{"id":5040,"date":"2023-03-16T09:58:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T04:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/?p=5040"},"modified":"2023-03-15T21:27:04","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T15:57:04","slug":"how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/","title":{"rendered":"How Many Watts is My Computer Using? Here's Everything to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The amount of watts your PC uses depends on what type of computer it is. If it's an entry-level laptop, it'll need around 30 to 100 watts per hour to work. However, if it's a more high-end workstation, it can power draw up to 1500 W an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I own a dual monitor setup, and I figured that my extra monitor was running up my electricity bill. However, I couldn't tell for sure until I used a power supply calculator to figure out how much electricity it was consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have explained how to do this, along with how you can reduce your PC's power consumption, and what to do if your computer consumes more electricity than it should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let's get to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662d55e37c80e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662d55e37c80e\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#How_Many_Watts_is_My_Computer_Using\" title=\"How Many Watts is My Computer Using?\">How Many Watts is My Computer Using?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#How_to_Check_PCs_Power_Consumption\" title=\"How to Check PC&#039;s Power Consumption?\">How to Check PC's Power Consumption?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Method_1_Watt_Meter_Power_Meters\" title=\"Method 1: Watt Meter (Power Meters)\">Method 1: Watt Meter (Power Meters)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Method_2_Open_Hardware_Monitor\" title=\"Method 2: Open Hardware Monitor\">Method 2: Open Hardware Monitor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Method_3_Online_Tools\" title=\"Method 3: Online Tools\">Method 3: Online Tools<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#1_Outervision_Calculator\" title=\"1. Outervision Calculator\">1. Outervision Calculator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#2_Be_Quiets_PSU_Calculator\" title=\"2. Be Quiet&#039;s PSU Calculator\">2. Be Quiet's PSU Calculator<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Why_Should_You_Measure_Your_PCs_Power_Consumption\" title=\"Why Should You Measure Your PC&#039;s Power Consumption?\">Why Should You Measure Your PC's Power Consumption?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#How_Do_You_Reduce_Your_Computers_Energy_Usage\" title=\"How Do You Reduce Your Computer&#039;s Energy Usage?\">How Do You Reduce Your Computer's Energy Usage?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Solution_1_Regularly_Shut_Down_Your_PC\" title=\"Solution 1: Regularly Shut Down Your PC\">Solution 1: Regularly Shut Down Your PC<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Solution_2_Use_a_Smart_Strip\" title=\"Solution 2: Use a Smart Strip\">Solution 2: Use a Smart Strip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Solution_3_Lower_Your_Screen_Brightness\" title=\"Solution 3: Lower Your Screen Brightness\">Solution 3: Lower Your Screen Brightness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Solution_4_Turn_Off_Your_Hardware_Lighting\" title=\"Solution 4: Turn Off Your Hardware Lighting\">Solution 4: Turn Off Your Hardware Lighting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Solution_5_Check_for_a_Virus\" title=\"Solution 5: Check for a Virus\">Solution 5: Check for a Virus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Solution_6_Clean_CPU_Fans\" title=\"Solution 6: Clean CPU Fans\">Solution 6: Clean CPU Fans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Solution_7_Upgrade_Your_Parts\" title=\"Solution 7: Upgrade Your Parts\">Solution 7: Upgrade Your Parts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#How_Many_Solar_Panels_Does_it_Take_to_Power_a_PC\" title=\"How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Power a PC?\">How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Power a PC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Which_PC_Part_Consumes_the_Most_Electricity\" title=\"Which PC Part Consumes the Most Electricity?\">Which PC Part Consumes the Most Electricity?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/how-many-watts-is-my-computer-using\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Many_Watts_is_My_Computer_Using\"><\/span>How Many Watts is My Computer Using?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer depends on the type of computer you own. More specifically, the extent of its parts. If you own a more basic PC, it won't have many components that consume a lot of electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Desktop-Computer-Workstation-Setup.jpg\" alt=\"Desktop Computer Workstation Setup\" class=\"wp-image-5053\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Desktop-Computer-Workstation-Setup.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Desktop-Computer-Workstation-Setup-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here's a quick breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Entry-level laptop: up to 100 W an hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-end laptop: up to 150 W an hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A lower-end office PC: up to 150 W an hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A mid-tier gaming PC: up to 350 W an hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A high-end workstation: up to 1500 W an hour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have a dual monitor set-up? You'll have to add another 30 to 40 W to the above-mentioned amounts if this is the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Also, here's a disclaimer - the wattage I mentioned is not set in stone. Your CPU or GPU may be more powerful, so it could use up more power compared to other devices.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Check_PCs_Power_Consumption\"><\/span>How to Check PC's Power Consumption?