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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How much does it cost to run a mini PC 24/7 in Australia? Multiply its average measured wall draw in watts by 8.76 and by your electricity usage rate in dollars per kWh to estimate a normal year’s power cost. For example, at 24.15 c/kWh, a continuous 20 W load costs about A$42.31 a year; at 33.14 c/kWh, it costs about A$58.08. Those are arithmetic examples, not measurements of a particular mini PC.
Is a mini PC cheaper than a VPS for 24/7 YouTube streaming? There is no supported universal winner. A fair answer needs your mini PC’s measured power draw and purchase cost, plus a current VPS quote covering the right region, instance, outbound traffic, storage and other charges. It also needs to account for whether either option can reliably encode and deliver your chosen stream settings.
Calculate the mini PC’s annual electricity cost
Measure the complete computer at the wall while it is doing the intended encoding job, then apply your electricity plan’s usage rate. An idle-only reading may understate the power used by a continuous streaming workload.
Annual electricity cost (AUD) = average wall draw (W) × 8,760 hours ÷ 1,000 × usage rate (AUD/kWh). For an exact leap year, use 8,784 hours instead of 8,760. The equation estimates usage charges; it does not include the computer’s purchase price or other costs.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Ryzen 5 3500U Processor】KAMRUI Essenx E2 Mini PC is equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4-cores/8-threads, up to 3.7GHz) with integrated Radeon Vega 8 Graphics(1200MHz, 8 Core). The 3500U CPU operates at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and a Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz. This DDR supports upgradable up to 32GB, SSD supports up to 2TB.(NOT INCLUED), KAMRUI E2 3500U Mini PC is ideal for light office work and home entertainment. KAMRUI E2 3500U is more than 35% more powerful and smoother in operation than the Intel N150, 33% faster than Intel N95, 28% performance boost over Intel i3-10110U, and 42% stronger processing power than AMD Ryzen 3 3200U.
- 【16GB DDR4 & 256GB SSD】The KAMRUI E2 mini computers is equipped with 16GB DDR4(Expandable up to 32GB) for faster multitasking and smooth application switching. 256GB M.2 SSD ensures fast startup times,fast file transfers and plenty of storage space,eliminating slow loading times and ensuring fast responsiveness.Storage space can RAM supports up to 32 GB, SSD supports up to 2TB (Not included)make file storage easier.
- 【4K Dual Display & USB 3.2 Type-A Port】KAMRUI E2 3500U mini desktop pc is equipped with an HDMI 2.0+DP 1.4 interfaces for faster transmission, Support Dual 4K@60Hz Display, E2 mini desktop computers is ideal for visual home entertainment, home office, conference rooms, etc. USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port×2 with a transfer speed of up to 5Gbps (10 times faster than USB 2.0) for efficient data transfer. The RJ45 1000M Gigabit Ethernet Port ensures a stable network connection.
- 【WiFi+Bluetooth stable connection】The Kamrui E2 micro pc have reliable and stable wireless connection, open websites in seconds, watch movies without buffering and download files smoothly, connect your monitor from WiFi or Ethernet, use a wireless keyboard and mouse through bluetooth, which will be powerful workstation for you.
- 【Versatile Ports】This KAMRUI E2 Small pc is equipped with HDMI 2.0×1(4K@60Hz)、DP1.4×1(4K@60Hz)、Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ45, 10/100/1000Mbps) ×1、USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port×2（5Gbps）、USB2.0 Type-A Port×2、3.5mm Audio Jack ×1、DC In ×1、Power Button ×1
Illustrative power-cost scenarios
The following figures are arithmetic scenarios at two Australian Energy Regulator (AER) reference rates, not measured mini-PC results or a national average. The 24.15 c/kWh example is an AER overnight time-of-use rate for a region; the 33.14 c/kWh example is the Ausgrid NSW residential flat usage-rate cap shown for the 2026–27 Default Market Offer (DMO).
| Average wall draw | Annual electricity use | At 24.15 c/kWh | At 33.14 c/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 87.6 kWh | About A$21.16/year | About A$29.04/year |
| 20 W | 175.2 kWh | About A$42.31/year | About A$58.08/year |
| 30 W | 262.8 kWh | About A$63.47/year | About A$87.12/year |
Your result changes linearly with both wattage and rate. Substitute the reading from your own device and the usage charge on your bill rather than treating either example as an Australian average.
Rank #2
- 【Great power in a small computer】Get fast performance from the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U CPU (2.1GHz-3.7GHz, 4 Cores 8 Threads) inside this mini pc, TDP 15W up to 25W. It's perfect for all your home office and business use, like daily computing, web browsing, and smooth media streaming. This small desktop computer handles everyday tasks easily and quietly.
- 【Work on many things at once with lots of storage】This mini PC comes with 16GB of fast DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 32GB), allowing you to smoothly run multiple programs, dozens of browser tabs, and large files all at once. It also features a spacious 512GB NVMe SSD that provides ample storage and delivers dramatically faster boot-ups, app launches, and file transfers compared to a traditional hard drive.
