How many computers is too many per outlet?

[Turbonium]

So at present, I have 3 computers running at 100% load 24/7 that are plugged into one outlet (i.e. a powerstrip/powerbar, which is connected to a single outlet pair).

I'm thinking of adding a 4th system, that will be moderately used.

Am I pushing it?

FYI:

2 x Core 2 Quad systems (integrated graphics) @ 100% load
1 x Core 2 Duo (mobile) system (integrated graphics) @ 100% load

Both monitors/displays are on standby/off most of the time.

The 4th system I'm thinking of adding for moderate 24/7 usage (as a server of sorts) is a P4 Northwood. It also will have integrated graphics, and won't have a monitor.

 

[lehtv]

One outlet is 15A as far as I know, and in Canada power is 120V. That's 15 * 120 = 1800W maximum output. If you have 4 computers, 450W max. per computer, on average. Your computers probably consume about half that, u should be just fine.

 

[sm625]

You can have a dozen computers on one outlet easily if they only need 50 watts for the case and 18 watts for the monitor. Many new SFF desktops dont pull more than 50 watts....

 

[ElFenix]

100% load? doing distributed computing?

 

[JackMDS]

Buy Kill a Watt, read how much each computer takes at full Run.

Add up and compute according to the capacity of the outlet (as mentioned above by lehtv).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882715001

 

[lehtv]

^ great idea. The link is broken though

 

[mfenn]

One outlet is 15A as far as I know, and in Canada power is 120V. That's 15 * 120 = 1800W maximum output. If you have 4 computers, 450W max. per computer, on average. Your computers probably consume about half that, u should be just fine.

Breakers are usually derated by 20%, meaning that you can only draw 12A on a 15A circuit or around 1440W. That's 360W each when divided among four computers. That being said, you're right that the computers (presumably w/o GPU) are drawing less than 200W and are thus OK.

 

[RFE]

Often times one breaker at the panel serves multiple outlets and/or lights. Just something to consider when you start adding up the total power draw.

 

[John Connor]

Often times one breaker at the panel serves multiple outlets and/or lights. Just something to consider when you start adding up the total power draw.

This.

^ great idea. The link is broken though

Link works for me, though it took awhile to load.

 

[dpodblood]

100% load? doing distributed computing?

I'm curious as well. What are you doing with these machines that they are at 100% load all the time?

 

[royo]

Probably farming bitcoins or folding.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Probably farming bitcoins or folding.

With Core 2s and integrated GPUs? D: He'd be better off turning them off and seeing the savings on his power bill.

 

[Zap]

Buy Kill a Watt, read how much each computer takes at full Run.

This.

Also, if there is a need for all that CPU heavy lifting, perhaps invest in a system that gives a lot more performance per watt.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Often times one breaker at the panel serves multiple outlets and/or lights. Just something to consider when you start adding up the total power draw.

Yup, you gotta know what breakers are running what.

OP, like a JackMDS said, buy a kill-a-watt, find out how much is being pulled.

Determine what else is on the breaker, use a kill-a-watt to determine what else is being used.

do the match, profit.

or, you can just do it...and if your break trips you'll quickly figure out that you've gone to far!

 

[hackerballs]

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

after you figure it out ...........and about 1440W is right for circut

 

[piasabird]

While a computer may only use 50-150 watt depending on if you are web surfing or watching blue-ray, Monitors are something else. Depends on the Monitor size. The monitor may acutally use more power than the comptuer. It could be too much to hook 4 computers up on the same surge protector. So maybe dont daisy chain everything on the same plug. You might need to use a 4 plug outlet and hook up 4 separate surge protectors or wire up two outlets if that is possible. I also have my networking hooked up to a separate surge protector so I can turn it all off and on with the surge protector without turning my computers off.

I think a P4 would be a waste. They are so slow compared to these new core2duo processors. Even a new pentium processor can outrun them. Some 775 socket motherboards could run the early Core2duo processors. My E7200 is a socket 775 Processor.

 

[piasabird]

If you have 2 quads that run constantly with no one using them maybe they can share a monitor like they do for some servers. Sometimes at work we have 4 or more servers hooked up to one monitor.

Maybe try a KVM?
They make some cables meant to share between just 2 computers or you could use a full blown KVM designed for all 4 comptuers.

Example:
http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-4-Port-...pr_product_top

I dont endorse nor have I ever used this particular product.

 

[disappoint]

While a computer may only use 50-150 watt depending on if you are web surfing or watching blue-ray, Monitors are something else. Depends on the Monitor size. The monitor may acutally use more power than the comptuer.

Yeah don't forget to include the monitors in your calculations. My 28-inch Hannspree HF289H for example eats 110 Watts.