Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThere is no single electricity cost for running a second-hand small-form-factor (SFF) PC around the clock: it depends on the computer’s average power draw at the wall while streaming and your electricity rate. For a continuous load, annual energy use in kWh = average watts × 8.76; multiply that by your price per kWh to estimate annual cost, then divide by 12 for a monthly average.
Calculate your 24/7 electricity cost
The factor 8.76 comes from 24 hours × 365 days ÷ 1,000 watts per kilowatt. It converts a continuous wattage into annual kilowatt-hours.
- Measure average wall draw. Run the complete setup in the streaming configuration you intend to use and measure its power at the outlet. A plug-in energy monitor can report instantaneous watts and, ideally, accumulated energy. An adapter’s rated capacity, a component’s power rating, or an idle reading is not a substitute for the actual streaming workload.
- Choose your electricity rate. Use the per-kWh rate applicable to your household and include variable charges that rise with consumption. A fixed monthly charge that does not change with usage is not an incremental cost of running the PC.
- Calculate the cost. Multiply measured average watts by 8.76 to get annual kWh; multiply that by your rate for annual electricity cost; divide by 12 for the monthly average.
Include a monitor or other equipment only if it will remain powered during the stream. If you measure the complete setup at the wall, its included peripherals are reflected in the result.
Illustrative costs at a dated reference rate
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program uses 11¢/kWh as an illustrative energy price based on average electricity prices at federal facilities in July 2024. This is not a household tariff or a universal current rate. The following are arithmetic scenarios, not measured results for SFF PCs. DOE FEMP computer purchasing guidance.
#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.
| Assumed continuous average wall draw | Annual energy | Annual cost at $0.11/kWh | Monthly average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 87.6 kWh | $9.64 | $0.80 |
| 15 W | 131.4 kWh | $14.45 | $1.20 |
| 25 W | 219.0 kWh | $24.09 | $2.01 |
Use the table to see how the calculation changes with assumed draw, not to infer what a particular used PC will consume. For a U.S. national or regional reference, the EIA’s Electric Power Monthly page lists July 2026 data released September 24, 2026, and an October 23, 2026 next release date. Your utility bill or tariff is the relevant input for your own estimate. U.S. EIA Electric Power Monthly.
What efficiency guidance can—and cannot—tell you
ENERGY STAR’s computer criteria cover efficiency across operating modes, including idle, and include power-management requirements and energy-efficient power supplies. Its guidance says certified computers use 30–40% less energy than standard models; that is a general statement about certified computers, not a measured estimate for a second-hand SFF system streaming YouTube. The page is effective October 27, 2025. Certification or an idle figure does not establish the draw of your particular machine under load. ENERGY STAR computer guidance.
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.
ENERGY STAR also notes that compact desktops can suit small spaces but may be more difficult to upgrade or repair than full-sized desktops. That matters when evaluating a used purchase, but it does not provide an SFF-specific wattage estimate.
Compare candidate PCs on equal terms
No verified test establishes the 24/7 streaming draw of a named used SFF model. Before choosing between machines, compare measurements made with the same workload and tariff, and account for the full cost of ownership.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
- Average wall watts while performing the intended streaming work.
- Monthly and annual electricity cost calculated at the same per-kWh rate.
- Whether the measurement includes the power supply and any peripherals left on.
- Whether the computer handles the stream’s playback or encoding workload reliably.
- Purchase, repair, and upgrade costs, including the compact-desktop repair and upgrade tradeoff.
When you would rather not leave a PC running
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos or a playlist live on YouTube without leaving a computer and home connection running, StreamNeo is a cloud option. It streams uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not go live from a camera or stream to other platforms.
Or let it run in the cloud
- Upload a recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded at one price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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
- 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.
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.
