Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesProbably at idle, but there is not enough matched evidence to say which costs less while actually encoding and sending a 24/7 YouTube stream. A 2024 comparison found lower idle power for the Raspberry Pi 5 than for typical Intel N100 mini PCs. That does not establish the difference under a live-stream workload. To know which costs less for your channel, measure each complete setup while it streams the same video at the same settings, then apply your electricity tariff.
What the available power figures show—and what they do not
CNX Software’s 29 April 2024 comparison reports 3.0–3.6 W idle for the Raspberry Pi 5 and 7.5–10 W typical idle for Intel N100 mini PCs. Those figures suggest that the Pi used less power in the idle setups compared. They are not measurements of either device encoding and transmitting a continuous YouTube stream, so they cannot establish the live-stream electricity-cost winner. Read the CNX Software comparison.
Subtracting the endpoints gives an idle-power gap of 3.9–7.0 W across those reported ranges. Do not assume that gap persists during streaming: encoding, network activity, cooling, peripherals, and the specific video settings can change each system’s average draw.
Why the complete setup and stream settings matter
Compare everything drawing power
Measure the complete system at the wall, not just a board or processor. A Raspberry Pi build may need a compatible power supply, storage, case, and cooling, depending on the chosen configuration. The mini PC also has its own power supply and any attached devices. Raspberry Pi’s official hardware documentation cautions that its approximate power measurements do not account for extra USB devices, and that added devices or a HAT can raise consumption. Its documented 800 mA typical active current for a bare Pi 5 is not a wall-power figure: it cannot be turned into a precise system wattage without voltage and measurement conditions. See Raspberry Pi computer hardware documentation.
#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.
Use the actual YouTube workload
Resolution, frame rate, codec, and bitrate affect the work required to encode a stream. YouTube Help recommends H.264 bitrates of 10 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 17 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps. These are platform bitrate recommendations, not a guarantee that either computer can sustain the chosen stream or a measure of its power use. YouTube advises testing before going live and monitoring stream health; its guidance says to choose a quality that is reliable for your internet connection. See YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrate guidance.
Account for other ownership and operating needs
Electricity is only one part of the decision. Compare what each complete configuration costs to buy, including storage and any required supply, enclosure, or cooling. Also consider operating-system and software needs, any GPIO or camera requirements, thermal behavior over long runs, and how you will restart or recover the stream if the system or connection fails. CNX Software’s 2024 article reports stronger general-purpose benchmark performance for its tested N100 mini PC than for the Pi 5 in most listed tests, but those benchmarks are not continuous-streaming tests. Its example prices are historical, not current quotes.
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.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Calculate your own 24/7 electricity cost
Use a plug-in watt meter to measure average wall power for each complete setup while it runs your intended stream. For a continuous period, the calculation is:
- Energy (kWh) = average watts × hours ÷ 1,000
- Electricity cost = energy (kWh) × your all-in price per kWh
A year of uninterrupted operation is 8,760 hours, so annual energy is average watts × 8.76 = kWh per year. Multiply that result by your own all-in tariff for an estimated annual electricity cost. Your actual bill depends on your measured average draw and tariff; there is no single cost that applies everywhere.
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For example, if a meter showed an assumed average of 20 W and your assumed all-in tariff were 0.20 currency units per kWh, the arithmetic would be 20 × 8.76 = 175.2 kWh per year, then 175.2 × 0.20 = 35.04 currency units. This is an illustration using assumed inputs, not a prediction for either computer.
Run a fair side-by-side test
- Build both complete systems. Include the storage, power supply, enclosure, cooling, and other devices you would actually use. Keep displays and other optional peripherals either off both systems or consistent between them.
- Match the stream. Use the same source video, resolution, frame rate, codec, bitrate, YouTube destination, and network connection. Choose settings each system is intended to sustain.
- Measure at the wall. Put a plug-in watt meter between the outlet and each system. Record average watts while the stream is running, not just a brief idle reading.
- Allow for steady operation. Let each system run long enough to reach representative operating and thermal conditions. Use the same measurement period and comparable room and network conditions.
- Check stream health as well as watts. Record interruptions, dropped frames, overheating, and recovery behavior. A lower power reading is not useful if the system cannot maintain the stream you need.
- Apply the same tariff. Convert each measured average to kWh for your chosen period, then multiply by your local all-in price per kWh. Compare purchase costs separately rather than folding historical example prices into a current bill estimate.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is simply to keep uploaded videos playing on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. The stream plays from the cloud, supports uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start your free first day.
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.
Rank #4
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