Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf by “YouTube loop stream” you mean a mini PC playing YouTube continuously in a browser, the published examples here range from 23.0–29.1 W for a Ryzen 5 7545U system playing 4K/60 to 14.7–17.9 W for an Intel N100 system playing 8K/60. At 24/7 operation, those readings translate arithmetically to about 201.5–254.9 kWh/year and 128.8–156.8 kWh/year, respectively. They are not a controlled AMD-versus-Intel comparison: the systems, video settings, software and test dates differ.
These figures describe watching YouTube, not broadcasting a pre-recorded loop as a continuous YouTube live stream. No cited test measured the power use of that live-broadcast workload.
What the published mini PC readings show
The most useful comparison is between the complete systems as tested, not between processor brands in isolation. Both cited CNX Software reviews measured power at the wall, but the test conditions were not matched.
| System and test | YouTube playback reading | Other reported context |
|---|---|---|
| GEEKOM A7 2026 Edition, Ryzen 5 7545U; Ubuntu 26.04, Firefox, 4K/60. CNX Software, June 27, 2026. CNX Software review | 23.0–29.1 W | Idle: 4.8–5.3 W. The tested setup included Wi-Fi 6, a USB keyboard/mouse receiver and a KTC 4K monitor. |
| MINIX NEO Z100-0dB, Intel N100; Windows 11, Chrome, 8K/60. CNX Software, February 25, 2024. CNX Software review | 14.7–17.9 W | Idle: 8.9–9.2 W. The tested setup included Wi-Fi 6, a USB keyboard/mouse receiver and a VGA display connected through an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. The review reported some dropped frames at 4K/8K 60 and playback up to 8K/30 without issue. |
| GEEKOM Mini Air12 Lite, Intel N100; Windows 11 Pro, Chrome, 8K/60. CNX Software, 2024. CNX Software review | 10.9–15 W | The tested setup included Wi-Fi, a USB keyboard/mouse and a drawing tablet. This separate result illustrates variation between systems and setups; it is not an Intel platform average. |
The Ryzen reading is for 4K/60 playback; the Intel readings are for 8K/60 playback. Operating system, browser, display and attached peripherals also differ. The figures establish what those reviewed systems drew in those particular tests—not that Intel mini PCs universally cost less to run than AMD systems. CNX’s reviews identify the first two sets of readings as wall-meter measurements.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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.
Estimate your electricity use and cost
Use whole-system watts measured at the wall, rather than processor TDP, a power-supply rating or a CPU-only telemetry reading. For a rough estimate, multiply the system’s average wall watts by its hours of use, then convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.
For a 30-day month
Monthly kWh = average wall watts × hours per day × 30 ÷ 1,000
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.
Estimated energy charge = monthly kWh × your marginal electricity price per kWh
For example, if your own setup averages 20 W while playing video for 24 hours a day, the formula gives 14.4 kWh for 30 days. Multiply that by the marginal energy rate on your bill. This is an energy-charge estimate, not a prediction of the full bill: fixed charges, taxes and tiered tariffs can change what you pay.
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.
For continuous operation across a year
Annual kWh = average wall watts × 24 × 365 ÷ 1,000 = average watts × 8.76
Applying that arithmetic to the review ranges gives:
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.
- Ryzen 5 7545U example: approximately 201.5–254.9 kWh/year if the system ran continuously at the reported playback range.
- MINIX Intel N100 example: approximately 128.8–156.8 kWh/year if it ran continuously at the reported playback range.
These annual figures are extrapolations from short review readings, not measured annual use. To turn either into a local energy-charge estimate, multiply the kWh by your own marginal rate. No single rate applies worldwide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why this does not settle the cost of a YouTube live loop
Browser playback is a viewer workload: the computer receives and decodes a video. Broadcasting a loop as a live stream is a different creator workload, which may involve video playback, encoding, uploading and maintaining an internet connection. The cited reviews tested YouTube playback, not continuous live broadcasting, so their watt ranges do not establish what either PC would draw while streaming.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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.
If you intend to broadcast from a mini PC, measure the actual machine during the broadcast, with the software, video quality, monitor and peripherals you plan to use. Treat playback figures only as context, not as a substitute for that measurement.
How to make a fair AMD-versus-Intel comparison
For a decision between two specific mini PCs, test both in the workload you will actually run. Keep the conditions as similar as possible:
- Use the same video, resolution and frame rate.
- Use the same browser and operating system where possible, and note whether hardware acceleration is enabled.
- Connect the same monitor and peripherals; measure at the wall so their contribution is included consistently.
- Measure over a representative period after playback stabilizes, and record idle use if the PC will remain on between sessions.
- For a live broadcast, measure the live-broadcast workload itself rather than extrapolating from browser playback.
- Apply your own marginal electricity rate to the measured kWh. Do not compare bill totals from different regions without accounting for their tariffs.
A plug-in wall-power meter can capture the draw of the complete setup. The CNX reviews cited above used wall meters; they do not establish a particular consumer meter model.
What the readings do—and do not—mean
- They mean: the stated range of whole-system power during the specified YouTube playback tests, as reported by CNX Software.
- They do not mean: a universal AMD or Intel power figure, a controlled chip-to-chip comparison, or a measured cost for broadcasting a loop live.
- They cannot provide: your exact bill without your usage hours, actual wall draw and local tariff.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a cloud option rather than a mini PC playback test: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, then go live. Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. It streams uploaded videos to YouTube, not a live camera feed.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps; no re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
