X-bit labs

Web-site Investigates PC Power Consumption

by Yaroslav Lyssenko

[ 08/31/2005 | 11:18 PM ]

SilentPCReview.com has conducted an investigation of modern platforms power consumption. In a recently published article the author takes an in-depth look at six different platforms based on central processing units from AMD and Intel in order to determine how much power is required to run different computer parts in modern PCs.

“Looking at the total power draw alone, it would appear that all of our systems could easily be handled by a 300W power supply. But, given that as much as 90% of that power comes from the +12V lines, it is likely that that the ratings for the +12V lines matters more than the total wattage. If these lines are inadequate, the power supply may not provide enough power even if its “wattage rating” exceeds the total power draw of the system. It would be wiser to qualify our statement thus: All of our systems could easily be handled by a 300W power supply that conforms to ATX12V v2.xx.,” the web-site claims.

• SilentPCReview.com: Power Distribution within Six PCs.