Power Consumption Formula:
From: | To: |
Power consumption for a motor in a PC build context refers to the amount of electrical energy used by cooling fans, pumps, or other motorized components over a period of time, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
The calculator uses the power consumption formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours to kilowatt-hours by dividing by 1000, which is the standard unit for electrical energy billing.
Details: Calculating power consumption helps estimate energy costs, select appropriate power supplies, and optimize PC cooling system efficiency.
Tips: Enter motor power in watts (typically found in component specifications) and estimated operating time in hours. For continuous operation, use 24 hours per day.
Q1: What's a typical power rating for PC case fans?
A: Most PC fans range from 0.5W to 5W, with high-performance models reaching up to 10W.
Q2: How does this affect my electricity bill?
A: Multiply the kWh result by your local electricity rate to estimate cost. PC motors typically contribute minimally to total system power draw.
Q3: Should I include all fans in my calculation?
A: For complete accuracy, calculate each motor separately and sum the results, or use the total wattage if all motors run simultaneously.
Q4: How accurate are these calculations?
A: The calculation provides theoretical maximum consumption. Actual usage may be lower due to variable speed operation and efficiency factors.
Q5: Does this apply to liquid cooling pumps?
A: Yes, though pumps typically draw more power (5W-30W) than fans and may run at variable speeds.