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How much power does an average computer use?

J

jrichrds

Platinum Member
Since I've been leaving on my computer 24/7 lately, I was wondering how much power an average computer uses (e.g. Intel Celeron, 1 cdrw, 1dvd, 1HD, sound card, run-of-the-mill AGP video card, network card)

I could've sworn I've seen 135W power supplies in miniATX systems, so I figure no more than that.

Anyone know?
 
I would expect that such a system could use less power than that - a high-end CPU and graphics card are the big power draws.

A low-end system like that, probably takes about 70-90 W - In fact, I have a similar system with a 15" monitor - total power consumption for the pair is 100 W.

Compare this to an Athlon machine with GF2 - this takes 90W when idle, and 120 W when running software - the monitor (17") adds another 90 W.
 
I used a true-energy meter (watt-hour meter) which very generously supplied free of charge with the electricity.

Simply turn off and unplug everything in the building, then plug in and switch on the device under test - then watch the metal disc and numbers go round.

Easy, cheap (only equipment needed is a calculator and stopwatch - and your PC will them both), safe (no exposure to live wires) and accurate (more accurate than using a multi-meter to measure the curren flowing in the mains cable to the PC).
 
Simply turn off and unplug everything in the building, then plug in and switch on the device under test - then watch the metal disc and numbers go round.
Click to expand...

Seems like a lot or work just to test the power usage of a PC.
 
Originally posted by: Mark R
I would expect that such a system could use less power than that - a high-end CPU and graphics card are the big power draws.

A low-end system like that, probably takes about 70-90 W - In fact, I have a similar system with a 15" monitor - total power consumption for the pair is 100 W.

Compare this to an Athlon machine with GF2 - this takes 90W when idle, and 120 W when running software - the monitor (17") adds another 90 W.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the numbers. Sounds like I might be able to plug in a Celeron 550 with 19" monitor into my wimpy 300va/180W UPS!
 
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