1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = V × I) calculates electrical power consumption in watts by multiplying voltage (in volts) by current (in amps). This is fundamental for understanding energy usage in PC components and electric motors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)

Explanation: This equation represents the fundamental relationship between voltage, current, and power in DC circuits and is a good approximation for many PC components.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for sizing power supplies, estimating energy costs, preventing circuit overloads, and optimizing system efficiency in PCs and electric motors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amps. Typical PC components operate at 12V, 5V, or 3.3V. Measure current with a multimeter or check component specifications.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this accurate for AC power?
A: For AC systems, you need to consider power factor (P = V × I × PF). This calculator gives DC power or apparent power in AC systems.

Q2: How does this relate to PC power supplies?
A: PSU wattage should exceed the sum of all component power requirements. This calculator helps estimate individual component needs.

Q3: What's typical power usage for PC components?
A: CPUs: 65-125W, GPUs: 150-300W, RAM: 2-5W per stick. Always check manufacturer specs for exact values.

Q4: How do I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter in series for current and parallel for voltage. Many motherboards provide sensor readings in software.

Q5: What about efficiency ratings?
A: This calculates power draw at the component. Power supplies have efficiency ratings (80 Plus) that affect wall power consumption.