Is there a way to find out how many watts my computer needs?

Brumboy · 6 Apr 2011 at 15:27

I'm just wondering if there's a way to tell how many watts my computer is using? So I can work out what graphics cards I can use & computer components before I need to buy a new PSU ect.

Also, do people buy second hand PSU's? Because if I ever want to crossfire in the future I'll most likely need to buy a new PSU as my 530W probably won't handle it, but I don't really want to waste £50 by putting it away and not selling it.

Snykch · 6 Apr 2011 at 15:28

http://www.antec.outervision.com/

You want to make sure you're getting good amperage too though. A cheap unit that reports 1000W, yet only has 40A on the 12v rail is probably not going to be much good.

Brumboy · 6 Apr 2011 at 15:39

Oh cheers for that link, perfect

!

It's saying my computer is using 272W and with my GTX 460 it's using 380W on 90% load.

If I wanted to crossfire 6950's it will take around 528W, my PSU is 530W..that's damn close haha.

Tekgun · 6 Apr 2011 at 16:22

If you're going to crossfire 6950's you should really have a bit more overhead than 2watts :eek:

Snykch · 6 Apr 2011 at 16:24

I can't say for sure, but that seems low to me for xfire 6950s. I'd ask in the GPU section for a second opinion just to be safe

Reaper 392 · 6 Apr 2011 at 16:37

by any chance is that 530W PSU the Bequiet Pure Power thing?

if it is, i can tell you for certain that it has no trouble powering a GTX460, because ive got both that PSU and a GTX460

Tealc · 6 Apr 2011 at 17:38

1x 6950 will consume around 200 watts at load, so 2 would be 400w, all at 12v. That would not give you much spare current for the rest of your system with your PSU.

Probably not worth considering crossfire or SLI without at least a 600w PSU and even then only mid range cards.

Ideally you want to keep your PSU away from prolonged 90%+ usage.

setter · 6 Apr 2011 at 17:43

Regarding second hand psu's, ive bought and sold a few on without issues. My current corsair hx 850w was purchased from a fellow ocuk member. Pristine condition and boxed with every accessory and documentation.

pastymuncher · 6 Apr 2011 at 18:45

Rossuk89 said:
Oh cheers for that link, perfect !

It's saying my computer is using 272W and with my GTX 460 it's using 380W on 90% load.

If I wanted to crossfire 6950's it will take around 528W, my PSU is 530W..that's damn close haha.

It does'nt tell you what you are using, it just recommends a minimum power supply. The only way to see what it's using is to buy a plug in power monitor for around a tenner from DIY stores.

Xez · 6 Apr 2011 at 19:10

Rossuk89 said:
Oh cheers for that link, perfect !

It's saying my computer is using 272W and with my GTX 460 it's using 380W on 90% load.

If I wanted to crossfire 6950's it will take around 528W, my PSU is 530W..that's damn close haha.

You also have to consider that no PSU on the market is 100% efficient so the likely hood of it ever working on that PSU is very slim...