Aside from http://mbm.livewiredev.com/ which is too complicated is there anything out there that will simply add up all the voltages of all the stuff in my PC! Like HDs, CDs, FANs, ECT. so I know how much leway I have! Like 390 or 395 out of a 400w PowerSupply!

ivnj

No, actually, and MBM can't do it either. Power is not simply a matter of voltage, but voltage and amperage. The only accurate method is to use a "true RMS" or analog (moving coil) AC ammeter in series (NOT parallel -- you'll smoke the meter) with one of the AC power wires.

To ensure maximum current, start a very large file copy (if you have two hard disks, copy between them), then access each CD drive to spin it up. Cancel the file copy once the peak reading has been noted. Multiply the peak current by the line voltage (usually 117 VAC for North America) to get the wattage.

Safety considerations --

(1) House wiring carries potentially lethal voltages, and you should not attempt this if you lack experience.

(2) Never work alone when high voltages are present. One-tenth of an ampere will certainly kill you (less for many people).

(3) Use a meter with at least a 5 AC ampere range.