Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIt depends on what you mean by “looping.” If you only want to watch a video repeatedly, YouTube already has a Loop control, so neither a refurbished desktop nor a cloud VM is necessarily needed. If you need a computer to keep a browser playing remotely, compare the desktop’s purchase and electricity costs with the VM’s full bill—not just its advertised compute rate. And if you mean broadcasting prerecorded videos continuously as a YouTube Live stream, that is a different job from replaying a video in YouTube’s player.
First, identify the job
Repeating a video for ordinary viewing
On a computer, open the video, right-click the player, and choose Loop. YouTube also supports looping a playlist. Its official instructions describe these player controls. This repeats playback on the device you are using; it does not create a continuous live broadcast.
Keeping a remote browser open
A VM can run an operating system and browser for remote playback, but it must be sized and configured for that workload. The low-cost VM rate below is not evidence that a small instance will provide desktop-like browser performance or reliability.
Broadcasting prerecorded video as YouTube Live
A continuous live broadcast of uploaded material is a playout workflow, not YouTube’s viewing loop control. It may call for a dedicated playout service rather than a general-purpose VM or a computer left running at home. Choose the cost comparison that matches this actual requirement.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
What the cloud VM price does—and does not—tell you
Google Cloud’s general-purpose pricing page lists an on-demand e2-micro compute rate of $0.008376428 per hour in its USD reference pricing. Multiplying that rate by an illustrative 730 runtime hours gives about $6.11 in compute charges. That is a calculation from the hourly rate, not a quoted monthly bill. The rate was accessed in 2026; check the current pricing page for your region and account before deciding.
An e2-micro is a constrained shared-core instance, not a desktop-equivalent browser machine. Google documents two guest-visible vCPUs, 1 GiB of memory, and 0.25 fractional vCPU capacity; shared-core machines time-share physical CPU resources. See Google’s machine-family specifications. Those specifications make it a useful low-cost reference point, but they do not establish that it will handle continuous browser playback well.
Rank #2
- [INTEL POWERED CONTENT] - Built with a 8th Generation Hexa-Core Intel i5 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM; Modern, Windows 11 ready, with 4K support, Executive multitasking, media streaming and smooth, multi-tab web browsing; Perfect as an all-purpose multimedia computer; built for content creators; Plenty of RAM and Mass storage for photo and video editing powered by Intel HD 630
- [LATEST WIRELESS TECH] - This Dell Desktop Computer easily connects to the internet through the Built In WiFi / Bluetooth
- [SOLID STATE STORAGE] - This Dell Computer setup comes with an ultra-fast 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD); Setup as the primary boot device; Boot and load programs with lightning speed ; Additional expansion available
- [BUY & OWN WITH CONFIDENCE] - From the world's largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher; Quality Guarantee and Free Tech Support; Award-winning Customer Service; | Support Sustainable Business
- [MODERN HI-SPEED PORTS] - USB 3.0 (x4) | USB 2.0 (x4) | DisplayPort (x1) | HDMI Port (x1) | Audio Combo Jack (x1) | Audio Out (x1) | RJ-45 Ethernet (x1) | Internal SATA (x3)
Compute is only one part of a VM bill. Persistent disk, networking, and other resources can add charges. Google describes VM, network, and storage costs in its Compute Engine pricing information; use its pricing details and calculator for a specific deployment. Outbound data, region, runtime, and any applicable software licensing can change the total.
How to compare the total cost fairly
Pick the same task and comparison period for both options. A desktop bought for continuous browser playback is not directly comparable to a VM costed only for a few hours, and player looping is not the same workload as a live broadcast.
Rank #3
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high-performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com.
- Dell Optiplex 3050 SFF Desktop computer PC, Intel Quad Core i5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, 16GB DDR4, 256GB SSD
- Includes: USB Keyboard & Mouse, USB WiFi adapter, Microsoft office 30 days free trail.
