1. What is the Newegg Power Supply Calculator?

The Newegg Power Supply Calculator helps determine the appropriate wattage for your computer's power supply unit (PSU) based on your system components. It follows Newegg's methodology of summing component power requirements and adding a safety margin.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( P_{components} \) — Sum of power requirements for all components (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, etc.)
• 1.2-1.3 — Safety factor to account for peaks and future upgrades

Explanation: The safety factor ensures your PSU can handle power spikes and provides headroom for system upgrades.

3. Importance of Proper Power Supply Sizing

Details: An appropriately sized PSU ensures system stability, prevents crashes, improves efficiency, and allows for future upgrades. Undersized PSUs can cause system instability and component damage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power requirements for each component in watts. Use manufacturer specifications for accurate values. Select 1.2 safety factor for standard builds or 1.3 for high-end systems with potential upgrades.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find component power requirements?
A: Check manufacturer specifications for CPU and GPU TDP (Thermal Design Power), and product documentation for other components.

Q2: Should I round up to the nearest PSU wattage?
A: Yes, it's recommended to choose the next available standard PSU wattage above your calculated requirement.

Q3: What if I plan to overclock?
A: Add an additional 20-30% to your calculated requirement if you plan significant overclocking.

Q4: Does PSU efficiency affect this calculation?
A: No, efficiency ratings (80 Plus) indicate how much power is drawn from the wall, not available to components.

Q5: What about multiple GPUs?
A: Add the power requirements for each GPU and consider using the 1.3 safety factor for multi-GPU setups.