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can go ahead and calculate your PC's power consumption yourself. If you're ready to do this, there are 3 different methods you can turn to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_1_Watt_Meter_Power_Meters\"><\/span>Method 1: Watt Meter (Power Meters)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Watt meters are arguably the most accurate way to measure power consumption. All you have to do is plug it into a wall socket, and connect your PC to the power meter. You can either do this directly or through a power strip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you'll find out the actual power consumption in real time, it won't break down the reading for you. It will just show you the amount your PC has been using as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, which watt meter do I recommend? The <a class=\"aawp-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B000RGF29Q?tag=cpu4-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Kill A Watt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-aawp-product-id=\"B000RGF29Q\" data-aawp-product-title=\"P3 International P4460 Kill A Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor  grey\" data-aawp-geotargeting=\"true\">Kill A Watt<\/a> meter is my pick. I've used it many times to calculate electricity costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_2_Open_Hardware_Monitor\"><\/span>Method 2: Open Hardware Monitor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although this is not as accurate as using a watt meter, the Open Hardware Monitor software is also a good way to get real-time readings of your computer's power consumption. I particularly like the fact that it's free and open source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To use it, you'll first have to download the Open Hardware Monitor tool. Once this is done, unzip it to get it to launch on your PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It will collect the energy usage from your computer components when you click on the automatic scan option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_3_Online_Tools\"><\/span>Method 3: Online Tools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Last but not least, let's talk about the selection of online tools out there. There are a couple that will help you check your computer's power consumption. However, don't expect very accurate readings when you use them. You will only get rough estimates, which is why I placed them at the bottom of my list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Outervision_Calculator\"><\/span>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/outervision.com\/power-supply-calculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Outervision Calculator<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Outervision Calculator is the best online tool that you can use. You can choose whether you want an expert reading or a more basic one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to the basic reading, you'll have to input the specs that the power tab asks, how long you use your computer in a day, and whether you use your PC for any power-intensive processes, like gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the difference between the basic and expert options? As you would have guessed - you'll get more reliable readings when you choose the Expert option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just remember that you'll have to include more data about your set-up, like your fan speeds\/clock speeds, LED systems, and any liquid cooling kits that you may use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Be_Quiets_PSU_Calculator\"><\/span>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bequiet.com\/en\/psucalculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Be Quiet's PSU Calculator<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Be Quiet's PSU Calculator is another good online tool. It uses the peak power consumption for each of your PC components to calculate the overall power consumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, your PC's CPU and GPU are not utilized all the time. So, Be Quiet's PSU calculator is not the best thing to use if you want to know how much energy you're using when your computer is on idle mode.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/powerful-workstation-PC-with-AMD-processor.jpg\" alt=\"powerful workstation PC with AMD processor\" class=\"wp-image-5054\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/powerful-workstation-PC-with-AMD-processor.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/powerful-workstation-PC-with-AMD-processor-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Should_You_Measure_Your_PCs_Power_Consumption\"><\/span>Why Should You Measure Your PC's Power Consumption?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It's pretty obvious why tracking your PC's power consumption is important - you'll be able to find out whether you're using too much power. This way, you can cut down on your online usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reducing the power you use won't just help you save on your electricity bill, but can actually help you prolong your device's life. Ultimately, lower power draws mean less heat being emitted, which is a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/how-to\/bad-habits-that-are-destroying-your-pc#:~:text=Disregarding%\">huge culprit<\/a> behind hardware failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing how much power your computer uses will help when upgrading your PC parts. You might learn that your Power Supply Unit can only pump out a specific voltage, so you will be able to stay clear of extra high-performance components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Reduce_Your_Computers_Energy_Usage\"><\/span>How Do You Reduce Your Computer's Energy Usage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be put off by how much power your PC uses. It's frustrating when you get a huge electricity bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That's what I'm here for. There are some easy ways to reduce your PC's energy consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let's talk about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution_1_Regularly_Shut_Down_Your_PC\"><\/span>Solution 1: Regularly Shut Down Your PC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best tip is to shut down your PC when you're not using it. You won't have to worry about astronomical electricity bills, as your computer won't be sucking up power from your wall outlet when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It's annoying to constantly boot your computer if you're a busy guy. Well - an easy workaround would be to switch Sleep Mode on. In basic terms, electronic devices go into hibernation when it's switched on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To use it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Select Start<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open your PC's power options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the Sleep button<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution_2_Use_a_Smart_Strip\"><\/span>Solution 2: Use a Smart Strip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While on the topic of shutting down your PC, let's talk about smart strips. Even though you may be trying your best, you might keep forgetting to turn your PC down and end up wasting a lot of power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart strips can automatically detect when your computer is not in use and cut off its power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aawp\">\n\n            \n            \n<div class=\"aawp-product aawp-product--horizontal aawp-product--style-light\"  data-aawp-product-id=\"B0058DHO1W\" data-aawp-product-title=\"Smart Strip ECG-7MVR Energy Saving Surge Protector with Autoswitching Technology 7 Outlet\" data-aawp-geotargeting=\"true\">\n\n    \n    <div class=\"aawp-product__thumb\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0058DHO1W?tag=cpu4-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Smart Strip ECG-7MVR Energy Saving Surge Protector with Autoswitching Technology, 7 Outlet\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n            <img class=\"aawp-product__image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/4114rfoFM+L._SL160_.jpg\" alt=\"Smart