A desktop computer equipped with basic hardware requires a power supply upgrade after inst… — CompTIA A+ (Core 1 & Core 2)

A desktop computer equipped with basic hardware requires a power supply upgrade after installing additional expansion components. The total peak power consumption of all internal components is calculated at $300\text{ W}$ . To maintain a recommended $20\%$ power headroom margin for system stability, which minimum wattage power supply unit (PSU) should be installed?

$360\text{ W}$ Answer
B
$300\text{ W}$
C
$240\text{ W}$
D
$150\text{ W}$

Answer

The minimum wattage power supply unit that should be installed is

360\text{ W}

The total system power requirement with a

20\%

headroom margin is calculated as

300\text{ W} \times 1.20 = 360\text{ W}

. This ensures stable operation under maximum load while protecting the system against transient power surges.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify total peak power draw of internal components

Total peak draw is

300\text{ W}

This establishes the baseline power required by the computer components.

Calculate the necessary overhead margin multiplier

20\%

headroom multiplier is

1 + 0.20 = 1.20

Adding a safety margin prevents power supply overload during power spikes and ensures long-term power supply efficiency.

Multiply total draw by headroom multiplier

300\text{ W} \times 1.20 = 360\text{ W}

This yields the total minimum wattage capacity needed for the replacement PSU.

Key Concept

Power supply sizing and headroom calculation

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