Power running through computer
 

Ok, here's what I'm trying to do. I want to attach a higher power led to my computer, but I can't tell how much power is going through it. Can anyone help me out with this? I have a 200 w power supply, so how much power is going through the power cables that supply power to the drives. Also, anyone have any idea how I could figure out how much power is going to the "power" and "hard drive" LEDs? Any help you could give me on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

LEDs are actually quite efficient. Recently they've been adopted for mini-flashlights that can run on a watch battery for weeks. It won't be using much power at all, well within the capabilities of a 200W PSU.

I know the power source can handle the LEDs, I'm just trying to figure out if I need to throw in any resisters or anything so I don't give the LEDs too much power and fizzle them out.

i'm pretty sure the two types of power connectors are 5v and 12v, but i don't know which is which. why don't you plunk down $10 on a voltmeter.with this you'll be able to check the drive connectors and power going to leds. with a decent one you can use it to identify resistors and send a small current through one end of a wire and use it to identify this wire in a clump of many. don't worry about the money, i find use for mine all the time--checking random sized batteries, etc.

You want a current limiting resistor, which needs the voltage and amperage of the LED, then you can apply ohms law

R = V / I