How to Check Power Supply on PC: 3 Simple Methods and 1 Key Mistake to Avoid
When upgrading your GPU, you may also need to upgrade your power supply unit (PSU) to one with higher wattage. However, you can't check the PSU wattage through software or BIOS, as the PSU doesn't have a data connection to the PC. So, how can you check your power supply on a PC? After reading this guide, you'll know the most effective methods to solve this problem.
3 Simple Ways to Check Power Supply on PC
1. Find the Purchase History
The easiest way to check your power supply specifications is by reviewing your purchase history (no need to open the case). Whether you bought just the PSU or a pre-built PC, the order details should include the PSU specifications.
2. Physically Check the Power Supply
If you can't find the purchase history, you can physically check your power supply by opening the PC case. This is the most accurate method and only requires removing the side panel of the PC case.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Safety First! Turn off your PC and unplug the power cable.
- Remove the side panel of the PC case and locate the power supply, usually at the bottom.
- Look for the "wattage" label on the power supply. If it's unclear, take a picture with your phone or use a mirror to read the label.
3. Use a Kill-A-Watt Meter to Measure Actual Power Draw
A Kill-A-Watt meter measures the real-time total power consumption of your entire system. By recording the readings during a stress test, you can determine the peak power consumption.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Get a Kill-A-Watt meter.
- Plug the meter between the wall socket and your computer's power cable.
- Download free stress testing tools for both the CPU and GPU from their official websites. We recommend AIDA64 for the CPU and FurMark for the GPU.
- Run AIDA64 and FurMark simultaneously for at least 10-15 minutes and record the peak data.
1 Key Mistake to Avoid:
Some blogs suggest using HWMonitor to check the GPU's wattage, but we advise against this. Based on our testing, HWMonitor typically doesn't provide accurate wattage (power consumption) for the CPU or GPU. It also fails to capture all the current usage. Even if you try to estimate based on the displayed data, the results are usually inaccurate and not reliable. Therefore, we strongly recommend avoiding this method.
How to Tell if Your PC Needs a New Power Supply
1. New GPU/CPU: More powerful components require adequate wattage. Use an online power supply calculator to determine the necessary wattage, and upgrade your power supply if your old one can't meet the required wattage.
2. Faulty or Underpowered PSU: Signs of a failing or underpowered PSU include:
- Sudden shutdowns or restarts
- Failure to power on
- Strange noises or a burning smell
- Visible damage (burn marks, bulging components)
- Slower performance of the GPU/CPU
3. Old PSU: A PSU that is over 5 years old may struggle to deliver stable power to modern components. It's advisable to replace it preemptively to avoid potential issues.
How to Choose the Right Power Supply for Your PC
1. Determine the Wattage
The wattage of your new power supply should match your system's required load wattage. It's recommended to leave 20%-30% headroom for future hardware upgrades.
2. Choose an 80Plus Certified Power Supply
An 80Plus certification indicates the efficiency of the power supply. Higher efficiency means more energy savings and less heat generation. For most setups, we recommend a Gold-certified PSU, as it offers good quality and value.
3. Choose a Reliable Power Supply Brand
ESGAMING offer PSUs ranging from 400W to 1200W, so you can choose one based on your needs. The 750W power supply with 80 Plus Gold certification is a highly recommended choice for PC power supplies.
Advantages of a 750W Gold Power Supply:
- Energy Efficiency: Gold certification (>90% efficiency) helps reduce electricity costs.
- Room for Upgrades: A 750W PSU offers sufficient power for future upgrades, saving you from unnecessary reinvestments.
- Stability and Reliability: It can easily handle sudden high loads from the CPU and GPU, preventing black screens and restarts.
- Comprehensive Protection: It includes over-voltage, over-current, and short circuit protection, which helps safeguard your expensive hardware in case of failure.
- Long Warranty: A 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
Conclusion
Checking your power supply on a PC isn't difficult. For most users, the easiest and most reliable method is to check the purchase history or open the case to inspect the label. Using a Kill-A-Watt meter for direct measurement also provides accurate data on power consumption. Avoid relying on software like HWMonitor to estimate wattage. Finally, when selecting a new power supply, ensure it's 80Plus certified, provides enough wattage, and comes from a trusted brand for a better user experience.
FAQ
How to check your power supply wattage on a PC without opening it?
You can't directly check your PSU wattage with software, but you can refer to your purchase record or use a Kill-A-Watt meter to measure actual power draw during a stress test.
Is a 750W power supply overkill?
A 750W PSU is not overkill for a gaming PC—it's actually quite practical. It provides stable power for high-end GPUs like the RTX 3080, offers room for future upgrades, and runs quieter and more efficiently since it's not operating at full capacity. For basic office PCs, however, a lower-wattage PSU is typically sufficient.
What's the lifespan of a PSU?
A good power supply can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on usage, heat, and the PSU's quality.
About ESGAMING
Founded in 2017, ESGAMING has quickly become a recognized emerging brand in high-performance computer components and accessories. From PC cases and power supplies to now cooling systems, ESGAMING is dedicated to delivering creative, reliable, and well-crafted E-sport solutions for gamers, creators, and PC builders around the world.
For more information, visit www.esgamingpc.com