How do i check my pc's power supply?

Question

I am planning on buying a new graphics card and they all say how much power (In watts) they use, and i was wondering is there is a simple way to check if i have enough.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Pop open your case, and look at the box a the top.  There will be a sticker of some kind indicating what wattage it can supply, you may need to unscrew it and check the other side.  Be careful.

http://www.supernotebook.com/images/300-...

Answer 2

Read what is says on the label of the PSU.

Answer 3

The Watts used is that taken from your power outlet which in the UK has a maximum rating of around 3Kw.(This is your 13amp ring main socket) It is unlikely that this modification will consume, or take from your power outlet, more than about 25 watts. Your whole PC power consumption is probably no more than 200watts.

Answer 4

The PSU supplied with your computer has a generous leeway to allow for upgrades. When I changed my graphics card which was a higher consumption it didn't make any difference.

I have also added several extras like chassis fans and it still runs at the same temperature which is just warm.

Put it this way, if you seriously overloaded it, it would blow the fuse in the plug!