[EricVanWyk]

Are you doing this at a house or a school or a ... ? If it is not in a house, you are fine.

I've been to at least one LAN party that browned out the host's house, so you are right to worry. However, 20 isn't that bad, so I wouldn't worry too much.

Do not allow anyone to bring speakers, headphones only. This is mostly just a courtesy thing, but speakers can draw unnecessary current.

Laptops are handy because they are easy to set up / take down, and they don't draw a whole lot of juice. My laptop's power supply is 60 W, my desktops power supply is 500W. However, gamers largely prefer desktops for good reason.

LCDs consume about one third as much energy as CRTs. Your mileage may vary. I've read that it is 50W vs 150W, but again, your mileage may vary.



After those power saving tips, it isn't too hard to eyeball where your power needs will be. Each circuit should give you about 20 Amps / 2400W (double check me on that please). Thats enough for 40 laptops or 5 desktops (safely). You can probably put 10 desktops on that circuit before it pops, unless they do something silly like all play a game at the same time.

Back in 2002, we had all had clunky desktops with CRTs. We popped breakers on two circuits in the house and borrowed power from the neighbors during a 25 person LAN.

Good luck, and have fun.