The power consumed by the computer from the network is not equal to that indicated on the power supply. In fact, it is usually noticeably less, because the block is not fully loaded. This power can be measured if desired.
Necessary
Computer, current clamp (clamp meter)
Instructions
Step 1
Under no circumstances cut the conductors coming from the power supply in order to include an ammeter in their break. This is long and inconvenient, and if they are then poorly soldered or poorly insulated, the computer may malfunction. Dangerous short circuits are also possible. Better get a so-called clamp meter (clamp meter) - a device that allows you to measure the current without cutting the wire. Be sure to select a current clamp so that you can measure not only AC but also DC current.
Step 2
Turn on the clamp meter and set the measurement limit on it to 20 A DC. After turning on the computer with the lid open, first touch the case without touching any other metal objects - this is necessary to discharge static electricity from you.
Step 3
Then, without touching the computer boards (although there are no high voltages, such touches can cause malfunctions), alternately clamp into the current clamps, first all the orange, then all the red, and then all the yellow wires. After pinching the wire, leave it in the clamp meter until the readings on the indicator are established. After each measurement, record both the result and the color of the wire. It is advisable to measure currents while the machine is performing the tasks for which it is used most often. Close the housing immediately after the end of the experiment.
Step 4
By multiplying the current through a wire by the voltage on that wire, you get the power transmitted through it: P = UI. where P - power, W, U - voltage, V, I - current strength, A. The following voltages correspond to the colors of the wires: orange - plus 3.3 V, red - plus 5 V, yellow - plus 12 V.
Step 5
After calculating the power transmitted by each of the wires, add them up. You will receive the total power consumed from the power supply by all nodes of the computer. Compare it with the one indicated on the block itself. If it turns out that the unit is overloaded (or almost overloaded), you will have to purchase a more powerful one, or reduce the number of nodes with high consumption in the machine (for example, hard drives) or replace the video card with a less powerful one: if you are not playing on your computer, the capabilities of this card will still are not fully used.
Step 6
To find out how much power the computer consumes from the network, divide the calculation result by 0.7 - this is approximately the efficiency of the power supply.
