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There is no single electricity cost for running a used Dell OptiPlex around the clock: it depends on the computer’s average power draw while streaming and your local electricity rate. Measure the running setup at the wall, then calculate annual kWh = average watts × 8.76 and annual cost = annual kWh × your price per kWh. As an illustration, a 13-watt setup costs about $19.70 a year at the 2025 U.S. residential average electricity price—but that figure uses an example idle reading, not a verified YouTube-streaming measurement.
How to calculate the electricity cost
For a computer that runs continuously, convert its average power draw into energy with this formula:
Annual energy (kWh) = average watts Ă— 8,760 hours Ă· 1,000 = average watts Ă— 8.76.
Then multiply the annual kWh by the all-in electricity price on your bill. Divide the annual cost by 12 for an approximate monthly cost. For a different billing period, use the hours in that period instead.
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#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.
- Annual cost: average watts Ă— 8.76 Ă— your price per kWh.
- Monthly cost: annual cost Ă· 12.
Use the price you actually pay, including applicable charges that vary with consumption. The U.S. averages below are useful examples, not a substitute for your local tariff.
What example OptiPlex readings would cost
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2025 residential retail average was 17.30¢/kWh. At that rate, each watt consumed continuously costs about $1.515 per year. Applying that price to example readings gives:
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.
| Average draw used in calculation | Annual energy | Approximate annual cost | Approximate monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 W | 113.9 kWh | $19.70 | $1.64 |
| 15.8 W | 138.4 kWh | $23.95 | $2.00 |
These are calculations from example idle readings, not measurements of an OptiPlex encoding a 24/7 YouTube stream. If your machine draws more during the intended workload, use the measured streaming average in the formula.
Why the model and setup matter
OptiPlex 7070 Micro
A ServeTheHome review measured just over 13 W at idle for a particular six-core Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro system at 120 V. The reviewer says they generally assume 9–12 W idle for these nodes. Neither figure establishes the power use of a different used listing or an active encoder. The 90 W adapter rating is not the computer’s constant draw, so multiplying 90 W by the hours in a day would not estimate its electricity bill. See the ServeTheHome review.
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.
OptiPlex 7050 SFF
Gough’s Tech Zone reported measurements for a Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF using a Tektronix PA1000 power analyzer. At a Windows 11 desktop, it measured 13.3 W idle without peripherals and 15.8 W with peripherals connected. Under Ubuntu 24.04 with a SATA SSD, it reported 12.7 W without peripherals and 14.9 W with them. Under Prime95/mprime load, the reported draw was roughly 85–89 W depending on operating system and peripherals. The test shows how configuration and attached devices can change consumption; its stress-test result is not a YouTube-streaming estimate. Read the Gough’s Tech Zone test.
Measure the actual streaming setup
- Set up the workload you intend to keep running. Use the OptiPlex, encoder, stream resolution, frame rate and codec you actually plan to use. Let the system settle into normal operation before recording a representative average.
- Measure power at the wall. A plug-in energy monitor can help capture consumption over a representative period. Measure the OptiPlex alone if you want its cost, or include an always-on display, external drives, capture devices and other powered equipment if you want the total setup cost.
- Record the average watts and your electricity price. Apply the formula above. If the meter reports energy directly in kWh for a known interval, scale that result to the period you want to estimate.
- Recheck if the workload changes. A different OptiPlex configuration, stream setting or set of attached devices can change the measured draw.
Use the right electricity rate for your location
The EIA’s 2025 figures provide U.S. context: 17.30¢/kWh for residential customers, 13.41¢/kWh for commercial customers and 13.63¢/kWh across customer types. The 2025 annual-average retail price across customer types ranged from 8.20¢ to 35.72¢/kWh among U.S. states. The EIA identifies these averages as based on Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.3, using February 2026 preliminary data. Fuel availability and costs, pricing regulation and other factors affect regional prices, so use your own bill for a meaningful estimate. Check the EIA’s electricity-price data.
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
YouTube settings affect the stream, not a known power estimate
YouTube’s live encoder guidance lists RTMP/RTMPS ingestion and H.264, H.265 (HEVC) or AV1 video, with frame rates up to 60 fps. It recommends constant-bitrate encoding and a two-second keyframe interval, and says not to exceed four seconds. Its H.264 recommendations include 10 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 17 Mbps for 1080p at 60 fps; recommended bitrates vary by resolution, frame rate and codec, so check the current table for your chosen settings. YouTube also says it transcodes live streams into multiple output formats for viewers. See YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrate guidance.
Bitrate affects the required upload bandwidth and video quality; it is not a measurement of the OptiPlex’s electricity use. YouTube advises, “We recommend running a speed test to test your upload bitrate.” Test with representative audio and movement, and monitor stream health during operation. To estimate the power bill, measure the actual setup rather than inferring watts from the bitrate or a computer’s adapter rating.
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.
Keep the stream running without leaving the PC on
If you prefer not to leave a home computer running, StreamNeo keeps an uploaded video or playlist live on YouTube from the cloud. You upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once and go live; the cloud service loops the video, so your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot pooled across active slots, playlists and 24/7 looping, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support. Uploaded video is streamed as made, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encoding or quality tiers.
Plans vary by duration, not included features: daily, weekly, monthly, 6 months or yearly. The first day is free with no card, once per account; cancel any time. UPI and cards are available in India, and card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.
- Daily $0.99 per day
- Weekly $2.99 per week
- Monthly $9.99 per month
- 6 months $49.99 for 6 months
- Yearly $89.99 a year
For a simple cost comparison, estimate the electricity and any other costs of the OptiPlex setup you would otherwise leave running, then compare them with the cloud option. StreamNeo’s cloud vs PC cost calculator can help organize that comparison.
Quick Recap
Common estimation mistakes
- Using the adapter’s wattage rating as the PC’s draw: a 90 W adapter rating is not a constant consumption reading. Measure the computer at the wall.
- Treating idle watts as streaming watts: idle measurements describe particular configurations in idle conditions. They do not establish power use during continuous encoding.
- Leaving peripherals out unintentionally: displays, drives and other devices affect the total if they remain powered. Decide whether you want the PC-only or complete-setup cost.
- Using a national average as a personal tariff: U.S. averages illustrate the calculation but can differ materially from local rates and from prices elsewhere.
- Assuming bitrate predicts electricity use: bitrate is a streaming and bandwidth setting, not a wall-power measurement.
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.
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