How much electricity does a gaming computer use? We take a look at the power consumption of different models of gaming PCs, including high-end, mid-range, and low-cost units. We also check out graphics cards, processors, and motherboard power supplies.
Furthermore, we put all of the components to the test in the real world, as we put each machine through its paces for hours at a time.
To keep our tests consistent, we chose a mix of machines from each price range. Most of the machines we tested were desktops, although we did include a couple of laptops. We put together the following configurations:
We tested each system using both synthetic benchmarks and real-world applications. The results from our testing show that high-end systems generally consume more power than mid-range and low-cost models, but in the real world, the difference in power consumption is negligible.
Testing Methodology
We used the Watts Up! power meter to measure the power consumption of each system. The power meter measures the amount of power used by a system over time. In order to determine the amount of power used by each system, we measured the power draw of the system for about 30 minutes.
We put each system through its paces with several real-world applications, including a web browser, streaming media, and playing games. The applications we used were the same ones we use in our daily work, so they provided a realistic view of the power consumption of each system.
Indeed, these applications can be very taxing on a computer, and they are used by many gamers on a daily basis.
We also tested each system using synthetic benchmarks, such as the Handbrake, and the HandBrake Benchmark, to provide an idea of how each system would perform in a real-world scenario.
All of the testing was done in an office environment, where the air conditioning was on and the room temperature was constant. The room temperature was set at about 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). We did not adjust the fan speeds or monitor brightness for any of the machines.
In addition, we tested each system in both Windows and Mac operating systems. The machines were set up in the same way, with the same applications, and they were run in the same way.
All of the machines were connected to a dedicated AC power source, and we used a Power Supply Calculator to determine the maximum power draw of each system.
We also checked the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the systems we tested met their advertised specifications.
What Is Power Consumption?
Power consumption is the amount of power a device consumes. This is measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the more power a device consumes. Where you use power is just as important as how much power you use.
In order to calculate the amount of power used by a device, we multiply the voltage of the device by the current of the device. The voltage is measured in volts, and the current is measured in amps. The voltage and current of each device are displayed on the device’s packaging or on the manufacturer’s website.
For example, the voltage of a wall socket is 120 volts, and the current is about 20 amps. The total amount of power consumed by the wall socket is 120 volts x 20 amps, or 2400 watts.
The power consumed by a device is measured in watts, which is measured in joules per second. This is the amount of energy used by the device over a certain period of time. The amount of energy used by a device is measured in joules.
For example, if the voltage of a device is 120 volts, and the current of the device is 20 amps, then the amount of power used by the device is 120 volts x 20 amps, or 2400 watts. The amount of power used by a device is measured in watts.
