{"id":5391,"date":"2023-03-30T09:58:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T04:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/?p=5391"},"modified":"2023-03-29T21:58:27","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T16:28:27","slug":"how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Check What Power Supply I Have? A Newbie\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re using a pre-built computer, search up your PC model along with \u201cpower supply\u201d next to it. Reviews and even info pages from your computer manufacturer\u2019s site should pop up and tell you what your power supply unit (PSU) is.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It gets a bit easier if you have a <a href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">custom-built PC<\/a>. You probably have the warranty your PSU came with. It should have information on your PSU model somewhere written on.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019ve dealt with as many motherboards and graphics cards as I have, you\u2019ll know what your PSU is at all times. However, when I first started out, I had to manually keep checking what my power supply was. I used to look at its warranty to figure this out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to learn more about this, read ahead.<\/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-66156d2e33c9d\" 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-66156d2e33c9d\" 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\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#How_to_Check_What_Power_Supply_I_Have\" title=\"How to Check What Power Supply I Have?&nbsp;\">How to Check What Power Supply I Have?&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#1_Prebuilt_PCs\" title=\"1. Prebuilt PCs\">1. Prebuilt PCs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#2_Custom-Built_PC\" title=\"2. Custom-Built PC&nbsp;\">2. Custom-Built PC&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#Why_Do_You_Need_to_Know_What_Power_Supply_Unit_You_Have\" title=\"Why Do You Need to Know What Power Supply Unit You Have?\">Why Do You Need to Know What Power Supply Unit You Have?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#How_Do_You_Choose_the_Best_Power_Supply_Unit\" title=\"How Do You Choose the Best Power Supply Unit?\">How Do You Choose the Best Power Supply Unit?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#1_Power_Supply_Wattage_PSU_Wattage\" title=\"1. Power Supply Wattage (PSU Wattage)\">1. Power Supply Wattage (PSU Wattage)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#2_PC_Power_Supply_Size_Form_Factors\" title=\"2. PC Power Supply Size (Form Factors)\">2. PC Power Supply Size (Form Factors)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#3_Modularity\" title=\"3. Modularity&nbsp;\">3. Modularity&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#4_Efficiency\" title=\"4.&nbsp; Efficiency&nbsp;\">4.&nbsp; Efficiency&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#5_Surge_Protection\" title=\"5.&nbsp; Surge Protection&nbsp;\">5.&nbsp; Surge Protection&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/builds\/how-to-check-what-power-supply-i-have\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Check_What_Power_Supply_I_Have\"><\/span>How to Check What Power Supply I Have?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few ways to find out what your computer\u2019s power supply model is. I\u2019ve categorized them depending on whether your PC is pre-built or custom made.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/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\/Person-Fixing-PC-Power-Supply.jpg\" alt=\"Person Fixing PC Power Supply\" class=\"wp-image-5398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Person-Fixing-PC-Power-Supply.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Person-Fixing-PC-Power-Supply-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Prebuilt_PCs\"><\/span>1. Prebuilt PCs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Type in your computer\u2019s model along with a keyword relating to power supplies, like \u2018PSU\u2019. You should see a bunch of information on your power source from either your official computer manufacturer\u2019s site, review pages, or forum threads.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t know your PC\u2019s model, you can find out by checking the manual. You should be able to find information about your PSU in it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What should you do if you don\u2019t have your manual, and have no idea what your PC model is? Head to your PC\u2019s settings to find your computer model (then Google the power supply\u2019s model). Here\u2019s what you do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Open Start<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search for System Information&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click on the System Summary option&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find and click on the System Model option<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Custom-Built_PC\"><\/span>2. Custom-Built PC&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a custom built computer, you probably installed your power supply yourself. Check its warranty or the box it came in. You should find information about its model.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also open up your computer and find the PSU yourself. This is usually easy to do on custom PCs, as you have probably installed a case that\u2019s easy to detach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these steps to check your PC\u2019s power supply:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Power off your computer, and remove all the peripherals and power cables that are attached&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unclip or unscrew the side panel panel to open your PC case<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for the box near your computer\u2019s power cord port - it should have a large fan opening&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look for the sticker with all of its power supply information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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 Replace Your PC Power Supply Step-By-Step!\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bW3SWQPY19M?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=\"Why_Do_You_Need_to_Know_What_Power_Supply_Unit_You_Have\"><\/span>Why Do You Need to Know What Power Supply Unit You Have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know what PSU you have, you can figure out how much power it can output by doing a quick Google search. If you\u2019re facing PC problems, this can help narrow down whether it\u2019s because your PSU can\u2019t supply enough power.