The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →There is no reliable one-size-fits-all price: the cost depends on your PC’s average power draw at the wall, how many hours it runs, and your electricity rate. Calculate it as (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × price per kWh. Measure the setup rather than treating a gaming PC’s power-supply rating as its actual consumption.
Calculate the cost from your actual power draw
Watts measure power at a moment in time; kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure energy accumulated over time. Convert the measured watts to kilowatts, multiply by runtime, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh.
| Period | Calculation for continuous operation |
|---|---|
| One day | (average watts ÷ 1,000) × 24 × your rate per kWh |
| Average month | (average watts ÷ 1,000) × 730 × your rate per kWh; for a specific bill, use 24 × the actual days in that billing month |
| One 365-day year | (average watts ÷ 1,000) × 8,760 × your rate per kWh |
For overnight-only use, substitute the actual hours per night and number of nights. Do not use the 24/7 annual hours unless the system really runs continuously.
Measure the whole setup you want to cost
A plug-in electricity usage monitor can measure power at the wall. The average reading during the activity you care about is the useful input—not the maximum wattage printed on the power supply, nor a GPU-only reading if you want the entire computer’s consumption. A PC-only measurement excludes a separately powered monitor and other peripherals; measure or add those devices if you want the channel setup total. A practical cost guide likewise recommends wall-side measurement and distinguishes the complete setup from GPU-only consumption: iTechGuides’ gaming PC electricity-cost guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- 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.
Measure under the relevant conditions: playing the loop, encoding or streaming if those are part of your method, and idle or sleep if the PC spends time in those states. Gaming, video playback, encoding, and idle operation need not draw the same power. No cited measurement establishes one universal wattage for a gaming PC continuously playing a YouTube loop.
Worked examples using a U.S. electricity benchmark
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports a 2025 average residential electricity price of 17.30¢ per kWh; the figure is preliminary 2025 data published in 2026, not a rate for every household. EIA notes that “Electricity prices vary by locality based on the availability of power plants and fuels, local fuel costs, and pricing regulations.” Use your own bill’s applicable rate for a personal estimate. The EIA’s reported 2025 range of 8.20¢ per kWh in North Dakota to 35.72¢ in Hawaii covers customer types generally, not residential customers alone. See the EIA electricity data browser and its explanation of electricity prices.
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.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
| Illustrative average draw | Energy at 24/7 for a 365-day year | Annual cost at 17.30¢/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 20 W | 175.2 kWh | About $30.25 |
| 40 W | 350.4 kWh | About $60.62 |
| 80 W | 700.8 kWh | About $121.24 |
| 100 W | 876 kWh | About $151.55 |
These are arithmetic examples, not measured or typical draws for a gaming PC running YouTube. The 20 W, 40 W, and 80 W figures are scenarios; the estimates use 8,760 hours and the stated EIA rate. Small differences from other published examples can result from rounding or annualization conventions. For a rough shortcut at this benchmark, each continuously drawn watt costs about $1.52 per year.
Why a published gaming-PC average may not fit
A 2019 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory modeled profile for an average gaming computer plus display estimated 1,394 kWh per year, based on 4.4 hours a day in gaming mode. It is dated modeled usage, includes a display, and does not represent one person’s equipment or a computer running a YouTube loop 24/7. It is context, not a substitute for measurement. The report is available from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Rank #3
- 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.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Reduce the cost estimate’s uncertainty
- Measure average wall draw during the actual loop workload, rather than assuming a wattage from the PC’s gaming specifications.
- Record the runtime you intend to use: overnight hours, daily hours, or a full 24-hour schedule.
- Use the electricity rate that applies to your home and billing period; a national average is only a comparison point.
- Decide whether the estimate includes just the PC or also a monitor and other separately powered equipment.
- For a bill-period estimate, use the number of days in that billing period rather than assuming every month has 30 days.
Keep a YouTube loop running without leaving a PC on
For a do-it-yourself setup, keep the PC and any required streaming software running, with a stable internet connection and power settings that do not put the computer to sleep. Measure the full arrangement at the wall and apply the formula above; include any monitor or other equipment you leave powered. The electricity estimate will reflect the measured draw and your local rate, while the computer still needs to remain available for the stream.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo keeps an uploaded-video YouTube channel live from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your home computer and connection do not have to stay on. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality, and can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
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
- 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.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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.
