Testing component power usage

[ron040401]

Is there any software available that will show me how much power each component is using? I want to be able to detect if a slow-down or sporadic failure is due to power consumption attributed to a component.
Preferably, the software would work on any operating system (Windows, Linux) and can be used on stand-alone computers, maybe as a tool on a CD or diskette.

Thanks,

ron040401

 

[m33sta]

Some sort of motherboard monitor will do it however they may not go down to each component ( eg. capacitors ) they usually show the different ranges 3.3v 12v ect.

 

[hotfusion]

As far as I'm aware, there is no way of monitoring the current a component is consuming, at least not by using software. As already stated, the voltage supplied can be monitored easily enough, but this doesn't represent actual power consumption although it might indicate a problem if this voltage falls for no apparent reason.

The only way of monitoring the current consumption is probably way out of your league and involves operating the motherboard on the bench with various supply tracks broken with an ammeter placed in series - only recommended for those seriously in need of entertainment....

It is possible that a component, when failing in a specific manner, might produce rather more heat than otherwise, such as the processor on a graphics card, and this abnormally high heat output would be easy enough to notice.

Regards, Andy.
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