consumption estimator

[geek hoodlum]

Hi Everyone, is there an application that I can install in my desktop computer that would estimate the electric consumption based on the hardware specs?

[rad]

Good Question!I need the same thing!

[rthompson80819]

Here is the most accurate way, but it costs $40.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2003/12/23/kill_a_watt_electric_usage_monitor_review/

An amp meter, which few people have, could do the same thing.

[Computer_Commando]

There's nothing inside the computer that's monitoring amps, just volts.

[rthompson80819]

An amp meter is a physical device (kind of like a volt meter) that clamps around an electrical line, like the power cord, and measures the actual amperage going through the line.

[Computer_Commando]

Actually, there's no difference between a voltmeter and an ammeter, except the ammeter uses a current shunt to measure voltage which can be read as amps.  Clamp meters are a different animal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_clamp

[cruisin702]

You can buy the kill a watt meter from newegg for $20. They also have a new more advanced version that doubles as an on/off timer for $50.

[patio]

Unplug the PC for a month...then compare last month and this month's bills...

[Salmon Trout]

An amp meter is a physical device (kind of like a volt meter) that clamps around an electrical line, like the power cord, and measures the actual amperage going through the line.

Only AC.

[Computer_Commando]

Only AC.

Some do AC & DC.  I have one.

[Salmon Trout]

Some do AC & DC.  I have one.

Yes. I am an oldster; I forgot about Hall effect sensors.

[Computer_Commando]

Yes. I am an oldster; I forgot about Hall effect sensors.

So am I.  I forgot what makes them work.

[Salmon Trout]

Hi Everyone, is there an application that I can install in my desktop computer that would estimate the electric consumption based on the hardware specs?

You can do it online

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

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

http://www.journeysystems.com/?power_calculator

These all gave me different results, ranging from 34 Watts (!) to 125 watts for the following spec

AMD Phenom II 945 Deneb
2 x DDR2 sticks
2 x HDD
1 x DVD-RW
1 x ATI HD3450
6 x USB devices (keyboard, mouse, printer, ext hdd, pen drive, card reader)

My Shuttle SN78SH7 has a 300 W PSU.

[geek hoodlum]

Unplug the PC for a month...then compare last month and this month's bills...

LMAO  ) =)) hahahaha! But this is effective Patio. 


Thanks Salmon Trout for the links!