If you mean leaving YouTube video playback running on a Ryzen 5 5600U mini PC, a review measured about 16–22 watts during ordinary use including YouTube videos. Running continuously at that draw for a 365-day year uses about 140–193 kWh. At an illustrative electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh, that is roughly $21–$29 per year, or $1.75–$2.41 per month. Your actual cost depends on the complete system’s measured wall power and the rate on your electricity bill.
Those figures describe playback, not broadcasting a live stream from the PC. The available measurements do not establish how much power a 5600U mini PC uses while encoding and sending a 24/7 live broadcast.
What the 5600U measurements show
The closest match to continuous YouTube playback is Techtest’s review of an ACEMAGICIAN AMR5 with a Ryzen 5 5600U. It reports approximately 16–22 W during ordinary use, including YouTube videos, in Performance mode. The same review reports 10–11 W idle and about 48 W at full load. These are measurements from one reviewed configuration, not a guaranteed range for every 5600U mini PC or playback setup. Techtest’s AMR5 review
Other AMR5 reviews report different values, in part because modes and measurement procedures differ:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#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.
| Source and test context | Reported power |
|---|---|
| Notebookcheck; AMR5 wall-side measurement using a Metrahit Energy meter | 8.4 / 8.7 / 9.3 W idle; 46.4 / 52 W load |
| VideoCardz; AMR5 device measurements in Silent, Auto, and Performance modes | 10.9 / 11.6 / 11.7 W idle; 23.6 / 28.8 / 37 W load |
| Techtest; AMR5 in Performance mode | 10–11 W idle; approximately 16–22 W ordinary use including YouTube; approximately 48 W full load |
Notebookcheck says its AMR5 played its 4K YouTube test video without problems, with the integrated GPU at about 20% load during playback. That describes playback capability in that test; it does not establish a universal wall-power figure for 4K video. CPU-package power is also not interchangeable with whole-system power at the wall, which is what matters for an electricity bill.
Calculate the yearly electricity use and cost
For constant average power over a 365-day year:
- Annual energy in kWh = average watts × 8,760 ÷ 1,000.
- Annual electricity cost = annual kWh × your electricity price per kWh.
Using the Techtest ordinary-use range:
- At 16 W: 16 × 8,760 ÷ 1,000 = 140.16 kWh per year.
- At 22 W: 22 × 8,760 ÷ 1,000 = 192.72 kWh per year.
At an explicitly illustrative rate of $0.15/kWh, those amounts cost about $21.02–$28.91 per year, or about $1.75–$2.41 per month. The rate is an example input, not a claim about local electricity prices. Substitute the full per-kWh rate on your current bill; taxes, fees, and time-of-use rates may affect the applicable figure.
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.
For comparison, if the mini PC actually stayed at the Techtest review’s 10–11 W idle reading all year, it would use 87.6–96.36 kWh. Do not use an idle figure as a playback estimate: playing video can raise consumption.
Measure your own setup for a better estimate
- Connect a plug-in electricity usage monitor between the outlet and the mini PC’s power adapter so the reading covers the complete computer and adapter.
- Run YouTube with the browser, resolution, power mode, display arrangement, and peripherals you expect to use. Let it play for a representative period rather than relying on a brief peak reading.
- Use the monitor’s average watts in the annual formula above. As a shortcut, average watts × 8.76 gives estimated kWh for a 365-day year of continuous operation.
- Multiply the estimated kWh by the per-kWh rate from your bill. If the meter reports energy in kWh for a shorter interval, scale that measured interval to a year only if it represents your normal continuous use.
Include a display, powered speakers, or other equipment only when they will also run continuously and are included in the wall measurement. The review results vary enough that a measurement of your own setup is more useful than assuming another system’s idle reading or CPU specification will match it.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →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.
If “24/7 YouTube stream” means broadcasting live
The 16–22 W estimate is for ordinary use including YouTube playback. The cited tests do not measure a 24/7 live-broadcast workload, so they cannot establish the power draw or electricity cost of a 5600U system encoding and sending a live stream. Do not treat playback watts as broadcast watts. To estimate a DIY broadcast, measure the complete system at the wall while it is encoding and streaming with the exact video settings and software you intend to use, then apply the same kWh and bill-rate formulas.
For a controlled comparison between PCs, measure whole-system wall watts under the same video or broadcast resolution, browser or encoder, display connection, power mode, and peripherals. The available AMR5 reviews are not a controlled multi-model comparison of continuous YouTube use.
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.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep prerecorded videos live on a YouTube channel, rather than watch YouTube on a PC, StreamNeo is an alternative to leaving a computer running at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so no home computer or connection has to stay on. It supports uploaded video as made up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream, and the first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo, then start the 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.
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.