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, you\u2019ll need the help of third-party tools to figure this out, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newegg.com\/tools\/power-supply-calculator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Newegg<\/a> power supply calculator. After you\u2019ve included all the relevant information onto the tool, you will know the appropriate power delivery needed to run your hardware.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you know what your power supply\u2019s maximum level is, this can help you decide whether you should look for other PSU manufacturers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.minitool.com\/news\/how-to-tell-if-psu-is-failing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">biggest sign<\/a> to keep an eye out for is whether your computer shuts down during graphic-extensive processes. This usually happens when your PSU can\u2019t send in a lot of power, so it gives out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Choose_the_Best_Power_Supply_Unit\"><\/span>How Do You Choose the Best Power Supply Unit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned above, it\u2019s important to know what your PSU is. If you\u2019re thinking of getting a new one, keep these factors in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Power_Supply_Wattage_PSU_Wattage\"><\/span>1. Power Supply Wattage (PSU Wattage)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your PSU\u2019s wattage is the maximum power that it can supply to your system\u2019s components.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your power supply\u2019s wattage is high, you\u2019ll be able to handle powerful PC parts. They draw in the most amount of power.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_PC_Power_Supply_Size_Form_Factors\"><\/span>2. PC Power Supply Size (Form Factors)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dimensions are important when it comes to buying power supplies if you have a pre-built computer. You\u2019ll need a unit that fits exactly into your PC case, along with all the other parts. I recommend taking your old PSU to the store to find one that\u2019s around the same size.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re building a PC from scratch, you don\u2019t have to be particular about size and form factor. You can maybe build around your power supply if you find a good one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can divide PSUs into 2 main standards - ATX and SFX. Generally speaking, SFX power supplies are smaller in size, with dimensions of around 125 mm x 100 mm x 63.5 mm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to ATX options, their dimensions are around 150 mm x 86 mm x 140 mm. Apart from size, there are a few more differences which you can learn about in <a href=\"https:\/\/digitalmasta.com\/atx-vs-sfx-the-best-power-supply-unit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">this guide<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Modularity\"><\/span>3. Modularity&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find power supplies in either modular, semi-modular, or non-modular options. If you go the traditional, non-modular route, your PSU\u2019s cables will be permanently attached to it. As you might have guessed, this isn\u2019t the case with fully modular options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest advantage of going the modular route is that you get full control of your PSU connections. You\u2019ll be able to improve airflow, and aesthetics (which is important in gaming PCs).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just know that if you go the modular route, you will have to use the proprietary cables provided by the manufacturer. If you find other aftermarket cables from the same manufacturer, they might not be compatible.&nbsp;<\/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\/PC-Power-Supply-Unit.jpg\" alt=\"PC Power Supply Unit\" class=\"wp-image-5397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PC-Power-Supply-Unit.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PC-Power-Supply-Unit-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Efficiency\"><\/span>4.&nbsp; Efficiency&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Efficiency refers to how well your PSU uses power without expending it on PC components as heat. To get an efficient PSU, you\u2019ll have to look for the 80 Plus rating. All electronics have to be at least 80 percent efficient with their energy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Surge_Protection\"><\/span>5.&nbsp; Surge Protection&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A good PSU will have fail-safes to keep your system safe in case of power surges, to prevent it from heating up or burning.&nbsp;<\/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>There are quite a few ways to find out what power supply you have, depending on whether you have a custom or pre-built PC. If you have a pre-built computer, google your PC model, to find more about its power unit online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you have a custom-build, things get easier. If you have your PSU\u2019s warranty, your PSU model will be mentioned on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can remove your computer case and manually check your PSU too. This is easy to do on custom builds. You should be able to find your PSU in a closed container near your PC\u2019s power wire port.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from how to check power supply units, I also looked at other factors you can find on your PSU label, such as how much power it can generate, and its input voltage and output voltage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re using a pre-built computer, search up your PC model along with \u201cpower supply\u201d next to it. Reviews and even info pages from your computer manufacturer\u2019s site should pop up and tell you what your power supply unit (PSU) is.&nbsp; It gets a bit easier if you have a custom-built PC. You probably have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[22,24],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5391"}],"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=5391"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5425,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5391\/revisions\/5425"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}