About

This is not a simple addition tool. Modern computing hardware exhibits complex power behaviors that basic summation fails to capture. High-end Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) can produce transient power excursions - micro-second spikes reaching 2x or 3x their rated thermal design power (TDP). If your Power Supply Unit (PSU) lacks the overhead or capacitor quality to absorb these transients, it will trigger Over-Current Protection (OCP), causing instant system shutdowns.

Furthermore, efficiency is non-linear. A PSU operates at peak efficiency (converting AC to DC with minimal heat loss) when loaded between 50% and 70% of its maximum capacity. Running a PSU at 95% load not only generates excess heat and noise but also degrades internal components faster. This tool calculates the Peak System Load using Boost/Turbo states rather than base frequencies, then applies a sophisticated curve to recommend a PSU that ensures stability, longevity, and electrical efficiency.

Formulas

The core algorithm accounts for component boost states (`P_peak`) and applies a distinct safety factor (`k_safe`) based on the system tier. The 12V Rail requirement is critical for modern ATX 3.0 standards.

{

W_sys = P_{cpu_peak} + P_{gpu_peak} + P_storage + P_fansW_rec = W_sys0.70 + Buffer_OC

To calculate the Amperage required on the +12V rail (which powers CPU and GPU):

A_12v = (P_cpu + P_gpu)12 × 1.25 (safety margin)

Reference Data

Component Tier	Avg Base Power	Est. Turbo/Peak	Transient Spike (20ms)	Rec. 12V Amps
Entry Office (i3/R3 + iGPU)	65 W	90 W	110 W	10 A
Mid-Range Gaming (i5/R5 + xx60)	250 W	350 W	450 W	30 A
High-End Gaming (i7/R7 + xx80)	450 W	650 W	850 W	55 A
Workstation (i9/R9 + xx90)	600 W	850 W	1100 W	75 A
HEDT / Server (Threadripper)	800 W	1200 W	1500 W	100 A

Frequently Asked Questions

Manufacturers list "minimum" requirements for a barebones system. They assume you have no RGB, no extra drives, and no overclocking. Our algorithm targets the "Efficiency Sweet Spot" (50-70% load). Buying a PSU that matches your exact max load forces the fan to spin at 100% (loud noise) and stresses the capacitors, shortening the unit's lifespan.

Modern GPUs (especially RTX 3000/4000 and RX 6000/7000 series) have extremely aggressive power management. They can jump from 20W to 400W in microseconds. This creates a "transient spike" on the line. If your PSU is old or under-specced, this spike looks like a short circuit to the protection logic, causing the PC to shut down abruptly during gaming.

If you are using an NVIDIA RTX 40-series card or newer, highly yes. ATX 3.0 PSUs are designed specifically to handle power excursions of up to 200% of rated power for short durations and include the native 12VHPWR connector, eliminating the need for risky adapters.

Generally, no. A PSU only draws what the components request. However, efficiency curves matter. A 1000W PSU delivering only 50W (idle) might be slightly less efficient (maybe 70% efficiency) than a 500W PSU delivering 50W (80% efficiency). But at load, the larger PSU often runs cooler and quieter.

It is an approximation based on the "Hours per Day" you enter. We use the efficiency curve of the selected rating (e.g., Gold = ~90%). Real-world cost varies by local grid rates and how much time the system spends in idle vs. load states.