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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThere is no single electricity cost for a 24/7 YouTube stream on a Dell OptiPlex Micro: it depends on the exact model, its average power draw while encoding, and your electricity rate. Measure the computer at the wall while running your actual stream, then calculate: annual kWh = average watts × 8.76; annual cost = annual kWh × your all-in price per kWh. Divide the annual cost by 12 for a monthly average.
Estimate the electricity cost from your own wall-power reading
The 8.76 factor converts a continuous watt reading into annual kilowatt-hours: 24 hours × 365 days ÷ 1,000. Use the average power for the whole computer, measured at the wall while it runs the intended encoder, stream settings, and other software. Multiply the resulting annual kWh by the rate you actually pay per kWh, including applicable electricity charges if you want an all-in estimate.
Worked example—not a measurement of your computer
At a continuous average of 13 W, annual use is 13 × 8.76 = 113.88 kWh. At €0.35/kWh, that works out to about €39.86 a year, or €3.32 per month on average. Beat&Win uses 13 W as an active-power estimate for an OptiPlex 5080 Micro i3/8GB/256GB and gives a continuous-use estimate of 118.1 kWh and €41.35 a year at that same assumed rate. Those figures are estimates, not a direct long-duration test of live encoding, and €0.35/kWh is not a universal or current retail rate. Beat&Win’s OptiPlex 5080 estimate
Why published watt figures do not give one universal streaming cost
Available figures describe different OptiPlex generations and different operating conditions. None establishes the average wall draw of an unspecified OptiPlex Micro encoding a 24/7 live stream.
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| System and source | Reported power | What the figure describes |
|---|---|---|
| Dell OptiPlex Micro 7010 (D15U), ENERGY STAR certification record, accessed 2026 | 7.7 W short idle; 1.3 W long idle; 1.3 W sleep; 0.3 W off | Certification categories, not a live-stream encoding test. ENERGY STAR record |
| OptiPlex 7040M, U-Labs review, accessed 2026 | About 18 W average | 1080p YouTube video playback in Firefox on Linux Mint; playback is not live encoding. U-Labs review |
| OptiPlex 7090 Micro, ServeTheHome review, accessed 2026 | About 12–14 W | Idle on 120 V for the tested configuration, not a streaming workload. ServeTheHome review |
| OptiPlex 5080 Micro i3/8GB/256GB, Beat&Win estimate, accessed 2026 | 13 W active estimate; 118.1 kWh and €41.35 per year at €0.35/kWh | Third-party estimate and arithmetic scenario, not a direct 24/7 live-encoding measurement. Beat&Win estimate |
Do not multiply an idle or sleep certification figure by the year and call it the cost of streaming. Encoding workload, hardware configuration, software, stream settings, and background activity can all change draw. The evidence here does not support ranking OptiPlex generations by live-stream efficiency.
Measure the setup you will actually use
- Set up the intended stream. Use the same OptiPlex, operating system, encoder, resolution, frame rate, codec, and audio you expect to run continuously.
- Measure at the wall during encoding. Use a wall-power meter to record the complete computer’s draw while the real stream is running. The cited sources do not evaluate a particular meter.
- Use a representative average. Observe a meaningful period rather than relying on a momentary reading; encoding load and background activity can vary.
- Calculate and apply your rate. Multiply the average watts by 8.76 for annual kWh, then multiply by your all-in electricity price per kWh. Divide by 12 for monthly average cost.
Stream settings and network capacity affect the setup, not the electricity formula
Codec, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate determine stream output and can affect the work your encoder performs. YouTube’s encoder guidance supports RTMP/RTMPS and H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1, with frame rates up to 60 fps. It recommends constant bitrate and a two-second keyframe interval, not exceeding four seconds. The suitable choices depend on your quality target and encoder capability. For example, YouTube’s current table recommends 14 Mbps H.264 or 10 Mbps AV1/H.265 at 1080p30; these are output recommendations, not a way to infer computer wattage. YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
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- YouTube recommends RTMPS, the secure extension of RTMP.
- Leave upload bandwidth headroom: YouTube recommends 20% beyond the total stream bitrate. Shared network traffic and disruptions can still affect the stream. YouTube streaming tips
- Test with audio and movement similar to the intended broadcast, and monitor stream health. YouTube’s guidance says, “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.”
- Your channel must be verified and must not have live-streaming restrictions during the prior 90 days. Set up and test ahead of time. YouTube live-streaming requirements
Include the rest of the 24/7 operating cost separately
The formula above estimates electricity for the measured computer draw. It does not include internet service, equipment purchase or replacement, or any other costs. A 24/7 stream also depends on a working network connection and an operating encoder; those requirements are separate from the electricity estimate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos without leaving the OptiPlex running, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and uploaded video, not a camera feed. See StreamNeo or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #3
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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.
