A fanless mini PC drawing 14.7–17.9 watts at the wall would use 10.584–12.888 kWh over a 30-day month of nonstop operation. Multiply that by your electricity rate per kWh to estimate the variable usage cost. At an illustrative rate of $0.12/kWh, that is about $1.27–$1.55 per month. The measurement is for one specific mini PC and setup, not a typical figure for all fanless computers.
Calculate the monthly electricity cost
Use the mini PC’s average power draw while it is doing the intended job—not its CPU’s thermal design power (TDP) or the power adapter’s maximum output rating.
- Convert watts and running time to energy: kWh = average wall power in watts × hours running ÷ 1,000.
- Multiply energy by your applicable tariff: variable usage cost = kWh × electricity price per kWh.
A 30-day month has 720 hours. At 14.7 W, the calculation is 14.7 × 720 ÷ 1,000 = 10.584 kWh. At 17.9 W, it is 17.9 × 720 ÷ 1,000 = 12.888 kWh. Your actual cost depends on the rate on your bill. The $0.12/kWh example above is only an arithmetic illustration, not a current or universal tariff.
If your electricity plan uses time-of-use rates, calculate the energy used during each rate period and apply that period’s price. Fixed account charges are not caused by this device, so leave them out when estimating its marginal usage cost.
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What the measured example represents
CNX Software reported a 14.7–17.9 W wall-power range while playing YouTube at 8K60 in Chrome on a fanless MINIX NEO Z100-0dB running Windows 11. The test setup included Wi-Fi 6, an RF dongle for keyboard and mouse, and a VGA display connected through an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. Reported idle draw was 8.9–9.2 W. Read the Windows test details.
In a separate test of the same model, CNX Software reported the same 14.7–17.9 W range during YouTube 8Kp60 playback in Firefox on Ubuntu 22.04, with idle power of 7.5–7.6 W. That setup included Wi-Fi 6, two USB RF dongles, and a VGA monitor connected through an HDMI adapter. The Ubuntu report said 8Kp60 playback was not watchable in that test because of many dropped frames; the measurement is not a recommendation to use 8K. These two reports provide examples for this model under their respective test conditions, not evidence that operating system, browser, resolution, frame rate, or peripherals never change power use. Read the Ubuntu test details.
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Both results are device-specific test readings, not a category average. A review identifies the MINIX example as a fanless Intel N100 mini PC, but does not establish its current price, configuration, or availability. See the product review.
Measure your own setup for a better estimate
A plug-in wall electricity meter can measure the power drawn through the outlet and adapter while the PC runs the stream you plan to use. Let it run long enough to capture a representative average rather than relying on a brief startup reading.
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Rank #3
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- For a PC-only estimate, measure the PC’s power path and account separately for equipment on other outlets.
- For a full setup estimate, include any separately powered monitor, network equipment, or other devices you want counted.
- Check what the meter includes: the CNX test descriptions list displays and USB equipment, but do not establish that every separately powered peripheral was included in the PC reading.
Use the measured average watts and your actual monthly running hours in the formula above. If the workload or connected equipment changes, measure again under those conditions.
Watching YouTube locally is different from keeping a channel live
The calculations and tests here concern a computer playing YouTube locally. If instead you mean broadcasting prerecorded videos as a continuous live stream on your YouTube channel, the mini PC is one possible way to keep the playback and streaming setup running, but it is a different job. The electricity estimate alone does not account for the internet connection, other equipment, or the work of configuring and maintaining a live stream.
Rank #4
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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.
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