1. What is the Power Supply Calculator?

The Power Supply Calculator helps determine the appropriate wattage for a new power supply unit (PSU) based on your system's components. It accounts for all major power-consuming components and adds a safety margin for stable operation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( P_{components} \) — Sum of power consumption from all components (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, etc.)
• 1.2-1.3 — Safety margin factor (20-30% overhead)

Explanation: The safety margin accounts for power spikes, future upgrades, and PSU aging over time.

3. Importance of Proper PSU Sizing

Details: An undersized PSU can cause system instability, crashes, or component damage. Oversizing wastes money and reduces efficiency at low loads.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power consumption for each component (check manufacturer specs). Select 20% margin for standard systems or 30% for high-performance/overclocked systems.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where do I find component power consumption?
A: Check manufacturer specifications (TDP for CPU/GPU), or use online databases like PCPartPicker.

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

Q3: Does PSU efficiency affect the calculation?
A: No, efficiency (80 Plus rating) affects power draw from the wall, not the power delivered to components.

Q4: What about peak power spikes?
A: The safety margin accounts for temporary power spikes, especially important for high-end GPUs.

Q5: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever you upgrade components or if you experience power-related issues.