- 【See everything clearly on one or two 4K screens】Connect one or two monitors for more space to work or play. Dual HDMI ports on this mini pc support super sharp 4K Ultra HD video. It's great for doubling your work area for business or watching movies in high definition.
- 【Fast modern connections in a tiny box】Enjoy a better and more stable internet connection with the latest WiFi 6. Use Bluetooth 5.3 to connect wireless headphones, keyboards, and mice without wires. This small pc is very compact to save desk space and has extra USB ports (USB 2.0×2, USB 3.0×2, Type-c 2.0×1, Type-c 3.2 full featured×1, HDMI×2) for your printer, webcam, or other computer accessories.
- 【Reliable Warranty and Support】We provides 1 year warranty for each Mini computers. So you don't need to worry about any product problems. If you have any questions about the product, please contact our customer service, we will provide 24-hour professional technical support and serve you at any time.
Use the electricity rate that actually applies to you
The AER’s 2026–27 DMO took effect on 1 July 2026. It is a safety-net reference offer for standing offers in NSW, South Australia and South East Queensland—not a national electricity tariff, nor necessarily the cheapest available market offer. Retailer, distribution area, tariff and time-of-use window affect the rate. If you are outside those regions or on a market plan, use your bill or a current offer applicable to your address. See the AER DMO rates and tables and its 2026–27 DMO release.
If your plan has time-of-use rates
A continuous stream runs through multiple tariff periods, so do not multiply all its energy by the cheapest off-peak rate unless the workload truly runs only then. The AER’s Ausgrid NSW example lists 24.04 c/kWh off-peak from 9:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 60.20 c/kWh in the 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm peak window. For a 24/7 device, calculate the hours and energy in each window and add the costs. Check the current DMO table for your distribution area and plan; the cited figures are standing-offer caps/examples, not a recommendation or a guaranteed rate for your account.
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Rank #3
- 【AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU: Outperforms N150 & 3500U】 BOSGAME E5 mini PC is powered by the TSMC 7nm FinFET architecture AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 3.8GHz boost, 6MB total cache). Compared to low-end Intel N150 or 3500U chips which only have 4 single threads and throttle under load, the 5300U delivers over 30% faster multi-core speed. Run 30+ browser tabs, large Excel sheets, and Zoom meetings simultaneously without system lag.
- 【8GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB NVMe SSD Storage】 Installed with high-speed 8GB DDR4 dual-channel memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, eliminating slow boot times and application loading delays. To accommodate growing data requirements, the upgradeable hardware design features dual SODIMM slots that allow you to expand memory up to 64GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation during heavy multitasking.
- 【High-Capacity Dual M.2 SSD Storage Expansion】 Never worry about running out of space for your business files. In addition to the pre-installed 256GB system drive, the motherboard houses an extra empty internal M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot. This allows you to easily add a second solid-state drive for up to an additional 2TB of storage capacity (upgrades not included) without needing to remove or reinstall the original operating system.
- 【Radeon 6-Core Graphics & Triple 4K Displays】 Integrated with official AMD Radeon Graphics (6 Graphics Cores, 1500 MHz frequency) for casual gaming, photo editing, and crisp 4K media decoding. Featuring 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x DisplayPort, and 1x Full-Function Type-C port, the E5 outputs true 4K@60Hz resolution to three monitors at once. This multi-screen setup eliminates constant window-switching for traders, programmers, and office workers.
- 【Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports for Advanced Networking】 Experience fast wired network transmission speeds up to 2500Mbps without lagging or buffering. The integration of dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports (powered by Realtek RTL8125 controller) makes this compact computer an exceptional hardware choice for tech enthusiasts. Easily configure it into software routers, hardware firewalls (pfSense, OpnSense), home NAS servers, or local homelabs.
Compare the full cost of a mini PC and a VPS
For the local option, add the annual electricity estimate to the mini PC’s purchase cost and any material peripherals. To compare ownership over a chosen period, include a realistic replacement horizon and allocate the hardware cost across it. Do not count home internet as an incremental streaming cost unless the workload changes your plan or bandwidth bill.
For a VPS, obtain a current quote for the intended region and workload. Include the instance, any storage, and outbound video-ingest traffic if the provider bills it; some providers may include traffic, so check the selected provider’s terms rather than assuming either way. Confirm that the instance can sustain the required encoding settings. A provider’s region, monitoring, restart behavior, support and network reliability also matter, but no provider-specific service level or comparable Australian VPS total is established here.
Rank #4
- Office Gaming Mini PC - UPGRADED GMKtec Nucbox M5 Ultra Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads, Base 2.00GHz (Power Saving Quiet Mode) with Turbo Boost up to 4.50GHz (Performance Mode) in BIOS settings, Based on the ZEN 3+ architecture, this small but powerful mini pc delivers satisfying results in productivity, office work, and gaming. 35% Performance increase over AMD Ryzen 5 7430U/ Ryzen 7 5700U, 5600U, 5560U, 5500U.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB PCIe SSD - Installed with DDR4 16GB RAM (1x16GB), the Nucbox M5 Ultra mini pc support expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to 4TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
- DUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45 - Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
- Mini Desktop Computer with 4K Triple Screen Display - Nucbox M5 Ultra integrates AMD Radeon Graphics 8 Cores 2000 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@60Hz UHD video editing, and playback. It can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously.
