How much electricity does a computer use?

Tiesto · 29-11-2003 4:44pm #1

I hear that computers use f**c all electricity,
Is that true?

mr_angry · 29-11-2003 4:52pm

To an extent. We have 6 computers, running 24/7 (with a couple of laptops and electric heaters thrown in), and our bill is around €220 every time. Judging by my parents ESB bill, I'd say its about twice the average. Not bad, split between 4 people though.

rob1891 · 29-11-2003 5:25pm

http://www.nelson.monkey.org/~nelson/weblog/tech/electricityUsage.html

I've got a pc running all day every day to share the internet, guestimating the watts it would draw from this guys measurments I'd say it's costing

150/1000 KiloW * 24hrs * 30 days * 0.122 euro

13 euro a month ... never really thought about it, buying a router would probably pay for itself over a year :eek:

Tiesto · 29-11-2003 5:30pm

cheap enuff i think.
well cheap enuff if u dont have ur computer on 24/7

Capt'n Midnight · 29-11-2003 5:42pm

Don't forget the ratings on PSU's etc are the MAXIMUM power they take - less is used on standby.

If you want to save power - get a laptop - they use way less power - hey at €13 per week it might even pay for itself !

Overall the trend in processors and drives is to use more power hence the bigger heatsinks and fans and hotter drives.

Apart from things that use heat (kettles, cookers, toasters , hair dryiers, fridges) a computer will probably use more power than anything else.
Power tools / vacuum cleaners use as much as a computer & monitor - but they are not used continuously.

Printers - inkjets use very little power - lasers use lots while printing.