1. What is the Power Supply Calculator?

The Power Supply Calculator estimates the wattage needed for a PC power supply unit (PSU) based on the thermal design power (TDP) of components plus additional overhead for system stability and future upgrades.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Component TDP — Thermal Design Power of each component (CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage)
• Overhead — Additional wattage for system stability, efficiency, and future upgrades

Explanation: The equation sums the power requirements of all components and adds a safety margin to ensure stable operation.

3. Importance of Proper PSU Sizing

Details: Choosing the right PSU wattage is crucial for system stability, efficiency, and longevity. An undersized PSU can cause crashes, while an oversized PSU may operate inefficiently.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter TDP values for your components (typically found in specifications). The default overhead of 100W provides a good safety margin for most systems.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I don't know my component TDP?
A: Check manufacturer specifications or use typical values: CPU (65-125W), GPU (75-350W), RAM (5-10W per stick), SSD (2-5W), HDD (6-10W).

Q2: Should I get a higher wattage PSU?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% overhead to the calculated value for efficiency and future upgrades.

Q3: Does PSU efficiency affect wattage needs?
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: Modern GPUs can have brief power spikes. A quality PSU with good transient response can handle spikes above its rated wattage.

Q5: Are there other factors to consider?
A: Yes, consider PSU quality, efficiency rating, modularity, and warranty when making your selection.