Icon Desktop Computer Power Consumption, Wattage, and Cost Calculator

Use our Desktop Computer calculator to determine the power consumption, wattage, and running cost for 5 hours. Calculate how this 100-watt appliance impacts your electricity bill, energy usage, and overall cost per kilowatt-hour.


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Calculate the energy consumption and running costs of your Desktop Computer efficiently with our tool. Discover how your 100-watt Desktop Computer impacts your electricity bill and optimize your energy usage.


Power Consumption Of Similar Devices

These devices have comparable power consumption. Click on any device to calculate its electricity usage and cost.

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Drilling Machine 90 watts
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Click on any device to calculate its energy consumption and running costs using our electricity calculator.

Calculating Power Consumption of a Desktop Computer

Understanding how to calculate the power consumption of your desktop computer can help you optimize energy use and reduce electricity bills. The calculation is straightforward. The basic formula used to determine the electrical power consumed by a device is given by:

Power (kW) = Voltage (V) × Current (A)

For a desktop computer that uses approximately 100 watts (0.1 kW) and runs for about 5 hours a day, the daily energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) can be calculated using the formula:

Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours)

Using this power consumption information allows you to estimate your monthly electricity costs based on your local electricity rate.

Sample Calculation

If your desktop computer consumes 100 watts:

  • Power (kW) = 100 watts / 1000 = 0.1 kW
  • Daily Energy Usage (kWh) = 0.1 kW × 5 hours = 0.5 kWh

Assuming an electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh:

  • Daily Cost = 0.5 kWh × $0.12 = $0.06
  • Monthly Cost = $0.06 × 30 = $1.80

Power Consumption in Various Modes and Settings

  • Idle Mode: In idle mode, a desktop computer may consume around 60-80 watts, especially if the monitor is also on. Users should consider turning off the display to save 20-30 watts when not in active use.
  • Gaming Mode: Power consumption can peak at 300 watts or more for high-performance gaming. Opting for power-efficient graphics cards can reduce this consumption significantly.
  • Video Editing: Running video editing software can push power usage upwards of 200 watts. Utilize energy-efficient processors to improve power efficiency.
  • Sleep Mode: When in sleep mode, a computer generally uses only 1-5 watts. Activating sleep mode during prolonged breaks can save substantial energy.
  • Energy-Saving Settings: Activating the energy-saving mode in the operating system can limit power consumption by reducing CPU performance and dimming the screen.
  • USB Devices: Each USB device connected can add 2.5 watts. Disconnecting unused peripherals will help manage total wattage effectively.
  • Cooling System: Desktop fans may consume an additional 20-50 watts. Consider optimizing airflow to mitigate the need for additional cooling systems.
  • Power Supply Units (PSUs): A PSU's efficiency can affect power consumption; look for units rated 80 Plus Gold for optimal performance and savings.
  • Software Updates: Keeping the software up-to-date ensures efficient operation, minimizing unnecessary power usage caused by bugs or inefficiencies.
  • Battery Backup Units: Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) can also consume power when idle, typically around 10-15 watts.
  • Networking Equipment: Routers connected to the system can each use around 5-20 watts. Configuring your network to turn off during off-hours can save energy.
  • Print and Scan Tasks: These tasks can increase power consumption. Choosing efficient models helps in lowering overall wattage.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Using Wi-Fi may use more power compared to a wired Ethernet connection; consider switching to wired for reduced power usage.
  • Screen Brightness: Dimming the monitor’s screen can reduce energy usage by up to 20%. Use optimizing settings for longer viewing hours.
  • Device Age: Older computers generally consume more power. Upgrading to newer, energy-efficient devices can lead to significant savings over time.