- Fast Internet WiFi 6E + BT5.2 Connection - GMKtec Mini PC with WiFi-6E Wireless, have 2.5G/5G/6G triple band, more faster and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.2 allowing you more quickly to connect other wireless devices (headset, mouse, keyboard, etc.) Interface features 2*USB3.2 ports, 2*USB2.0 ports, 1*HDMI 2.0 port(4K@60Hz), 1*USB-C port(PD/DP/DATA), 1*DP Port, 1*Audio 3.5mm (HP&MIC), 1*DC Power Port.
| Comparison factor | Mini PC at home | VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring cost | Measured annual electricity at your applicable rate | Current quote for instance, region, egress/data and storage terms |
| Up-front and long-term cost | Purchase price, material peripherals and chosen replacement horizon | Any setup or storage charges in the selected offer; check current terms |
| Encoding capacity | Verify the candidate device sustains the target codec, resolution and frame rate | Verify the selected instance sustains the target codec, resolution and frame rate |
| Network path | Test sustained home upload and power/network continuity | Check region, outbound traffic terms and provider network suitability |
| Operations | Consider local monitoring, restart and maintenance needs | Check available monitoring, restart behavior and support for the specific offer |
The numeric winner cannot be determined without both a measured sustained mini-PC wall draw and a dated VPS quote with matching workload and service terms. Cost alone is not enough if one option cannot encode or stay connected reliably.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Make sure the setup can sustain the YouTube stream
YouTube says live streaming requires a verified channel with no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days. For an encoder stream, test before going live, preview it in Live Control Room and watch stream health. YouTube’s encoder setup guidance covers getting the stream configured.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- WHY CHOOSE G3 ULTRA MINI PC PENTIUM GOLD 7505 - Choose the Intel Pentium Gold 7505 for snappier everyday responsiveness: It delivers up to 30% faster single-core performance than the Ryzen 5 3500U, making office apps and web browsing feel noticeably quicker, while its Intel UHD Graphics (48 EUs) provides 2.4x the GPU performance of the N100 & N150's 24-EU graphics, ensuring smoother 4K streaming and light photo editing.
- 16GB RAM MEMORY & 512GB STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3 Ultra mini computer is prebuilt with 16GB LPDDR4 RAM at 3200 MT/s, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 512GB M.2 SATA Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files. There is a primary slot and secondary expansion storage. Primary slot is M.2 2280 PCIE and secondary slot is M.2 2280 SATA.
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox pentium mini computer is equipped with 3* USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, up to 10Gbps/S, 1*USB 2.0, HDMI(4K@60Hz)*2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 2.5GbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc.
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays.
- UPGRADED COOLING FAN - The G3 Ultra has upgraded the cooling fan to reduce fan noise and thermals. We are using an upgraded thermal paste as well to help reduce heat on the CPU.
Choose realistic encoder settings
YouTube supports RTMP/RTMPS ingest and lists H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1 video codecs, with frame rates up to 60 fps. Its recommended bitrate depends on codec, resolution and frame rate. For H.264, YouTube lists 5 Mbps minimum and 14 Mbps recommended for 1080p30; for 1080p60, it lists 6 Mbps minimum and 17 Mbps recommended. These are ingest settings, not proof that a particular mini PC or VPS can encode continuously at those settings. Consult the current YouTube encoder settings for the target format, and test representative audio and motion while monitoring stream health.
Allow for upload headroom and interruptions
YouTube recommends 20% upload headroom above the total stream bitrate. Test sustained upload under real conditions rather than relying on a plan’s headline speed or a VPS network specification. YouTube warns that a connectivity disruption can break a stream; a 24/7 setup therefore needs a practical monitoring and recovery plan as well as sufficient bandwidth. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
Choose based on your workload and operating preferences
- A mini PC may suit you if you already have suitable hardware, can measure its loaded power draw, can verify sustained encoding, and are comfortable maintaining a device and network connection at home.
- A VPS may suit you if a current quote for your required region and traffic terms works for your budget and the selected instance can sustain the stream. Confirm monitoring and recovery behavior with the provider rather than assuming it.
- Neither is ready by default just because it is called a mini PC or VPS. Validate the target codec, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, sustained network and recovery behavior before relying on it for a continuous broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
If you do not want to keep a computer running at home, StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping an uploaded video or playlist live on YouTube: upload the recording, add your YouTube stream key, then go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded file as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot regardless of quality, with no re-encode; it also automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
The first day is free with no card. The Monthly option is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube streams of uploaded videos, not a camera-based live broadcast. See StreamNeo for details, then start the free first day.
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