How to measure your computer’s power consumption

Do you know how much power your computer uses while playing video games? Or how about when he just sits idle? Whether you’re trying to figure out how to reduce your energy costs or simply want to know how much effort your computer is putting up with when running Abode Creative Suite, you’ll want to learn how to measure your computer’s power consumption.

Fortunately, there are several different tools you can use to track this important statistic. Some are built right into your operating system, while others will require a separate download. You can also purchase certain external devices to monitor the power output of your desktop.

To help you figure out which method is best for you, we’ve rounded up all of our preferred energy trackers, with instructions for each category.

Use an online calculator

If you want to get just a rough idea of ​​how much power your system is using, then a quick calculator can save you a lot of measurement hassle.

Step 1: Go to the OuterVision website and open the Power Calculator page.

Step 2: Choose Expert or Basic, fundamental depending on your level of expertise and how familiar you are with your computer.

Step 3: Enter as much information as you can, including components, coolers, whether you’ve overclocked your system, and any other relevant information you can think of.

Step 4: When you’re ready, strike Calculate to get a rough idea of ​​how much energy your computer uses on a daily basis.

Add it with HWInfo

HWInfo is a great tool for monitoring various aspects of your computer, including its power consumption. But you’ll have to do some math.

Step 1: Go to HWInfo official site and download the app. Install it like any other, following the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Launch the app and select when prompted Just the sensors >ALRIGHT.

Step 3: HWInfo has a lot of detail, so it can be a bit overwhelming to start with. The information you need is here — you just have to find it.

Scroll down until you find the CPU section, then search Power of the CPU package. This is the total power your CPU is using at that time. Then search for your graphics card and find any Total graphics power, or Total board power.

Add up these numbers to get a good idea of ​​how much power your system is using. If your motherboard and memory support it, you may have power sensors for those as well. Add it up for more accuracy.

Note: Also consider putting your computer into a load state and rereading it to know how much power you’re using while gaming or other tasks.

Try Be Quiet

Another web-based monitoring tool you can use is the Be Quiet PSU Calculator. Opting for a more a la carte approach to your PC’s individual components, Be Quiet lets you enter stats for everything from your CPU and GPU to graphics cards and cooling systems.

After entering all the values, click the Calculate button at the bottom of the page to find out what your computer’s peak power consumption is.

Use Windows monitoring tools

Although not as robust and advanced as the power download tools we mentioned, Windows 11 has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to power monitoring. One of those tools is called Resource Monitoring — one of the latest additions to the Windows Widgets dashboard.

Resource monitoring allows you to monitor things like your PC’s CPU utilization, memory usage, and GPU temperature. One caveat is that resource monitoring is only available through Microsoft’s Dev Home Preview app.

Microsoft is also testing a new power-saving mode for Windows desktops and laptops. Acting as an enhancement to the existing battery saver option, this feature is currently only available to Windows 11 Insiders.

Measuring power consumption using hardware

If you want to get the best readings on your computer’s overall power consumption, you’ll need to measure your wall outlet connection with an external power meter, such as P3 Kill A Watt Electricity Monitor.

This power meter will allow you to accurately measure your computer’s power consumption and is available from Amazon, Home Depot, hardware stores, and other retailers for about $20 to $40.

Simply plug it in, plug your computer’s power cord into it, and then turn on your computer. Power consumption will be displayed on the Kill A Watt meter.

What consumes the most energy in a computer?

Generally speaking, both the CPU and graphics card of the computer will be the two biggest culprits when it comes to power consumption.

Can I leave my computer on 24/7?

Most desktop computers are designed for continuous operation, but you should make sure that the computer is placed in a place where it can properly dissipate heat. Any location that is not accessible is better than a closed cabinet door.

If your computer is located in a less than ideal location or you want to be extra careful, you can always buy case of continuous operation (CO). fan or CPU cooler.

What consumes the most energy in a computer?

Generally speaking, your computer’s CPU and graphics card will be the two biggest culprits when it comes to power consumption.

Can I leave my computer on 24/7?

The simple answer is yes. The more complex answer is also yes, but you may want to invest in a few extras.

Most desktop computers are designed for continuous operation, but you should make sure that the computer is placed in a place where it can properly dissipate heat. Any location that is not accessible is better than a closed cabinet door.

If your computer is located in a less than ideal location or you want to be extra careful, you can always buy continuous operation (CO) housing fan or CPU cooler.

Now that you know how to check your system’s power consumption, you might want to think twice about future upgrades. The best graphics cards might make your games look beautiful, but they use a lot of power.

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