1. What is a PC Part Picker Power Supply Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the recommended power supply wattage based on the power consumption of all PC components.

Purpose: It helps PC builders select an appropriate power supply unit (PSU) that can handle the system's power requirements with some headroom.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{supply} \) — Recommended power supply wattage (watts)
• \( P_{component} \) — Power consumption of each component (watts)
• 1.2 — 20% headroom factor for efficiency and future upgrades

Explanation: The calculator sums all component wattages and adds 20% to ensure stable operation and room for expansion.

3. Importance of Proper Power Supply Calculation

Details: An adequate power supply ensures system stability, prevents crashes, and allows for future upgrades. An undersized PSU can cause system instability or damage components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wattage for each major component (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage). Include other components like cooling, RGB lighting, etc., in the "Other" field.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why add 20% headroom?
A: The extra capacity accounts for power spikes, efficiency losses, and future upgrades.

Q2: Where can I find component wattage?
A: Check manufacturer specifications or use databases like PCPartPicker.com.

Q3: Should I round up the PSU wattage?
A: Yes, always round up to the nearest standard PSU wattage (e.g., 550W → 600W).

Q4: What about power supply efficiency ratings?
A: This calculator gives total wattage needed. Choose an 80+ Bronze or better PSU for efficiency.

Q5: Does this include overclocking?
A: No, if overclocking, add 10-20% more wattage to your final calculation.