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How Much Does a Desktop Computer Cost to Run?
A typical desktop computer (non-gaming) with a monitor uses about 150-200 watts. Laptops are much more efficient at 30-60 watts.
watts
hrs/day
$/kWh
Daily Cost
$0.26
1.6 kWh
Monthly Cost
$7.68
48.0 kWh
Yearly Cost
$93.44
584.0 kWh
For perspective...
At $93.44/year, that's about $8 per month — roughly 19 gallons of gas per year.
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Desktop Computer
- Set the display to turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity
- Enable sleep mode after 15-30 minutes of inactivity
- If you don't need a desktop, a laptop uses 60-70% less power for most tasks