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A fanless mini PC can add a modest but measurable amount to your electricity bill when it plays YouTube around the clock. In two 2024 tests, CNX Software measured a MINIX NEO Z100-0dB at 14.7–17.9 watts during YouTube playback. If that draw held continuously, it would use about 10.6–12.9 kWh in 30 days. Your cost depends on your own electricity rate and setup.
What the measured example means
CNX Software reported 14.7–17.9 W at the wall while a fanless MINIX NEO Z100-0dB played YouTube at 8K60 in Chrome on Windows 11. Its setup included Wi-Fi 6, an RF keyboard-and-mouse dongle, and a VGA display connected through an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. The same review measured 8.9–9.2 W at idle. CNX Software’s Windows 11 test
In a separate review of the same model, CNX measured 14.7–17.9 W during YouTube 8Kp60 playback in Firefox on Ubuntu 22.04, and 7.5–7.6 W at idle. That configuration used Wi-Fi 6, two USB RF dongles, and a VGA monitor through an adapter. The similar playback ranges are useful context, but the tests differed in operating system, browser, and attached equipment; they do not establish that these factors never affect power draw. CNX Software’s Ubuntu 22.04 test
These are readings for one model and two specific test configurations, not an average or typical figure for all fanless mini PCs. Resolution, frame rate, browser, operating system, hardware decoding, peripherals, power adapter, and display setup can change what a particular system draws.
#1 Best Overall
- Latest Celeron N150 Processor - The MeLE Mini PC equipped with the powerful latest N150 processor. Featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, with speeds of up to 3.6GHz, this micro PC delivers a 40% performance boost compared to its predecessors, the Celeron N5095 and N5105. With a low TDP of just 8W, it achieves robust performance at an exceptionally low power consumption. It pre-installed the Windows 11 Pro system, also support Linux, Ubuntu, you can choose what you need.
- High-Speed Performance and Expandable Storage - Enjoy faster computing with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Ideal for home working, business offices, IOT, school education, and billboards. Expand storage effortlessly with a Micro SD card slot (up to 2TB) and an internal M.2 2280 SSD slot (up to 4TB, supporting both Nvme and SATA M.2 SSD)
- Triple 4K Display and Full-Function USB-C - Maximize your visual experience with triple displays supported by the ultra HD graphics card (4K@60Hz). Two HDMI ports and a full-function USB-C allow simultaneous triple display, enhancing your work efficiency. The USB-C PD3.0 port supports 4K display, data transfer, and power input, reducing cord clutter and optimizing your workspace
- Wi-Fi 5 & Bluetooth 5.1 and PD3.0 technology - The Mele mini PC incorporates advanced Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1 technologies, ensuring reliable dual-band connectivity (2.4GHz and 5GHz). With PD 3.0 technology, the mini PC can charge from 12V to 20V, providing flexibility with power sources (minimum 36W). Enjoy the convenience of a portable desktop PC anytime, anywhere, with swift connectivity and adaptable charging options
- Elegant Fanless Cooling Design - This fanless PC features passive cooling system that prevents overheat. It provides a quiet and stable computing environment,supports 24/7 operation. While its unique design ensures dust resistance and silent operation, please note that fanless mini PCs will have a surface temperature of 55°C to 70°C, which is hotter than the case temperature of traditional fan-cooled mini PCs, but meets the safety standards of the International Electrotechnical IEC62368-1:2018
Estimated energy and cost
Energy use follows this formula: kWh = average watts × hours ÷ 1,000. Multiply the resulting kWh by your applicable price per kWh to estimate the device’s usage cost. GMKtec’s measurement guide
| Viewing schedule, using 14.7–17.9 W | Estimated energy | Estimated cost at an illustrative $0.12/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours a day for 30 days | 10.6–12.9 kWh | $1.27–$1.55 |
| 24 hours a day for 365 days | 129–157 kWh | $15.49–$18.86 |
| 8 hours a day for 30 days | 3.53–4.30 kWh | $0.42–$0.52 |
The energy estimates are calculated from CNX Software’s measured playback range. The $0.12/kWh rate is an illustrative example used in a Mini PC Lab guide, not a universal or necessarily current tariff. Replace it with the usage rate on your bill; fixed account charges do not belong in the marginal cost of running this device. Mini PC Lab’s cost guide
Rank #2
- Processor of the Mini Desktop Computer: 4 cores i7 CPU, 8 MB Cache, Base Frequency 1.8GHz, Max Turbo Frequency 4.6GHz, 14 nm Lithography.
