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There is no single electricity cost for a second-hand small-form-factor (SFF) PC running a YouTube stream around the clock. The answer depends on the computer’s average power draw at the wall while streaming and your electricity tariff. Measure the complete setup under the intended workload, then use the formula below to estimate its monthly and annual energy cost.
Calculate the electricity cost
For a PC drawing a steady average load throughout the year:
- Annual energy (kWh) = average wall draw in watts Ă— 8.76
- Annual electricity cost = annual energy (kWh) Ă— your price per kWh
- Monthly average = annual electricity cost Ă· 12
The 8.76 factor comes from 24 hours Ă— 365 days Ă· 1,000 watts per kilowatt. Use the all-in per-kWh rate that applies to your usage; fixed monthly charges that do not change with consumption are not part of the incremental cost of running the PC.
Illustrative costs at a dated reference rate
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) uses 11¢/kWh as an illustrative price based on average electricity prices at federal facilities in July 2024. It is not a household tariff or a universal current price. The figures below are arithmetic scenarios—not measured results for SFF computers.
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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.
- 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.
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| Assumed average wall draw | Annual energy | Annual cost at $0.11/kWh | Monthly average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 87.6 kWh | $9.64 | $0.80 |
| 15 W | 131.4 kWh | $14.45 | $1.20 |
| 25 W | 219.0 kWh | $24.09 | $2.01 |
Replace both assumptions—the wattage and the per-kWh rate—with your measurements and tariff to estimate your own bill. For a U.S. national or regional reference, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Electric Power Monthly page lists July 2026 data, released September 24, 2026, and October 23, 2026 as the next release date. Your utility bill or tariff is the better basis for a personal estimate.
Measure the computer while it is streaming
- Set up the whole system you intend to leave running. Connect the SFF PC and any equipment that will stay powered. Include a monitor or other peripheral only if it will remain on during streaming.
- Run the actual workload. Start the intended YouTube stream and let the system reach its normal operating state. A plug-in electricity meter that reports accumulated energy as well as instantaneous watts can help measure the complete setup; check outlet compatibility for your location.
- Record average consumption at the wall. If the meter provides energy over a known period, divide the measured kWh by the number of hours and multiply by 1,000 to get average watts. Use a representative period rather than a momentary reading if the workload varies.
- Apply your tariff. Multiply average watts by 8.76 for annual kWh, then multiply by your per-kWh price for annual cost. Divide by 12 for a monthly average.
Do not treat the power adapter’s rated capacity, a component’s power rating, or an idle reading as the PC’s streaming draw. They do not establish how much the complete setup consumes during your actual workload.
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- 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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What efficiency guidance can—and cannot—tell you
ENERGY STAR’s computer guidance, effective October 27, 2025, covers efficient operation across multiple modes, including idle, and power-management requirements. ENERGY STAR also states that certified computers use 30–40% less energy than standard models; that is a general statement about certified computers, not a measured estimate for a used SFF PC streaming YouTube.
Certification or an idle figure cannot substitute for measuring a specific computer under your intended streaming workload. ENERGY STAR also notes that compact desktops can suit small spaces but may be more difficult to upgrade or repair than full-sized desktops—an additional consideration when buying second-hand, not a power estimate.
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- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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How to compare used SFF candidates
There are no verified measurements here for a named used SFF model running a continuous YouTube stream, so an assumed wattage should not be presented as typical. For a useful comparison, measure each candidate under the same workload and use the same tariff assumptions.
- Average wall draw during the streaming workload
- Monthly and annual energy cost at the same per-kWh rate
- Whether the measurement includes the power supply and any always-on peripherals
- Whether the machine handles the stream reliably, including its decoding or encoding requirements
- Purchase, repair, and upgrade costs, alongside the potential compact-desktop repair and upgrade trade-off
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos or a playlist streaming on YouTube, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative to leaving a second-hand PC and home connection running. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera.
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- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
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- Nothing has to stay powered on at home.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
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The monthly option is $9.99 per month. It includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops, and StreamNeo team support. Billing options are daily, weekly, monthly, for 6 months, or yearly; UPI and cards are available in India, and card checkout is available worldwide. Start the free day at StreamNeo registration.
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.
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.
