The electricity cost depends on the refurbished EliteDesk Mini’s measured power draw and your electricity rate—not its model name alone. Use monthly cost = (average watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × price per kWh. At an illustrative rate of $0.15/kWh, a 30-day month of continuous operation would cost $1.08 at 10 W, $2.16 at 20 W, or $4.32 at 40 W. Those are arithmetic scenarios, not measured EliteDesk streaming results.
Calculate the electricity cost for your Mini
A 30-day month contains 720 hours. Multiply the computer’s average wall draw in kilowatts by those hours and your electricity tariff. For example, at $0.15 per kWh:
| Illustrative average draw | Energy in 720 hours | Cost at $0.15/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 7.2 kWh | $1.08 |
| 20 W | 14.4 kWh | $2.16 |
| 40 W | 28.8 kWh | $4.32 |
The 10 W, 20 W and 40 W figures are hypothetical scenarios, not measurements or manufacturer-rated streaming consumption for an HP EliteDesk Mini. The exact model, components, workload, electricity tariff and billing period all affect your result. A 31-day month is 744 hours; a 28-day month is 672 hours.
Measure the refurbished PC’s actual draw
Use a wall-plug meter
A plug-in electricity meter measures the whole computer and power-supply losses at the wall. Take the reading after the stream is stable and running the workload you intend to keep online. If the draw changes over time, record it over a representative interval and use the average—not a brief peak or an idle reading.
#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.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 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.
- Connect the EliteDesk Mini’s power supply to a wall-plug energy meter.
- Run the intended streaming setup, including the video, encoder and network connection.
- Once the stream is stable, record average watts over a representative period. If the meter reports energy over time, use the average draw for that interval.
- Divide average watts by 1,000, multiply by the hours in your billing period, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh.
For instance, if your meter showed an average of 20 W and your tariff were $0.15/kWh, the 30-day estimate would be (20 ÷ 1,000) × 720 × $0.15 = $2.16. Replace both inputs with your own readings and rate. HP’s EliteDesk 805 G8 Desktop Mini data sheet describes one model family and processor configurations including the Ryzen 7 PRO 5750G; it does not establish the wall draw of your unit or a streaming workload. Do not treat a specification for one configuration as a measurement of another.
What else changes power use and streaming reliability?
Encoder settings affect the workload, not a published wattage estimate
YouTube’s encoder guidance supports RTMP/RTMPS ingestion, H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1, frame rates up to 60 fps, constant bitrate (CBR), and a recommended two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds). For H.264, YouTube recommends 5 Mbps for 1080p30 and 8 Mbps for 720p60. These are stream configuration recommendations, not EliteDesk power estimates. YouTube also transcodes incoming streams into formats for viewers.
Rank #2
- 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.
Choose settings your encoder and connection can sustain. Test with content that resembles the intended stream, preview before going live and monitor stream health. A higher resolution, frame rate or encoding workload may change what the PC is doing; only a representative wall measurement tells you the resulting electricity use.
Upload bandwidth and channel eligibility matter
Download speed alone does not show whether your connection can sustain a live upload. YouTube’s streaming tips recommend upload capacity for the primary and backup stream bitrates, plus 20% headroom, and advise testing actual upload bitrate. Network service charges are separate from the computer’s electricity cost.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 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.
Before setting up an encoder, check YouTube’s live-streaming tips: the channel must be verified and have no live-streaming restrictions in the prior 90 days. Configure ahead of time, preview and test the encoder, then monitor stream quality.
Electricity is only one part of the 24/7 cost
The formula above covers the powered computer alone. Add other equipment only if it will also remain on. Internet service, a UPS and later battery replacement, the refurbished PC’s purchase price, repairs and any cloud-service subscription are separate costs. Whether keeping a Mini running is cheaper than a cloud service depends on your measured consumption, local tariff, hardware costs and the service’s current price; there is no universal winner from electricity arithmetic alone.
Rank #4
- 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
Or let it run in the cloud
For prerecorded videos, a cloud service can keep a YouTube stream running without leaving the Mini on at home. StreamNeo is a YouTube-only service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, then go live. It loops the uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera. YouTube’s encoder directory also describes Gyre as a cloud-based tool for 24/7 prerecorded streams, but that does not establish its current pricing or which option costs less for you.
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.
- Nothing has to stay powered at home; StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud.
- Every slot streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot with no quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
- Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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.
