There is no single reliable electricity cost for a 24/7 YouTube stream on a Dell OptiPlex Micro: it depends on the exact model, its average power draw while encoding, and your electricity rate. Measure the computer’s average draw at the wall during the actual stream, then multiply its watts by 8.76 to get annual kilowatt-hours. Multiply that result by your all-in electricity price per kWh for the yearly cost.
Calculate the electricity cost from your own system
For a computer running continuously for a year:
- Annual energy (kWh): average wall power in watts × 8.76.
- Annual cost: annual kWh × your all-in electricity price per kWh.
- Average monthly cost: annual cost ÷ 12.
For example, at a continuous 13 W, annual use is 113.88 kWh. At €0.35/kWh, that would cost about €39.86 per year, or €3.32 per month. This is an illustration, not a measurement of the computer in the title: Beat&Win gives 13 W as an active-power estimate for an OptiPlex 5080 Micro i3/8GB/256GB and uses €0.35/kWh as its assumed price. Its separate continuous-use estimate is 118.1 kWh and €41.35 per year at that rate. These are third-party estimates, not long-duration measurements of live encoding. Beat&Win’s OptiPlex power estimate
Measure the relevant workload
Use a wall-power meter to measure the complete computer while it runs the encoder, software, stream settings, and background tasks you expect to use. Record an average over a representative period rather than relying on a brief peak or idle reading. Then apply the formula above using your own electricity rate, including applicable delivery charges or taxes if those are part of the rate you want to estimate. No particular meter has been evaluated here.
Why published OptiPlex figures do not give one streaming wattage
The available figures describe different generations and operating states. None is a direct measurement of an unspecified OptiPlex Micro encoding a 24/7 live stream, so they are useful context—not substitutes for measuring your system.
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| System and source | Reported power or estimate | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Dell OptiPlex Micro 7010 (D15U), ENERGY STAR certification record | 7.7 W short idle; 1.3 W long idle; 1.3 W sleep; 0.3 W off | Category-specific certified values, not streaming measurements. ENERGY STAR record |
| OptiPlex 7040M, U-Labs review | About 18 W average | 1080p YouTube video playback in Firefox on Linux Mint; playback is not live encoding. U-Labs review |
| OptiPlex 7090 Micro, ServeTheHome review | About 12–14 W | Idle draw on 120 V for the tested configuration, not the title’s workload. ServeTheHome review |
| OptiPlex 5080 Micro i3/8GB/256GB, Beat&Win estimate | 13 W active; estimated 118.1 kWh and €41.35 per year at €0.35/kWh | A third-party estimate; not a direct 24/7 live-encoding test. Beat&Win estimate |
Idle power, local playback, and live encoding are different workloads. Encoding settings, processor, operating system, encoder, and background activity can all change the actual draw. The figures above also come from different Micro generations and measurement or estimation methods, so they cannot be used to rank generations for live-stream efficiency.
Stream settings affect the setup, not the electricity formula
YouTube’s encoder guidance supports RTMP/RTMPS and H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and AV1, with frame rates up to 60 fps. YouTube recommends constant bitrate encoding and a two-second keyframe interval, not exceeding four seconds. Its current bitrate recommendations vary with codec, resolution, and frame rate; for example, at 1080p30 it lists 14 Mbps for H.264 and 10 Mbps for AV1 or H.265. Those are output settings, not a way to infer the OptiPlex’s power use. Choose settings your encoder and connection can sustain, and test with audio and movement similar to the real stream. YouTube encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions
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YouTube recommends RTMPS, describing it as the secure extension of RTMP. For upload reliability, it recommends leaving 20% bandwidth headroom above the total stream bitrate; shared network use and disruptions can still affect a stream. Encoder guidance · YouTube streaming tips
Check YouTube eligibility and stream health
YouTube says a channel must be verified and must not have had live-streaming restrictions in the prior 90 days to stream. Set up and test in advance, then monitor stream health while live. YouTube’s guidance puts it plainly: “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.” YouTube live-streaming requirements · YouTube encoder guidance
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Estimate the cost of keeping the stream online
The electricity calculation covers the computer’s energy use only. Your actual operating cost may also include internet service, any encoder or hosting service, and hardware wear; those are separate from the electricity estimate. A stream’s bitrate does not change the cost formula directly, though the selected encoding workload may affect measured wall power.
If you already own an OptiPlex Micro, measure it before deciding whether to replace it or move the stream elsewhere. If you are comparing different machines, compare the same workload and stream settings, use average wall watts for each, and calculate costs with the same local electricity rate.
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Or let it run in the cloud
For a pre-recorded YouTube stream, StreamNeo keeps uploaded videos live from the cloud, so the OptiPlex and home connection do not have to stay on. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops the video and can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded, at one flat price per slot. The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and uploaded video, not camera-based live capture. See StreamNeo or its plans. Start the free first day on StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- RELIABLE INTEL PROCESSING POWER – Equipped with an Intel Core i5 9th Gen Hexa-Core processor (i5-9500), this system offers smooth performance for everyday multitasking, web browsing, and business productivity.
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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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