power for pc

hi, how can i tell what power wattage i'm currently using for my computer?
i can only see that the input is 240V!

 

you'll need to pop open the side of the case and read the sticker on the power supply. if it's not visible because the mobo tray is blocking the sticker, then you'll want to physically take it out, although that shouldn't be the case.

if you mean how much the computer really sucks up, i'd get an ammeter and stick it in series to the power cord. if you get, say .8 amperes, you multiply 240 by .8 and get 192 watts

 

ok i'm on 250watts - thanks.
will this power be able to take this motherboard bundle -

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?MBB-KM420B ??

or will i need to invest in say 350watts?

oh and 240 multiplied by 8 is no way 192!!!!!!!

 

ooh. the 250 is really pushing it, and will most likely die with that setup. yes, a 350 should be sufficient. I recommend you get at least a 400 though in case you decide to upgrade further (eg a new video card). Something from antec or fortron would be good. Good luck finding a fortron, though (those are cheaper, but harder to find)

 

lol thought it might be too low - i've got a pretty new graphics so that's ok - radeon 9200.

so you reckon 400W right ok I'll get to work! And that'll support all my other bits in my computer, like cd drives, graphics card etc?

 

will this be ok?

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?XPR-400PSU

 

i... have never actually heard of xpro. but assuming they don't rebrand power supplies from bad companies like Deer, then you should be fine.

 

ok thanks for your help man!