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A fanless mini PC drawing 14.7–17.9 watts at the wall would use about 10.6–12.9 kWh running nonstop for a 30-day month. Multiply that by the electricity rate on your bill to estimate its variable energy cost. At an illustrative rate of $0.12 per kWh, that is about $1.27–$1.55 for the month.
Those watt readings come from tests of one fanless mini PC, not a universal average. They describe local YouTube playback on the computer; they do not mean the PC is broadcasting a prerecorded playlist as a live YouTube channel.
Calculate the monthly electricity cost
Use the average power measured at the wall while the computer is doing the workload you care about—not its processor’s thermal design power (TDP) or the maximum output printed on its power adapter.
- Calculate energy: average wall power in watts × hours running ÷ 1,000 = kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Apply your tariff: kWh × your applicable electricity price per kWh = variable usage cost.
A 30-day month has 720 hours. For the measured range used in the example:
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| Average wall power | Energy for 720 hours | Cost at illustrative $0.12/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 14.7 W | 14.7 × 720 ÷ 1,000 = 10.584 kWh | About $1.27 |
| 17.9 W | 17.9 × 720 ÷ 1,000 = 12.888 kWh | About $1.55 |
The $0.12/kWh rate is only an arithmetic example, not a verified current rate or a rate that applies everywhere. Substitute the usage rate and billing period shown on your own bill. If your electricity plan uses time-of-use rates, divide the running hours and energy among the relevant rate periods and price each portion separately. Fixed account charges are not caused by the mini PC, so leave them out when estimating its marginal usage cost.
What the fanless mini PC test measured
CNX Software reported 14.7–17.9 W at the wall while a fanless MINIX NEO Z100-0dB played YouTube at 8K60 in Chrome on Windows 11. Its reported idle reading was 8.9–9.2 W. The setup included Wi-Fi 6, an RF dongle for keyboard and mouse, and a VGA display connected through an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. Read the CNX Software Windows test.
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In a separate Ubuntu 22.04 test of the same model, CNX Software reported the same 14.7–17.9 W range during YouTube 8Kp60 playback in Firefox, with idle power of 7.5–7.6 W. That test setup included Wi-Fi 6, two USB RF dongles, and a VGA monitor connected through an HDMI adapter. CNX also reported that 8Kp60 playback was not watchable in that test because of many dropped frames; the power measurement is not a recommendation to use 8K. Similar readings in two reports do not establish that operating system, browser, resolution, frame rate, or peripherals never affect power draw on other systems. Read the CNX Software Ubuntu test.
Both figures are measurements from one N100-based mini PC and specific test setups, not typical-use averages for all fanless mini PCs. The reports identify connected display and USB equipment, but do not establish that every separately powered peripheral is included in the computer’s wall reading. The product review describes the MINIX NEO Z100-0dB as a fanless Intel N100 mini PC; its publication does not establish current stock, configuration, or price. See the product review.
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Measure your own setup for a better estimate
A plug-in wall electricity meter can show what the power adapter draws from the outlet during your actual workload. Run the intended YouTube playback long enough for the meter to provide a representative average, then use that wattage in the calculation above.
- For a PC-only figure, measure the mini PC’s draw and account separately for any other powered equipment.
- For a whole-setup estimate, include equipment such as a separately powered display and any other devices you want counted.
- Keep the workload consistent with your intended use; idle power is not a substitute for playback power.
The cited CNX Software tests used wall meters. CPU TDP and a power adapter’s maximum rating are not measurements of the electricity this setup uses during playback.
Rank #4
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Local YouTube playback is not a 24/7 live channel
This cost estimate answers how much electricity a mini PC might use while playing YouTube locally. If instead you mean keeping a YouTube channel live with prerecorded videos, that is a different task: the computer would be sending a live stream rather than watching one. A PC-based broadcast may require the PC and its internet connection to remain on; the local playback wattage above should not be treated as a measurement of that broadcast workload.
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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.
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