Hi Everyone, is there an application that I can install in my desktop computer that would estimate the electric consumption based on the HARDWARE specs?Good Question!I need the same thing!Here is the most accurate way, but it costs $40.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2003/12/23/kill_a_watt_electric_usage_monitor_review/

An amp meter, which few PEOPLE have, could do the same thing.There's nothing inside the computer that's monitoring AMPS, just volts.An amp meter is a physical device (kind of like a volt meter) that clamps around an electrical line, like the power cord, and measures the actual amperage going through the line.Actually, there's no difference between a voltmeter and an ammeter, except the ammeter uses a current shunt to measure voltage which can be read as amps. Clamp meters are a different animal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_clamp
You can buy the kill a watt meter from newegg for $20. They also have a new more advanced version that doubles as an on/off timer for $50.Unplug the PC for a month...then compare last month and this month's bills...Quote from: rthompson80819 on April 29, 2010, 06:41:15 PM

An amp meter is a physical device (kind of like a volt meter) that clamps around an electrical line, like the power cord, and measures the actual amperage going through the line.

Only AC.

Some do AC & DC. I have one.

Yes. I am an oldster; I forgot about Hall effect sensors.

Hi Everyone, is there an application that I can install in my desktop computer that would estimate the electric consumption based on the hardware specs?

Unplug the PC for a month...then compare last month and this month's bills...