Software for monitoring pc Watt usage?

chris_geeza · 23 Sep 2011 at 09:06

Hi all

Is their an deasn't programe to monitor my system so i can find out how much wattage it is taking to operate everything in it, ie: graphics /cpu/hhd/optical drive etc.

As i need one so i can find out how much spare watts i have for future upgrades.

Thanks in advance.

platypus · 23 Sep 2011 at 09:30

There isn't an accurate piece of software, you need a load meter on your psu kettle lead.

d_brennen · 23 Sep 2011 at 10:19

platypus said:
There isn't an accurate piece of software, you need a load meter on your psu kettle lead.

Got mine from a local computer bits and bobs shop for 10-15 quid. Power use at the wall is an eye opener, even when you take efficiency into account, some people would have you believe you need a massively over specced PSU

Azuse05 · 23 Sep 2011 at 11:06

Software can show the wattage used by a component, but it can't show the input power is dependant on resistance caused by heat. Your psu will be 90+, but at the temperature it was tested at, which is probably different from your room

Wall metres are cheap though.

chris_geeza · 23 Sep 2011 at 13:01

Thanks guys will pop out and get myself wall metre.

theheyes · 23 Sep 2011 at 16:42

A watt meter is really handy to have. Also mine paid for itself in entertainment value by checking everything in the house out of curiosity.

Nanobot · 29 Sep 2011 at 19:10

theheyes said:
A watt meter is really handy to have. Also mine paid for itself in entertainment value by checking everything in the house out of curiosity.

Me too! It is an eye opener seeing how much things consume!

theheyes · 29 Sep 2011 at 20:05

Kettle is a good one!