[FiReFTW]

I was wondering how I can check how much Watts my pc is using because I plan to buy a new graphic card and my power supply doesn't really have quite recommended W output so I want to check how much other components use so I can see if the graphic card will work , any ideas?

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General rule of thumb is take the side off the case and you can usually read the maximum wattage on the power box itself. Most branded computers tend to come with 200-250w. If its below 300w it'll definitely need replacing to add another card.

[Neil Jones]

General rule of thumb is take the side off the case and you can usually read the maximum wattage on the power box itself. Most branded computers tend to come with 200-250w. If its below 300w it'll definitely need replacing to add another card.

[FiReFTW]

Yea I know , my power supply is 350W , but the thing I was wondering is how could I check how much W all of my components in my PC are using so I can see if its a fair bit of space to upgrade my graphic card without problems or if its not that smart to upgrade it with my power supply , btw im planning to buy 8800GT not some GTX 280 or something.

[Neil Jones]

The 8800GT depending on the variety you buy, can easily suck up 450w on its own.
Your computer is obviously using less than 350w. There's no way to know for sure unless you get appropriate electrical equipment and what not. Most computers generally use less than 300w under idle.

[Kazzoo]

Greetings FireFTW,

Sure you can check the Amount of Watts your computer is using. All it will take is money.

Purchase or borrow a Wattmeter or amp clamp and measure it. I would rather spend the 30 to 80 or so dollars US on my next powersupply rather than buying the test gear to test one computer. Estimating usage is free.
Go to a powersupply estimating site such as

Thermaltake Power Supply estimator

Regards

Kaz

[hfcg]

The 8800GT depending on the variety you buy, can easily suck up 450w on its own.

That would be 37.5 Amps if the card draws 12 volts.
I seriously doubt that as that is an extremely high amount of Amperage. (enough to melt the wires)

[FiReFTW]

Greetings FireFTW,

Sure you can check the Amount of Watts your computer is using. All it will take is money.

Purchase or borrow a Wattmeter or amp clamp and measure it. I would rather spend the 30 to 80 or so dollars US on my next powersupply rather than buying the test gear to test one computer. Estimating usage is free.
Go to a powersupply estimating site such as

Thermaltake Power Supply estimator

Regards

Kaz

On that site it calculated 328W , thats fairly high and its not even 100% load , id best just save some money and buy a new power supply while im at it.