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A fanless mini PC can add a modest but measurable amount to your electricity bill when it plays YouTube around the clock. In two 2024 tests, CNX Software measured a MINIX NEO Z100-0dB at 14.7–17.9 watts during YouTube playback. If that draw held continuously, it would use about 10.6–12.9 kWh in 30 days. Your cost depends on your own electricity rate and setup.
What the measured example means
CNX Software reported 14.7–17.9 W at the wall while a fanless MINIX NEO Z100-0dB played YouTube at 8K60 in Chrome on Windows 11. Its setup included Wi-Fi 6, an RF keyboard-and-mouse dongle, and a VGA display connected through an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. The same review measured 8.9–9.2 W at idle. CNX Software’s Windows 11 test
In a separate review of the same model, CNX measured 14.7–17.9 W during YouTube 8Kp60 playback in Firefox on Ubuntu 22.04, and 7.5–7.6 W at idle. That configuration used Wi-Fi 6, two USB RF dongles, and a VGA monitor through an adapter. The similar playback ranges are useful context, but the tests differed in operating system, browser, and attached equipment; they do not establish that these factors never affect power draw. CNX Software’s Ubuntu 22.04 test
These are readings for one model and two specific test configurations, not an average or typical figure for all fanless mini PCs. Resolution, frame rate, browser, operating system, hardware decoding, peripherals, power adapter, and display setup can change what a particular system draws.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" 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 ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
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- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Estimated energy and cost
Energy use follows this formula: kWh = average watts × hours ÷ 1,000. Multiply the resulting kWh by your applicable price per kWh to estimate the device’s usage cost. GMKtec’s measurement guide
| Viewing schedule, using 14.7–17.9 W | Estimated energy | Estimated cost at an illustrative $0.12/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours a day for 30 days | 10.6–12.9 kWh | $1.27–$1.55 |
| 24 hours a day for 365 days | 129–157 kWh | $15.49–$18.86 |
| 8 hours a day for 30 days | 3.53–4.30 kWh | $0.42–$0.52 |
The energy estimates are calculated from CNX Software’s measured playback range. The $0.12/kWh rate is an illustrative example used in a Mini PC Lab guide, not a universal or necessarily current tariff. Replace it with the usage rate on your bill; fixed account charges do not belong in the marginal cost of running this device. Mini PC Lab’s cost guide
Rank #2
- 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.
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Measure your own mini PC and viewing setup
- Set the measurement boundary. For the mini PC alone, place an energy meter between the wall outlet and its power adapter. This captures the adapter’s conversion losses and devices powered by the PC. A separately powered monitor is excluded. To estimate the complete viewing setup, measure the monitor too or include it in a clearly labelled combined reading.
- Run a representative session. Play the type of video at the resolution and frame rate you actually use, with your usual browser, operating system, network connection, and peripherals. Allow the setup to run long enough to get a representative accumulated kWh reading.
- Record the conditions and energy. Note playback quality, browser, operating system, connected USB devices, monitor arrangement, session duration, and the meter’s accumulated kWh. The measurement guide explains the difference between wall power and component ratings. GMKtec measurement guide
- Calculate the schedule you actually use. If YouTube plays only part of the day, calculate playback and non-playback periods separately rather than applying the playback reading to all 24 hours. For time-of-use billing, apply the rate for each period.
Why TDP and adapter ratings do not give the bill amount
CPU TDP describes processor design power, while an adapter’s rating describes its output capacity; neither is a direct measurement of the complete PC’s consumption from the wall. A wall reading during the workload you care about is more useful for estimating electricity cost. GMKtec’s guide to watts and kWh
For comparison, ASUS’s declaration for the representative CF40/Fanless Chromebox CF40 model lists 2.96 W idle, 0.32 W sleep, and 0.13 W off under its stated compliance procedure. Those are specified device-state figures, not YouTube playback measurements, so they cannot be compared directly with the MINIX playback readings. ASUS CF40 energy declaration
Rank #3
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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.
Rank #4
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