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There is no reliable single monthly cost without knowing the OptiPlex model, its average power draw while streaming, and your electricity rate. Measure the computer’s average input at the wall during the actual stream, then calculate: monthly cost = average watts × 24 × days ÷ 1,000 × delivered price per kWh.
Calculate your 30-day electricity cost
For a 30-day month, a computer running continuously uses average watts × 0.72 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Multiply that energy use by your delivered electricity price per kWh. For a month with a different number of days, use the full formula: watts × 24 × days ÷ 1,000 × price per kWh.
- Measure average wall power during the stream. Use a plug-in power meter or another reliable method that measures AC input. Run the stream with the resolution, encoding settings, peripherals, and other equipment you want included. An average over a representative period is more useful than a brief peak reading.
- Find your delivered electricity rate. Use the applicable price per kWh on your electricity bill if available. An advertised supply rate may not include all delivery charges, taxes, or fees.
- Multiply. Convert watts to monthly kWh with the formula above, then multiply by your rate. Add other equipment separately if it is outside the meter’s measurement boundary.
Illustrative arithmetic at the 2025 U.S. residential average
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a 2025 residential average of 17.30¢ per kWh. The scenarios below show the arithmetic at that rate; they are not measurements of a Dell OptiPlex streaming YouTube. [EIA, 2025]
| Illustrative average wall draw | Energy in 30 days | Example monthly electricity cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 7.2 kWh | About $1.25 |
| 20 W | 14.4 kWh | About $2.49 |
| 40 W | 28.8 kWh | About $4.98 |
These are rounded examples using a U.S. national average, not a quote for any individual account. Replace 17.30¢ with your own delivered rate; rounding can make a displayed total differ by a cent.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why the OptiPlex model and workload matter
“Dell OptiPlex Micro” covers different generations and configurations. Power use also depends on what the computer is doing and what is connected to it. For a fair comparison between PCs or setups, measure average wall watts during the same stream workload and apply the same electricity price, operating hours, and equipment boundary.
Certification figures are not live-stream measurements
ENERGY STAR’s certification record for a listed OptiPlex Micro 7010 Category I1 configuration reports 7.7 W for short idle, 1.3 W for long idle, 1.3 W for sleep, 0.3 W for off, and model TEC of 26.8 kWh. These are figures for the record’s specified test categories, not an estimate or measurement of a 24/7 YouTube stream. The record’s publication date is not shown. [ENERGY STAR certification record]
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
A power-supply rating is not the PC’s continuous draw
Dell’s OptiPlex 3070 Micro documentation lists a 65 W power supply and 87% average efficiency. That is a different model, and those specifications do not say the computer draws 65 W while streaming. Do not multiply the supply’s maximum rating by the hours in a month as if it were measured consumption. [Dell OptiPlex 3070 Micro specifications]
Your electricity rate can change the answer substantially
The 17.30¢/kWh figure is the EIA’s 2025 U.S. residential annual average, not a universal price. EIA’s reported state range—35.72¢/kWh in Hawaii and 8.20¢/kWh in North Dakota—is for all utility customer types, not residential customers alone. These examples show why a national average should not substitute for your bill’s applicable rate. [EIA, 2025]
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
EIA describes its average retail price as including delivered-electricity costs such as generation, transmission, distribution, taxes, and fees. Your own bill rate is the better input for a household estimate. [EIA]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep a 24/7 YouTube stream running without leaving the PC on
If the electricity calculation is part of deciding whether to keep a home computer running around the clock, another option is StreamNeo, a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; the cloud continues looping the video without a computer, OBS, or home internet connection staying on.
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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and support from the StreamNeo team. Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers. The first day is free with no card; plans can be paid for by day, week, month, six months, or year, and can be cancelled any time. UPI and cards are accepted in India; card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.
For a monthly option, $9.99 per month. If you want to try it, start the free first day on StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
