How to Determine the Correct Power Supply Size for a PC
The power supply is an integral portion of any personal computer. When building a PC from the ground up, it is important to determine what size power supply you will need before buying a power-supply source, as providing too little or too much electricity to your computer could damage the components.
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Instructions
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Look at the power requirements for each device in your computer in the documentation provided with each component. You'll need to look at devices like computer processors, CD and DVD-ROM drives, hard drives, and computer monitors. Write down the power requirements on a piece of paper, and keep this paper handy as you'll be needing it.
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Go to the manufacturer's website of each of your computer's components if you don't have your owner's manual available. At the website, type in the model number. On the product page that appears on screen will be the appropriate power requirements for that device. You can find out the manufacturer of your device by looking on the device itself.
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Add up the power requirements for all of these devices. Keep in mind that most of these devices are going to be on at all times while your computer is running, so you'll need a power supply that will be able to handle the total amount of power needed by these components.
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