Enough Power from the PSU...

[dysfunction]

I replaced my hard drive thinking the other one was on its way out but decided to leave it in and format it and just use it for extra storage space.
As it happens windows thinks the drive is in perfect working order....

I was just wondering what effect, if any, the adding the extra HD would be on my Power Supply usage. Is there a way of telling if the PSU is coping just fine like this? I don't want an unpleasant surprise of the PSU failing cos its being pushed to its limits.

Would it make any significant difference adding this extra HD?

 

[Cromcruaich]

I wouldnt worry if it's all running smoothly. And 'running smoothly' is pretty much how you determine if the PSU is coping just fine like it is.

 

[dysfunction]

Ah ok thanks!

 

[Jonty]

Hi dysfunction

I was bored so I checked, as an example, Western Digital's website. Even their cheapest drives draw less than 13W under read/write load, and the better drives have even lower power consumption. So in short, don't worry, having the extra drive shouldn't be a problem.

As for calculating your PSU load, there are some guides on the internet about how to do this, or if you're really curious you can even buy a little device that sits between the power socket and your PC and measures the total power draw of your system (the linked model costs hundreds of pounds, though, hehe).

Kind regards

 

[Lethul]

try this, its not 100% accurate but atleast can give you an idea to work with

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5

 

[dysfunction]

Everything is working quite smoothly with this drive although I think the old HD drive every so often makes a weird sound. It sort of goes like "fzzzzzzz" for like a second.

There doesnt appear to be anything wrong as everything is working fine but its just a bit weird having this sound on the odd occassion.

The drive used to make more of a clunking sound while in use which is why I replaced it. But thought since it was working I'd format it and use it....now it just makes this new sound but is quiet most of the time.

Its probably best I use it for non prem storage I reckon just in case