How to check power supply wattage without opening?

How to check power supply wattage without opening

There are a few possible reasons to check power supply wattage without opening the unit. For example, to ensure the system is running at the recommended wattage for its components, find out which model of power supply someone has when looking for a replacement, or make sure the power supply is not overheating.

Possible reasons to check power supply wattage without opening

How to check power supply wattage without opening

  1. If there is any discrepancy in the power ratings of a product, for example, it is advertised as using an 800 Watt power supply but inside has a 400 watt power supply.
  2. To see if the power supply is sufficient for use with new components that are not yet installed.
  3. To see if the current user has mismatched/non-standard sized power supplies (i.e. a 400 Watt power supply for a 300 Watt power supply).
  4. To check the power supply wattage to see if it is overheating.
  5. If the power supply is faulty, it could be damaged.
  6. To see if the power supply is compatible with the motherboard.

How to check?

  1. Find the power supply wattage on the back of the power supply.
  2. Remove the power supply, place it on a table or desk, and look for the manufacturer’s name and the model number printed on the power supply.
  3. Look at the power supply and the motherboard. Notice if there is a difference in the power supply size compared to the motherboard.

If you don’t have an accurate power supply, then the computer won’t work right and you have to buy a new one. But if you do have an accurate power supply, you can use it to test the motherboard.

Things to consider before checking power supply wattage without opening

When dealing with the electrical system, the best way to know what wattage a device needs is to open it and measure its power consumption. However, if you would like to check the wattage without opening it, there are a few methods.

One is to place a clamp-on current meter in series with the device when it is in operation and read the voltage drop across the meter.

Another is to buy a power supply tester (usually about $10) and plug it into the device. It will tell you what voltage and wattage you need.

And a third is to look at the wattage label on the device.

Conclusion

Many people believe that it’s impossible to tell the wattage of a power supply without opening it up. This isn’t true! There are a number of ways you can find your power supply’s wattage without having to open the box.