How do I check my computer's power consumption (how many watts its using?)?

Question

Preferably just using software...

Answer 1

The most sure fire way is to get something like this Kil-a-watt meter http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-Kill-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3782007-5602255?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1194836091&sr=8-1

You plug your computer into the Kil-a-watt and it measures the current consumption rate (Watts per hour) and total power (Watts). You can see what your average use is or leave it connected for 24 hours to see what a daily usage is.

Your local library might have these for loan as well.

Answer 2

Unless you have one smart enough to cut down its processor speed when it is running a computing task requiring a lot of processing effort the answer is most likely a constant wattage so software to track it is a waste of your computer's effort. If you added in a bigger graphics card or other peripherals it will be a different constant.

Just read the label on the back of the PC or the the info in the documentation that came with it. If you made mods add in what you read in their manuals.