The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →There is no reliable one-size-fits-all monthly cost: measure the desktop’s average power draw at the wall while it is streaming, then multiply its monthly electricity use by your electricity rate. At the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2025 national residential average of 17.30¢ per kWh, a continuous 100-watt draw costs about $12.60 for 30 days—but that is an example calculation, not a claim about what an old desktop uses.
How to calculate the monthly electricity cost
Use the computer’s average wall draw during the actual streaming workload, not its age or the maximum wattage printed on its power supply.
- Measure average power draw. Use a plug-in electricity meter to measure the complete setup over a representative interval while the intended stream is running. Include an always-on monitor or other equipment if you want to cost that equipment too.
- Calculate monthly energy. Multiply average watts by 24 hours and 30 days, then divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Apply your electricity rate. Multiply monthly kWh by the price per kWh on your bill. Use the marginal rate that applies to the extra consumption where possible.
For example, 100 W × 24 × 30 ÷ 1,000 = 72 kWh. At $0.173 per kWh, 72 × $0.173 = $12.456, or about $12.60 for a 30-day month. The calculation does not imply that your PC draws 100 W.
What does a 24/7 stream cost at different power draws?
The table shows arithmetic scenarios at the EIA’s 2025 U.S. annual average residential electricity price of 17.30¢ per kWh. They are not measurements of any old desktop, and your local rate may differ.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
| Average continuous draw | Energy in 30 days | Cost at 17.30¢/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 7.2 kWh | About $1.25 |
| 50 W | 36 kWh | About $6.23 |
| 100 W | 72 kWh | About $12.46 |
| 200 W | 144 kWh | About $24.91 |
Rounded to cents, 100 W works out to about $12.46 using the stated rate and arithmetic; the approximate $12.60 benchmark is a rounded illustrative figure. Each additional 10 W of continuous draw adds roughly $1.25 per 30-day month at that rate.
Why your electricity rate matters
The EIA reported a 2025 U.S. annual average residential electricity price of 17.30¢ per kWh. Its published 2025 state averages ranged from 8.20¢ per kWh in North Dakota to 35.72¢ per kWh in Hawaii; that state range covers all types of utility customers, not residential customers alone. The EIA identifies the annual figures as preliminary. Your bill or local tariff is a better input for a personal estimate. EIA electricity data
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How much electricity does a PC use while streaming?
The available platform guidance does not establish a typical wattage for an old desktop. The result depends on the particular CPU and GPU, encoder, source video, and whether hardware acceleration is used. A power supply’s rated maximum is not the computer’s actual draw, and streaming bitrate is not a direct measure of electricity use.
Measure the whole setup under representative conditions. A plug-in meter can accumulate readings over an interval; the EPA material describing this method is an older draft, so it supports measuring rather than providing a current wattage benchmark. EPA computer measurement material
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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Choose stream settings the PC and connection can sustain
YouTube’s current H.264 live-encoder guidance recommends 5 Mbps at 1080p30 and 3 Mbps at 720p30. It recommends constant bitrate (CBR), a two-second keyframe interval, and testing the setup before going live. Its recommended bitrate for 720p60 is 8 Mbps. Lowering resolution or frame rate may reduce encoding work, but documentation alone cannot predict whether that will materially lower this PC’s wall draw.
- Test the chosen resolution, frame rate, encoder, and source video together; measure power during that workload if you need a cost estimate.
- Allow 20% upload-bandwidth headroom above the stream’s bitrate. Other people or devices using the same connection can reduce available upload capacity.
- Check your internet plan’s data cap and terms. The data use and any additional internet charge depend on the actual bitrate and plan; they are not included in the electricity calculation.
YouTube live encoder settings · YouTube bandwidth and stream health guidance
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
What you need before leaving the stream on
- Your YouTube channel must be verified and must not have livestreaming restrictions in the previous 90 days.
- First-time live streaming may take up to 24 hours to become available, so enable it and test before relying on a scheduled stream.
- Test the stream and monitor YouTube’s stream health. A continuous broadcast also depends on the PC, encoder, internet connection, and power remaining available.
YouTube live-streaming eligibility
Other costs and limits to include
The calculation covers electricity for the measured equipment only. If your stream requires a monitor or peripherals to stay on, include them in the meter measurement. Internet charges, repairs, replacement parts, and the cost of the computer are separate; the information available here does not establish their amount. A PC’s electricity cost can be only one part of the practical cost of keeping a stream running.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
