There is no reliable single monthly cost without knowing the OptiPlex configuration, its average power draw while streaming, and your electricity rate. Measure the computer’s average input at the wall during the actual stream, then calculate: monthly cost = average watts × 24 × days ÷ 1,000 × delivered price per kWh. For a 30-day month, that is average watts × 0.72 kWh, multiplied by your rate.
Calculate the cost from the power drawn at the wall
Use the average AC power drawn by the complete setup you want to include—computer and any peripherals—while the YouTube stream is running. A wall meter or plug-in power meter can measure it. If you already have a reliable average in watts, use:
Energy (kWh) = average watts Ă— 24 Ă— days Ă· 1,000
Cost = energy (kWh) Ă— your delivered electricity price per kWh
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#1 Best Overall
- 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.
For 30 days, each continuous watt uses 0.72 kWh. For a month with a different number of days, substitute that actual number in the formula. Use the applicable delivered rate from your electricity bill where possible; it may include generation, transmission, distribution, taxes, and fees.
Illustrative 30-day scenarios
These are arithmetic examples using the U.S. 2025 residential average of 17.30¢/kWh, not measurements of an OptiPlex streaming YouTube. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that annual average; individual rates vary. [EIA, 2025 electricity data]
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.
| Average wall draw (illustrative) | Energy in 30 days | Example cost at 17.30¢/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 7.2 kWh | About $1.25 |
| 20 W | 14.4 kWh | About $2.49 |
| 40 W | 28.8 kWh | About $4.98 |
Rounding can shift a total by a cent. Replace the example rate with your own delivered price. EIA’s 2025 state figures of 35.72¢/kWh in Hawaii and 8.20¢/kWh in North Dakota cover all utility customer types, not residential customers alone, so they should not be treated as a residential-only state range. [EIA, 2025 electricity data]
Why the OptiPlex model and its power-supply label are not enough
“Dell OptiPlex Micro” covers different models and configurations, and the title does not specify which one is streaming. The available official figures do not establish the average wall draw for a 24/7 YouTube stream.
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.
- ENERGY STAR’s certification record for a listed OptiPlex Micro 7010 Category I1 configuration reports short idle at 7.7 W, long idle at 1.3 W, sleep at 1.3 W, off at 0.3 W, and model TEC at 26.8 kWh. These are certification-record categories, not measurements of an active YouTube stream. The record does not show a publication date. [ENERGY STAR OptiPlex Micro 7010 record]
- Dell’s OptiPlex 3070 Micro documentation lists a 65 W power supply and 87% average efficiency. That is a different model, and the figures describe the supply rating and efficiency—not actual system consumption. Multiplying 65 W by the hours in a month would assume maximum rated power is continuously drawn; it is not a measured monthly estimate. [Dell OptiPlex 3070 Micro power-supply specifications]
Measure your own stream consistently
- Connect the OptiPlex and any peripherals you intend to count to a wall power meter. Decide whether the measurement includes only the PC or the full streaming setup.
- Run the actual YouTube stream with the resolution, encoding settings, and other workload you expect to use. Let the setup settle, then record average wall watts over a representative period rather than relying on a brief peak or idle reading.
- Multiply the average watts by 24 and the number of days, then divide by 1,000 to get kWh.
- Multiply the kWh by your delivered price per kWh. If comparing PCs or settings, use the same stream workload, measurement boundary, period, and electricity price.
Account for the cost of keeping the stream online
This estimate is electricity only. It does not include internet service, hardware purchase or replacement, or other costs. If the PC is not already owned, compare measured streaming power alongside those costs rather than treating the power-supply rating as the monthly bill.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is an always-on YouTube channel rather than keeping a local OptiPlex powered, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos or playlists from the cloud. Upload your video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; the uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat 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 your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
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.
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
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.
