences, they are quite predictable. However, far from always the specifications stated in the specification for the power supply unit coincide with the actual ones, and checking the power of a computer is often of interest only from the theoretical side (the practice begins after failures and breakdowns). Also, paying for watts that will never be used is not too wise.
Many are familiar with the situation when, after buying a modern video card and connecting it to the motherboard connector, instead of the expected increase in FPS (frames per second), after some time of operation, the smell of burned insulation and fused varnish appears from the system unit. One of the possible reasons for this is that the total power of the computer is greater than that which the power source can produce. Of course, we indicated a completely neglected case - in practice, this is preceded by program malfunctions.
Computer power can be determined
There are several ways to find out the amount of energy consumed by the system. The most complex, but most accurate way to determine power is using current-measuring instruments. In any electrical store there are on sale measuring clamps and a multimeter. Computer power can be determined using any of these instruments.
Dangerous but sure
To measure using clamps, you will need to divide the computer's power cord into two cores. It is better not to cut the factory one, but to assemble a small intermediate extension cord of the “plug-socket” type, in which the conductors are not assembled in a single cable. After that, you need to connect the computer to the network through it, download the system and enable the most resource-intensive application. Now you can measure the current. We grab any wire with ticks and look at the
current value
. Computer
power can be easily found, knowing the formula P = I * U, where "U" is a voltage of 220 V. So, at a current of 1 ampere, the power will be 220 watts. Knowing this, it
is impossible to make a mistake in
choosing a power supply . Measurement is done quickly and safely.
The multimeter is included in the gap of any of the two wires of the extension cord, so all preparatory work is performed when the plug is disconnected from the mains. It must be switched to current measurement mode (limit - 10 A). After that, the system turns on, and the current is displayed on the instrument panel. The power calculation is similar to the previous method.
Fast, convenient, but not too informative
Another possibility of determining the power of the system unit is implemented using special programs or services on the Web. Having opened the page of such a site, in special columns you need to indicate the type of installed components and their number. After clicking “Calculation”, the estimated power will be reported. Knowing her, you can pick up the power supply. It is also convenient in that you can specify a new component instead of the old one and see the change in power consumption.