- RAM & Drive of The Mini Desktop Computer: 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD(Solid State Disk).
- Graphics of the Mini Computer: UHD Graphics 620, 4096x2304, 4K High Definition streaming capability and dual Monitor Support via HD&VGA Ports.
- Features of the Industrial PC: Fanless, all metal case, 2x COM RS232
- What's in Box: 1 x Mini PC, 1 x Power Supply, 1 x Power Cable, 1 x HD Cable, 2 x Antennas, 2 x Sata wires, Screws
Measure your own mini PC and viewing setup
- Set the measurement boundary. For the mini PC alone, place an energy meter between the wall outlet and its power adapter. This captures the adapter’s conversion losses and devices powered by the PC. A separately powered monitor is excluded. To estimate the complete viewing setup, measure the monitor too or include it in a clearly labelled combined reading.
- Run a representative session. Play the type of video at the resolution and frame rate you actually use, with your usual browser, operating system, network connection, and peripherals. Allow the setup to run long enough to get a representative accumulated kWh reading.
- Record the conditions and energy. Note playback quality, browser, operating system, connected USB devices, monitor arrangement, session duration, and the meter’s accumulated kWh. The measurement guide explains the difference between wall power and component ratings. GMKtec measurement guide
- Calculate the schedule you actually use. If YouTube plays only part of the day, calculate playback and non-playback periods separately rather than applying the playback reading to all 24 hours. For time-of-use billing, apply the rate for each period.
Why TDP and adapter ratings do not give the bill amount
CPU TDP describes processor design power, while an adapter’s rating describes its output capacity; neither is a direct measurement of the complete PC’s consumption from the wall. A wall reading during the workload you care about is more useful for estimating electricity cost. GMKtec’s guide to watts and kWh
For comparison, ASUS’s declaration for the representative CF40/Fanless Chromebox CF40 model lists 2.96 W idle, 0.32 W sleep, and 0.13 W off under its stated compliance procedure. Those are specified device-state figures, not YouTube playback measurements, so they cannot be compared directly with the MINIX playback readings. ASUS CF40 energy declaration
Rank #3
- 【7x24 Reliable N100 Performance for Business】– This mele mini pc runs N100 quad-core processor (up to 3.4GHz) with 8GB LPDDR5 memory and 128GB eMMC – delivering sustained performance for industrial automation, IoT gateways, and 24/7 digital signage. Pre-installed windows 11 Pro, also supports Linux and Ubuntu. Built for IT managers who need always-on systems.
- 【Business-Grade Storage – 128GB eMMC with ≥2,500 P/E Cycles】– This mele pcg02 equipped with high-endurance TLC eMMC 5.1 storage with 2,500 P/E cycles – 2.5× the endurance of QLC-based alternatives. Real-world lifespan of 18–20 years at 20GB writes per day, accounting for OS reserve space and real-world write amplification. Built for 7×24 commercial operation, digital signage, and the 5-year business refresh cycle. it supports expand storage via Micro SD card slot (up to 1TB) if you need.
- 【Rich I/O for Seamless Connectivity】 – This mini pc stick built-in male HDMI 2.0 plugs straight into your monitor or TV, no cable needed, while full-function USB-C (DP1.4) drives a second 4K@60Hz display. Also includes 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2, PD3.0 power delivery, Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band WiFi 5, and BT 5.1, widely compatible with monitors, TVs, and projectors. Ideal for video conferencing, meeting, digital signage.
