wattage question

[Poizen22]

ok is tehre a software i can download that will scanhow much energy my rig is pulling, i wana upgrade to the 8800gt, before i buy anything else, as itl be usable now, exept i dont kno if my psu will handle it.

 

[veg1992]

thats a good question... i always wondered how anandtech found out how they get their PC Power Consumption...

 

[Toryn]

I thought they used whats effectively an amp meter, plugged that into the wall and then the computer into the meter, just a little more complex then your run 'o the mill one. At least that seems logical to me.

 

[lazer_viking]

Give more information about your PSU. Specifically, the amperage on your 12v rails.

A 450w PSU is pushing it... but I suppose in theory it can handle it.
If I were you, I would shell out a bit for a nice 600w+ PSU.

Also, there are PSU calculators on the internet. Google wattage calculator or something. There are no programs that can monitor the power your computer is consuming. If anything, it'd have to be a piece of hardware.

 

[Poizen22]

this is what it says,dc output:=3.3v===22.0A(ORG),+5v===36.0A(red),+12v===18.0A(yel)=5vsb===2.0A(purp) and then it repeats the last one thre times, just diferent coulours, and finally fuse rating:8a,250v-(3.3v at +5v=220w max)
peak load 450w

thats directly off teh side

 

[Poizen22]

Give more information about your PSU. Specifically, the amperage on your 12v rails.

A 450w PSU is pushing it... but I suppose in theory it can handle it.
If I were you, I would shell out a bit for a nice 600w+ PSU.

Also, there are PSU calculators on the internet. Google wattage calculator or something. There are no programs that can monitor the power your computer is consuming. If anything, it'd have to be a piece of hardware.

well i did there it is ^^^

 

[phucng_10]

Give more information about your PSU. Specifically, the amperage on your 12v rails.

A 450w PSU is pushing it... but I suppose in theory it can handle it.
If I were you, I would shell out a bit for a nice 600w+ PSU.

Also, there are PSU calculators on the internet. Google wattage calculator or something. There are no programs that can monitor the power your computer is consuming. If anything, it'd have to be a piece of hardware.

Not necessarily, I'd say if there is 30+ Amps on the +12V rails, then it'll be good for the 8800GT. But to be on the safe side, looking towards for the Corsair 520HX or Xclio 500W/550W would be a good idea.

Minimum 450 Watt for SLI mode system.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 24 Amp Amps.)

 

[Deathawk]

No, there isn't a software that can do that, TMK.

Wattage calculators are inaccurate, too.

Newegg.com - P3 Kill A Watt Electricity Load Meter and Monitor could be used

and you guys should know there is still more to a power supply than the amps on it's 12v rail.. it's definitely not the only thing you should be looking at.

 

[phucng_10]

Well some of us aren't that experienced to the other things in a PSU except for quality brands and AMPs.

*Me to be exact. But, my brain is still collecting info on Hardware Troubleshooting and such. :happy:

 

[Poizen22]

well cant anyone tell from what i posted? if not i got a 350w psu i can use lol for just the video card until i can get some money to gert a descent 600w