There is no reliable single monthly cost without measuring your specific refurbished EliteDesk Mini and using your electricity rate. For a 30-day month, every average watt costs $0.108 at $0.15 per kWh: a measured 10 W would mean $1.08, 20 W $2.16, or 40 W $4.32 in electricity. Those wattages are illustrative scenarios, not measured EliteDesk streaming results.
Calculate the electricity cost for your Mini
Use this formula, with average power measured at the wall while the computer runs the stream you actually intend to use:
Monthly electricity cost = (average watts ÷ 1,000) × hours in the billing period × electricity price per kWh
For a 30-day planning month, continuous operation is 720 hours. At an illustrative electricity rate of $0.15/kWh:
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- 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.
| Average wall draw | Calculation for 30 days at $0.15/kWh | Illustrative electricity cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 0.010 kW × 720 h × $0.15 | $1.08 |
| 20 W | 0.020 kW × 720 h × $0.15 | $2.16 |
| 40 W | 0.040 kW × 720 h × $0.15 | $4.32 |
These are arithmetic examples only, not measured or manufacturer-rated power consumption for an EliteDesk Mini. Your actual bill depends on the specific machine, its workload, your tariff, and the length of the billing period. At the same watts and tariff, 31 days is 744 hours and 28 days is 672 hours.
Measure the actual streaming workload
Use a wall-plug meter
A plug-in energy meter at the wall measures the computer together with power-supply losses. Run the machine with the intended streaming software and settings, wait until the stream is stable, then record average watts. If the load fluctuates, measure long enough to capture those cycles rather than relying on a momentary reading. No measured EliteDesk wattage is available here.
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.
Identify the exact model, but do not infer its draw from the model name
“EliteDesk Mini” covers different generations and configurations. HP’s EliteDesk 805 G8 Desktop Mini data sheet, for example, lists processor configurations including the Ryzen 7 PRO 5750G. It is documentation for that model family, not a power test of your refurbished unit, and it does not establish what your streaming setup will draw.
Use your own tariff and billing period
Enter the per-kWh rate shown on your electricity bill and the actual number of hours in the period. If another device, such as a router or UPS, must also stay powered specifically for the stream, measure or calculate its consumption separately and add it. The formula above covers electricity only: internet service, the Mini’s purchase price, repairs, UPS or battery replacement, and cloud subscriptions are separate costs.
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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.
Choose stream settings for reliable delivery
The encoding settings affect the workload and the bandwidth needed, but YouTube’s recommended stream bitrates are not estimates of computer power consumption. YouTube’s current encoder settings guidance supports RTMP/RTMPS ingestion, H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1, frame rates up to 60 fps, constant bitrate (CBR), and a recommended two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds).
- For H.264, YouTube recommends 5 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps and 8 Mbps for 720p at 60 fps. Choose a resolution and frame rate suitable for the material and the available upload capacity.
- YouTube transcodes incoming streams for different viewer formats, so an encoder’s input setting does not mean every viewer receives that exact format.
- Test with content that resembles the real stream, preview before going live, and monitor stream health once it is running.
For bandwidth, YouTube advises allowing capacity for the primary and backup stream bitrates, plus 20% headroom, and testing the actual upload bitrate. The relevant connection is upload capacity, not download speed alone. See YouTube’s streaming tips. Internet charges do not belong in the PC electricity calculation.
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
Check channel readiness and plan for continuity
Before starting, YouTube says the channel must be verified and must not have live-streaming restrictions in the prior 90 days. Its live streaming tips recommend preparing the encoder ahead of time, previewing the stream, and monitoring quality. For a continuous broadcast, also consider what will happen if the Mini, power, or internet connection fails; the electricity estimate alone says nothing about stream uptime.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When does a cloud option make sense?
If the broadcast is prerecorded video played continuously, a cloud service can remove the need to leave this Mini running for that job. YouTube’s encoder directory describes Gyre as a cloud-based tool for 24/7 prerecorded-video streams. That directory entry does not establish current pricing or prove that a cloud option costs less than your electricity and other local costs. A cloud service is not a replacement for a local computer when the stream needs a genuinely live local input.
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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.
For an alternative focused on looping uploaded videos to YouTube, StreamNeo runs the stream in the cloud, at any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with the first day free. Compare its subscription cost with your measured local electricity cost, internet and equipment costs, and the value of not keeping a computer on; there is no universal cheaper option.
Or let it run in the cloud
- Upload your recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud.
Nothing has to stay powered at home. Every quality up to 4K 60fps is included at one price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Start at StreamNeo’s free trial registration.
Quick Recap
Common cost and setup mistakes
- Using an assumed wattage: the name “EliteDesk Mini” does not specify a measured draw. Measure the exact computer at the wall under the intended workload.
- Using download speed to judge stream capacity: check sustained upload bitrate and leave the headroom YouTube recommends.
- Treating a bitrate recommendation as an energy estimate: YouTube’s bitrate guidance configures the stream; it does not give the PC’s watts.
- Counting only the computer in a broader operating budget: add only the other devices that must stay on, and keep service, purchase, repair, and replacement costs separate.
- Skipping a live test: preview and monitor stream health so encoding or connection problems are caught before relying on a continuous broadcast.
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.
