I'm trying out the Extreme Power Supply Calculator Pro and it gave out a result of Minimum PSU Wattage: 379 Watts, Recommended Wattage: 429 Watts. Is this accurate? I have a desktop that has an Intel i5 processor, 4 GB RAM, 1 GB GeForce Video Card, 1 TB HDD and a generic 500 watt power supply unit.
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Hi Elyssaguadalupe,
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A computer’s power consumption may be affected by factors such as workload, number of devices connected, types of devices, and other such variables.
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The result given by Extreme Power Supply Calculator Pro is pretty much accurate. I made some calculations myself based on the specifications of your computer.
An Intel i5 chip consumes (with heavy process load) 284 Watts.
RAM consumes less. A single memory module may consume up to 2.5W. So if, let’s say, you have a couple of 2GB RAM modules, that would be a total of 5W for the two memory modules.
The GeForce Card you have may consume up to 150W.
Finally, a 1TB Hard drive eats up around 5W.
My computation results in a suggested Power supply wattage of 444W which is pretty much close to what Extreme Power Supply Calculator suggested.
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I would also recommend purchasing a power supply from a respected manufacturer like Corsair, Sesonic, Antec, or Enermax. Generic power supplies usually don’t last that long and sometimes may not even give the proper amount of power for your PC despite its marking showing its wattage.
I don't think Extreme power supply calculator pro is going to be wrong. You need to look at the reading and your desktop. It is definitely not working properly. You need to consult any hardware expert and get it ok. Or else you are going to loose your desktop.
Waters Magner
I feel you need to immediately check the PC and call any of the hardware expert.
