There is no reliable single monthly cost for an Intel NUC 11 running OBS around the clock. The answer depends on the exact NUC model, its average power draw while streaming, and your electricity tariff. Measure the setup at the wall, then calculate: average watts × 0.72 × your price per kWh for a 30-day month.
Calculate the monthly electricity cost
Use the average power draw while the NUC is doing the actual job—not an idle reading. The formulas are:
- Monthly energy (kWh) = average watts × hours per day × days in billing period ÷ 1,000.
- Monthly energy charge = monthly energy in kWh × your electricity price per kWh.
For continuous use over 30 days, there are 720 operating hours, so monthly energy is average watts × 0.72. Multiply that result by your local tariff to get the energy charge.
For example, if your measured setup averaged 20 W, it would use 14.4 kWh in 30 days. At a tariff of 0.20 per kWh in your local currency, the energy charge would be 2.88 in that currency. This is an illustration, not a claim about the draw of a NUC 11 or anyone’s electricity rate.
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That calculation gives the energy charge, not necessarily the full electricity bill. Keep fixed charges, taxes, and tiered rates separate if you want to estimate the total bill.
Measure the NUC while OBS is streaming
“Intel NUC 11” refers to multiple configurations, and the exact average wall draw for a NUC 11 running OBS with a 24/7 YouTube playlist has not been established. A plug-in electricity meter can show what your own system uses.
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- Identify your exact NUC. Find its product code on the device and use Intel’s instructions to locate the matching technical specifications: Where to Find Technical Product Specifications (Datasheet) for Intel NUC.
- Set up the intended workload. Run the playlist and OBS with the encoder, output settings, and peripherals you expect to use continuously. Allow the system to reach its usual operating pattern before recording readings.
- Measure at the wall over a representative period. Record average watts, not just a brief peak or a momentary display reading. State whether the measurement covers only the NUC or also includes a display, network equipment, or other devices.
- Calculate for your billing period. Use the number of days in that period and your applicable per-kWh tariff. If your rate changes by time or usage tier, calculate the relevant portions separately.
The measured result applies to that specific hardware, workload, and setup. A different processor, attached equipment, OBS configuration, or power profile can change consumption.
Why idle figures do not predict streaming cost
The ENERGY STAR product record for the NUC11ATK configuration with a Celeron N4505 lists 5.2 W for short idle, 4.4 W for long idle, 0.6 W in sleep, and 0.2 W in off mode. The record’s certification date is May 6, 2025. These are values for specified states and configuration—not measurements of OBS streaming. A NUC actively encoding or sending a stream should not be costed using its idle, sleep, or off figures.
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Power settings also differ by model. Intel says BIOS power-management options may vary; most products offer Balanced, Low-Power, and Max-Performance profiles, alongside processor power limits. Those settings and the streaming workload affect what a particular system draws. See Intel’s NUC power-management information.
Keep the DIY stream running reliably
For a local OBS setup, the NUC must remain powered and connected for the stream to continue. Make sure the operating system does not sleep, OBS is configured to loop the playlist as intended, and the network connection remains available. The electricity estimate should reflect the configuration you actually plan to leave running.
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- Include the display or network equipment only if you intend to include those devices in your cost estimate.
- Use the average draw over normal streaming operation; a single idle reading or a short peak does not represent a full month.
- If you change the OBS encoder, output settings, peripherals, or NUC power profile, measure again rather than assuming the old figure still applies.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuously looping YouTube playlist rather than keeping a local PC available, StreamNeo is a cloud service for uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It offers automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot.
The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. This replaces the need to leave the NUC running for the hosted stream; it does not calculate the NUC’s electricity cost or include your YouTube-specific obligations.
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