- 【Engineering Excellence – Quiet Fanless Design】–This pc stick adopt true passive cooling design: quiet, no dust ingress, no moving parts to fail. Ultra-compact computer stick at 137.5×53×16.3mm (5.4×2.1×0.64 in), 130g (0.29 lb), with VESA mount for hidden installation behind monitors. Precision triangular grooves on top and bottom double the heat dissipation area for reliable passive cooling. Surface temp may reach 55–70°C under load — normal for fanless systems, compliant with IEC 62368-1:2018.
- 【Smart Commercial Features】 – The fanless pc stick comes with Kensington Lock Slot, Wake-on-LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake, and Auto Power On, which automatically restarts the system after power outages—critical for digital signage, billboards, and kiosks at remote or unattended sites where manual rebooting is impossible. Ideal for office productivity and IoT deployments where reliability meets value.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube channel built from uploaded recordings rather than live camera footage, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative to leaving a mini PC running at home. Upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It streams to YouTube only.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly service is $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Unbeatable Fanless Performance for Demanding Tasks --MeLE Quieter 4C fanless mini pc is powered by faster N150 processor (up to 3.6GHz), 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB L3 Smart Cache with TDP 8W. N150 mini pc delivers more than 35% higher performance than N5105/N5095 CPU, with lower power consumption, and it can support 7/24 stable performance. Ideal for business, industrial, office, education and entertainment.
- The Secret to a Perfectly Clean & Silent Workspace -- Zero noise. Zero clutter. This N150 mini pc delivers 0dB noise for absolute silence and enhanced reliability. It’s the perfect companion for students, researchers, or remote workers who need to focus in quiet spaces like libraries or home studies. With its incredibly compact size (5.2”x3.2”x0.7”,0.44lb), it fits anywhere. Use the included VESA mount to hide it behind your monitor or TV, instantly decluttering your desk or living room.
- Triple Displays, Triple Your Productivity -- Stop window-hopping. Drive three independent 4K displays (via 2x HDMI 2.0 + 1x USB-C) from this single, tiny device. Perfect for financial analysts, developers, or content creators who need expansive screen real estate. Perfect for industrial automation controls, IoT device connectivity in smart retail, and specialized setups like astrophotography control stations. Unlocked BIOS supports auto‑power‑on for set‑and‑forget operation.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM + 512GB NVMe SSD, Expand Up to 4TB+ -- MeLE N150 mini PC combines 16GB of upgradeable RAM with a 512GB SSD, it offers ultimate flexibility with an empty M.2 2280 NVMe slot and a Micro SD card slot, allowing you to add massive storage. This scalable setup, combined with native Win 11 Pro and full Linux compatibility, creates a truly customizable foundation for professionals managing large files—from business presentations to high-resolution images and large media files.
- The Complete Connectivity Solution — WiFi 5, BT5.1, Gigabit LAN -- MeLE mini pc Quieter4C N150 16GB equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, and Gigabit Ethernet, it ensures reliable networking for IoT device connectivity in smart retail and industrial settings. The rich I/O ports allow easy connection to medical sensors, classroom projectors, barcode scanners, and PLCs, creating the perfect workstation, classroom, or home theater.
Rank #4
- Efficient Performance：NEO Z300-0dB Powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N N300 octa-core processor and Intel UHD Graphics, Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro, this N300 mini PC ensures fast and smooth handling of daily office tasks and web browsing, as a compact mini desktop computer
- Silent Fanless Design：With a fanless mini PC passive cooling system, this micro mini computer is perfect for quiet environments. The top cover may become warm, please keep it out of children's reach. Ideal for those seeking a silent mini PC.
- Reliable 24/7 Operation：Engineered for continuous 24/7 operation, this mini PC Windows 11 Pro device maintains top performance under heavy loads, ensuring consistent and reliable computing without any performance drops.
- Durable Anti-Static Protection：The anti-static design of this small PC safeguards the system against electromagnetic interference, prolonging the hardware's life and ensuring stable and long-lasting performance in your mini computers.
- Effective Multitasking：The multi-core architecture of this mini desktop computer supports efficient multitasking, enabling smooth operation of various applications, whether for office work, web browsing, or media tasks.
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.
