At a constant 15 watts, a fanless Intel N100 mini PC uses 0.36 kWh per day, or 131.4 kWh in a 365-day year. Multiply 131.4 by your all-in electricity rate per kilowatt-hour to estimate the annual electricity cost. For example, at $0.20/kWh, the calculation is 131.4 Ă— $0.20 = $26.28 per year. That rate is illustrative, not a universal electricity price.
Calculate the electricity cost
Power in watts × hours of operation ÷ 1,000 gives energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh). At the question’s assumed 15 W, running continuously for a day uses 15 × 24 ÷ 1,000 = 0.36 kWh. For 365 days, that is 15 × 24 × 365 ÷ 1,000 = 131.4 kWh.
To get your annual cost, multiply 131.4 kWh by the all-in price on your electricity bill. Use the rate that applies to your location and account, including relevant per-kWh charges; the title does not specify a tariff, so there is no single correct local-currency total.
| Period | Energy at a constant 15 W | Cost formula |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | 0.36 kWh | 0.36 Ă— your price per kWh |
| 365 days | 131.4 kWh | 131.4 Ă— your price per kWh |
For a different measured average, substitute that wattage in the same formula. For example, a machine that averages 17 W would use 17 Ă— 24 Ă— 365 Ă· 1,000 kWh per year. A wall meter can help establish the actual draw of your own setup over representative streaming conditions.
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Is 15 W a realistic estimate for an N100 mini PC?
It is plausible for a particular system playing YouTube video, but it is not guaranteed for every N100 box. CNX Software reported wall-meter readings of 14.7–17.9 W during YouTube playback on the fanless MINIX Z100-0dB in two reviews. In the Windows 11 review, the test used Chrome and 8K60 playback, with Wi-Fi 6, a wireless keyboard-and-mouse dongle, and a VGA screen connected through an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. In the Ubuntu 22.04 review, Firefox played YouTube 8Kp60. Those results are setup-specific, not a controlled comparison of different N100 models. (CNX Software’s Windows review; CNX Software’s Ubuntu review.)
The Ubuntu review also reported 7.5–7.6 W at idle on that tested machine. Idle draw is not the right figure for estimating continuous video playback; use the power consumed under the workload you intend to run.
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Why the N100’s 6 W TDP is not the PC’s power bill
Intel lists the N100 processor at 6 W TDP. That is a processor specification, not a measurement of the complete mini PC at the wall. The computer’s total consumption also reflects its other components and workload, so do not use 6 W as the whole-system draw for a continuous stream. Intel lists Intel UHD Graphics, 24 execution units, Quick Sync Video, and 4K support on the N100 specifications page.
Intel’s N-series media presentation describes 10-bit HEVC and VP9 encode/decode capability and AV1 decode capability. Those hardware details do not establish the power consumption or guarantee playback behavior for every browser, codec, resolution, or YouTube video. (Intel N-series media presentation.)
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What can change your real-world cost?
Your electricity cost depends on average wall power over time, not just the processor model or its advertised TDP. To make a comparison meaningful, measure machines under the same conditions: playback workload, operating system, browser, resolution, codec where known, and connected equipment such as a display, network connection, and peripherals. Apply the same electricity rate to each machine’s annual kWh figure.
The cited MINIX reviews provide a useful reference point, but they do not establish the draw of every fanless N100 system or the exact consumption of your planned 24/7 setup. A different display, playback resolution, browser, stream, or connected device may change the reading.
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Or let it run in the cloud
A local N100 box keeps the playback equipment at your location; StreamNeo is a cloud service that keeps a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home, it plays the video as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, and it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
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