Strip ECG-7MVR Energy Saving Surge Protector with Autoswitching Technology, 7 Outlet\"  \/>\n        <\/a>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"aawp-product__content\">\n        <a class=\"aawp-product__title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0058DHO1W?tag=cpu4-20&amp;linkCode=ogi&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1\" title=\"Smart Strip ECG-7MVR Energy Saving Surge Protector with Autoswitching Technology, 7 Outlet\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n            Smart Strip ECG-7MVR Energy Saving Surge Protector with Autoswitching Technology, 7 Outlet        <\/a>\n        <div class=\"aawp-product__description\">\n            <ul><li>Item Trademark: GENERIC<\/li><li>Manufacturer: Generic<\/li><li>Item Category: Power Strip<\/li><\/ul>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"aawp-product__footer\">\n\n        <div class=\"aawp-product__pricing\">\n            \n            \n            <a class=\"aawp-check-prime\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/prime\/?tag=cpu4-20\" title=\"Amazon Prime\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>        <\/div>\n\n                <a class=\"aawp-button aawp-button--buy aawp-button aawp-button--blue aawp-button--icon aawp-button--icon-black\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0058DHO1W?tag=cpu4-20&#038;linkCode=ogi&#038;th=1&#038;psc=1\" title=\"CHECK PRICE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CHECK PRICE<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution_3_Lower_Your_Screen_Brightness\"><\/span>Solution 3: Lower Your Screen Brightness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No surprise, lowering your screen brightness can also put a cap on how much power your PC uses. Your processor will use up less CPU utilization, which will translate to lower power usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution_4_Turn_Off_Your_Hardware_Lighting\"><\/span>Solution 4: Turn Off Your Hardware Lighting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You probably like using RBG lights if you own a gaming PC. Although they look great, they end up using a lot of power, especially since they stay on when your computer isn't being used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How exactly do you turn off these LED lights? Depending on your device model, there might be an off switch. Otherwise, you'll have to either use your BIOS settings or the CORSAI tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even when it comes to using BIOS and CORSAI, the process to follow differs depending on what your PC model is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution_5_Check_for_a_Virus\"><\/span>Solution 5: Check for a Virus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you've regularly been checking your PC's power usage and realized that it's sucking up way more power than it should, I have some bad news for you. You might be dealing with malware. This could constantly be working in the background and eat your PC's resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open your anti-virus and check its alerts. There should be an alert asking you to take action if there is a virus or malware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution_6_Clean_CPU_Fans\"><\/span>Solution 6: Clean CPU Fans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your local cooling might be doing a poor job. There are many reasons for this. For one, there could be dust jammed in your CPU fan. Unscrew your computer's case and grab a compressed air can to shoot any dust out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To PROPERLY Deep-Clean PC Fans\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OhRgBE6qgaU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solution_7_Upgrade_Your_Parts\"><\/span>Solution 7: Upgrade Your Parts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven't upgraded your computer's parts in a while, it might be time to do this. They could be sucking up more power than necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to gaming PCs, swapping out the parts is easy - they were designed for this, after all. In case you own a normal PC, this is easier said than done. Check out a tutorial on what you should do for your computer model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, don't go swapping out every part. I have a separate article where you can learn more about this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Many_Solar_Panels_Does_it_Take_to_Power_a_PC\"><\/span>How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Power a PC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your computer needs 300 w\/hr, you'll need to get two panels that generate a combined total of 400 watts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you do the math, you'll realize that there's an extra 100 being generated. You can use this for additional gadgets, like USB devices\/external devices and other peripherals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gaming PC Powered Entirely by the Sun\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZFf29sIGaXY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Answered below are some popular questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_PC_Part_Consumes_the_Most_Electricity\"><\/span>Which PC Part Consumes the Most Electricity?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your PC's processor and graphics card <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehealthyjournal.com\/faq\/what-draws-the-most-power-in-a-pc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">use up the most power<\/a>. The motherboard and Power Supply Unit do too, but they pass all of this to other components to keep them going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read more resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PC power consumption can differ depending on your PC model, and the specific components inside. In general, though, an entry-level laptop would use up to 100 watts an hour, while a high-end workstation (gaming computer) could use around up to 1500 W an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the number of monitors you have connected, you can add around 50 watts to this equation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have provided a rough estimate on how much power your PC uses, discussed how you can calculate your computer's overall power usage, how to save energy, and find what your exact power requirements might be.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The amount of watts your PC uses depends on what type of computer it is. If it's an entry-level laptop, it'll need around 30 to 100 watts per hour to work. However, if it's a more high-end workstation, it can power draw up to 1500 W an hour. I own a dual monitor setup, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5062,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[24],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5040"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5040"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5040\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5202,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5040\/revisions\/5202"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}