Appliance Wattage & Running Cost
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What size generator or power station for a gaming PC? (650+ W)

To run a gaming PC, choose at least
650 W running.

A gaming PC draws about 500 W while running. Pick a generator, inverter or power station rated comfortably above these numbers.

Battery runtime calculator

Estimated runtime

Assumes about 85% usable capacity. Motors need extra headroom for startup surge.

How long a power station lasts

Power stationEstimated runtime
300 Wh0 h 31 min
500 Wh0 h 51 min
1,000 Wh1 h 42 min
2,000 Wh3 h 24 min
3,000 Wh5 h 6 min

Sizing guide

Minimum running watts650 W
Minimum starting watts650 W
Suggested inverter700 W or higher

See also gaming PC wattage and running cost.

FAQ

How many watts does a gaming PC use?

Under load, typically 300-1000 watts depending on the GPU and CPU.

Does capping frame rate save power?

Yes - limiting FPS reduces GPU load and noticeably cuts wattage.