1. What is the Power Supply Calculator?

The Graphics Card Power Supply Calculator helps determine the minimum recommended power supply wattage for your system based on your graphics card's power requirements. It applies a safety factor to ensure stable operation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( P_{total} \) — Recommended power supply wattage
• \( P_{graphics} \) — Graphics card power requirement (TDP)
• 1.2-1.3 — Safety factor accounting for other components

Explanation: The safety factor ensures your power supply can handle not just the graphics card, but also other system components and power spikes.

3. Importance of Proper Power Supply

Details: An adequate power supply prevents system instability, crashes, and potential hardware damage. Undersized PSUs can lead to performance throttling or failure to boot.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your graphics card's TDP (Thermal Design Power) in watts. Select a safety factor (1.2 for standard systems, 1.3 for high-performance builds with multiple components).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where do I find my graphics card's TDP?
A: Check the manufacturer's specifications or product page. TDP is typically listed in the technical details.

Q2: Should I get a higher wattage PSU than calculated?
A: Yes, it's recommended to round up to the nearest standard PSU wattage (e.g., 550W → 600W) for headroom.

Q3: Does this account for overclocking?
A: No. If you plan to overclock, consider using the 1.3 safety factor or adding 20-30% to the calculated value.

Q4: What about other components?
A: The safety factor accounts for typical CPU, RAM, storage, and other component power needs. For extreme builds, calculate each component separately.

Q5: Is PSU efficiency important?
A: Yes. Look for 80 Plus Bronze or better certification for energy efficiency and stable power delivery.