3.4 Wattage Rating Flashcards
What does wattage rating refer to in a power supply?
The power supply unit’s output capacity, measured in Watts.
Why is it important to calculate the total wattage required for a system?
To ensure the power supply can handle the combined power needs of all components.
What happens if a power supply cannot provide enough wattage?
The system may become unstable, fail to boot, or damage components.
Why should you choose a power supply larger than the calculated wattage?
To accommodate future upgrades and ensure the system operates within safe limits.
What is the formula to calculate power in Watts from Amps and Voltage?
Watts = Amps × Voltage (W = A × V).
Why are power supplies not 100% efficient?
Some power is lost as heat during the conversion from AC to DC.
What is the efficiency of a standard power supply, and how does it impact energy usage?
Standard power supplies are around 70-75% efficient, meaning they draw more power from the wall than they provide to the system.
How do higher-efficiency power supplies (e.g., 80%+) save energy?
They lose less power as heat, reducing the total power drawn from the wall and lowering energy costs.
What is the typical wattage range for a gaming PC power supply?
500 to 900 Watts, depending on the components used.
What components contribute most to a computer’s power consumption?
The processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU) are typically the largest power consumers.
What is the recommended wattage for a power supply if a system requires 614 Watts?
A 750 or 850 Watt power supply to provide overhead for upgrades or additional components.
Why is investing in a high-efficiency power supply beneficial for server farms?
It reduces energy costs over time, saving money on utility bills for systems running continuously.
What happens to the excess power drawn by an inefficient power supply?
It is lost as heat during the conversion process.
How do you calculate the power drawn from the wall for a 500W PSU at 70% efficiency?
Divide 500 by 0.7, resulting in approximately 714 Watts drawn from the wall.
How do you calculate the power drawn from the wall for a 500W PSU at 80% efficiency?
Divide 500 by 0.8, resulting in approximately 625 Watts drawn from the wall.
