Whether you’re planning a gaming PC upgrade, checking if your new graphics card will work, or just curious, you might be wondering: “How to find out what power supply I have?”
The power supply unit (or PSU) is what sends electricity to everything inside your computer. It’s very important, but many people forget about it—because it’s hidden in the case, and it doesn’t show up in most software tools.
But don’t worry! This guide will show you easy ways to find out what power supply you have in your PC—even if you’ve never opened a computer before.
Let’s get started! 💡
🛠️️ Why It Matters: Why You Should Know What Power Supply You Have
Before we explain how to check your power supply, you should know why it’s important.
Knowing your PSU helps you:
- Upgrade safely without overloading your system 🔧
- Avoid crashes caused by not enough power ⚠️
- Fix problems like sudden shutdowns or restarts 💻
- Plan for future upgrades like a bigger graphics card 🎮
Sometimes, your GPU or CPU needs more power than your current PSU can provide, and that can spell trouble.
So, let’s answer that big question:
🧠 How to find out what power supply I have? Let’s look at some easy methods!
✅ Method 1: Check the PSU Label (Best and Most Accurate Way)
This is the best way to find out what power supply is inside your PC. All you need to do is look at the label on the power supply.
🪛 What You’ll Need:
- A screwdriver (if your PC case has screws)
- A flashlight or phone light
- Some patience 😊
📝 Steps:
- Shut down your PC and unplug it from the wall for safety.
- Open the side panel of your PC case. Usually, this means unscrewing two screws on the back of your PC.
- Look near the bottom or top of your PC case. That’s where the PSU usually is.
- Find the label on the PSU (usually on one of its flat sides).
- Read the label. You’ll see:
- Brand (like Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic)
- Model number
- Wattage (like 500W, 600W, 750W)
- Efficiency rating (like 80 Plus Bronze, Gold)
📸 Pro Tip: Take a photo of the label so you can look up the info online later.
👍 Good For: Desktop PCs, DIY PCs, and people who aren’t afraid to open the case.
🖥️ Method 2: Check the PC’s Original Specifications
If you bought a prebuilt computer (like from HP, Dell, or Lenovo), you might not need to open the case.
You can look up the exact model online to find out what power supply it came with.
📝 Steps:
- Find your PC’s model number. It’s usually on a sticker on the side or back of your PC.
- Go to the manufacturer’s website (like hp.com or dell.com).
- Enter your PC’s model number in the “Support” or “Search” section.
- Open the product manual or specification sheet.
- Look for anything that says “PSU” or “Power Supply.”
⚠️ Note: Sometimes the same PC model can come with different power supplies. The specs may not be 100% accurate.
👍 Good For: Brand-name desktops like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, etc.
🛒 Method 3: Find the Order Info or Receipt
If you built your computer or bought it from a store, check your old purchase history online.
You might be able to find what power supply you ordered.
📝 What to Check:
- Amazon orders or Newegg history
- Emails from when you bought the PC
- A printout or digital list of PC parts (if a friend built it for you)
This only works if the PSU hasn’t been changed since the computer was built.
👍 Good For: PCs that were bought online or built from parts.
🌐 Method 4: Ask the Online PC Community
Still confused? No label? No paperwork? No idea?
That’s okay! You can ask people online to help you.
📝 Steps:
- Take a clear photo of the inside of your PC, especially the power supply area.
- Go to helpful websites like:
- Reddit (r/buildapc)
- Tom’s Hardware forums
- PCPartPicker forums
- Post the photo and ask: “Can someone help me identify my power supply?”
Many people in the tech community love helping others, and they may recognize the PSU by the shape, size, or cables.
👍 Good For: Secondhand PCs or prebuilt systems with no documentation.
🧮 Method 5: Use Software Tools (Estimate Only!)
You can’t find your PSU’s brand or model using software—but you can check how much power your system needs.
Use a free PSU calculator online to estimate your system’s power needs based on your components.
🎯 Trusted Options:
- outervision.com
- coolermaster.com/tools/power-supply-calculator
- bequiet.com/en/psucalculator
Enter things like your CPU, GPU, and number of hard drives.
🛑 NOTE: This won’t tell you your current PSU specs. But it helps if you need to know whether your PSU can handle upgraded parts!
👍 Good For: Planning builds or testing how powerful your next PSU should be.
🚫 What If the Label Is Hidden or Missing?
Sometimes, the PSU is mounted tightly, or the label faces the wrong direction. Here’s what you can do:
- Carefully remove the PSU (write down where the cables go first!)
- Look at all sides of the PSU for stickers
- Search the PSU’s serial number online
If you’re still stuck, contact your PC’s manufacturer or take the computer to a local repair shop.
🔍 What to Look for When You Find Your PSU
Okay, you found your power supply! Here’s what the important numbers and words mean:
- 🟢 Wattage (Example: 600W): The total power your PSU can provide
- 🟢 80 Plus Rating (Bronze, Gold, Platinum): Efficiency level — higher is better
- 🟢 Brand: Trusted brands include Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, and Thermaltake
- 🔴 If It’s Old (Over 5 Years): Consider replacing it before it fails
Extra tip: If you’re using a high-end GPU, make sure your PSU has the right power cables too!
📌 Bonus Tip: Save Your PSU Info!
Once you find out your PSU model and wattage, write it down or save it in a note on your phone. Next time you want to upgrade, you’ll have the info ready in seconds.
Your future self will thank you!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Now You Know What Powers Your PC
So, the next time someone asks: “How to find out what power supply I have?”—you’ll have the answer!
You’ve learned:
- How to check the label inside your case
- How to use your PC’s specs or order history
- How to get help online if you’re stuck
- How software can help plan future power needs
⚡ Remember: Your PSU is like the heart of your computer. Make sure it’s strong enough to handle whatever you throw at it—whether it’s gaming, editing, or homework.
Need help or still not sure? Ask questions in tech forums or leave a comment on our site—we love helping fellow PC users!
Stay safe, stay smart, and stay powered up! 🖥️⚙️