- Port: Front: USB 3.0(2), USB 2.0(2); Rear: DP, HDMI, USB 3.0(2), USB 2.0(2), RJ-45.
- Support 4K (3840x2160) Dual display, makes it easy to connect two monitors at the same time, and you can expand working Windows, mirror content, or expand a single window across multiple monitors.
| Cost item | Refurbished desktop | Cloud VM |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Purchase price, spread across the useful life or comparison period you choose. | Usually no desktop purchase; include any setup or applicable software/license charges. |
| Electricity or compute | Measure average system power in watts. Energy in kWh = average watts × hours ÷ 1,000; multiply by your local electricity tariff. | Use the selected machine type’s hourly rate × hours running. The e2-micro example above is compute only. |
| Other operating costs | Include monitor electricity if it stays on, maintenance, and any other costs relevant to your setup. | Include disk, network or outbound data, and other billed resources; pricing varies by region and consumption model. |
| Workload fit | Depends on the actual desktop, browser, and playback setup. | Depends on VM size, region, operating system, browser, and workload; the e2-micro specifications alone do not establish performance. |
For a chosen period, estimate desktop cost as purchase price plus electricity and maintenance. Estimate VM cost as compute plus disk, network, and applicable software charges over the same period. No universal break-even figure follows without a real desktop quote, its measured power draw, your electricity tariff, and a specific VM configuration and region. A monitor left on can also materially affect the desktop’s energy use.
Which option makes sense?
- Just want repeat playback while watching? Try YouTube’s Loop control first; a dedicated desktop or VM may be unnecessary.
- Need a browser available remotely? Compare the desktop’s amortized purchase price and measured energy use against a VM sized for the browser workload, including the VM’s disk and network charges. Do not assume the lowest shared-core tier is adequate.
- Need prerecorded videos to run as a continuous YouTube Live broadcast? Cost a live-playout workflow separately. It is not ordinary player looping, and a VM compute quote alone does not cover the complete production setup.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuous YouTube Live stream of uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a purpose-built alternative to leaving a desktop or general-purpose VM running. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded material from the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; it can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Powerful 8th Generation Processor - The Dell OptiPlex 7060 desktop computer is powered by an Intel 6-core 8th Generation i7-8700 processor, which can reach up to 4.60 Ghz, enabling efficient multitasking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – This Dell small form factor desktop computer comes pre-installed with the Windows 11 Professional operating system. Microsoft has reimagined how the PC should work for you and alongside you, and this Windows 11-powered desktop is redefining productivity.
- Smooth Multitasking – The Dell OptiPlex is equipped with a blazing-fast new 512GB M.2 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), which stores important files and applications while supporting faster boot speeds and higher data transfer rates.
- High-Performance Office Desktop – This business desktop computer serves as a reliable workstation, suitable for both home and business computing. The spacious desktop tower case allows for future expansion, making it an excellent fit for use as an office PC.
- Rich Ports – This Dell OptiPlex computer is equipped with 5 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 DisplayPort ports, supporting dual-monitor connections. Additionally, a wireless keyboard and mouse are included.
Rank #4
- 【AN INDUSTRY LEADER】- As a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, we pride ourselves on producing quality remanufactured PCs. Every machine is handled with care, and our experts are dedicated to giving them a new life. We are committed to reducing e-waste, and it is our goal to ensure each machine we process can satisfy our customers needs.
- 【PROCESSOR】- Intel Core i5 7500 (6MB Cache, 3.4GHz up to 3.8GHz Turbo Boost). TPM 2.0 is recommended for Windows 11, yet this PC only has TPM 1.2. This PC may not support all security features and newest updates.
- 【RAM & STORAGE】- 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Preloaded with Windows 11 Pro 64-bit.
- 【CONNECTIVITY】- 2x Display Port 1.2; 1x HDMI 1.4; 1x USB 3.0 Type C; 5x USB-A 3.0; 4x USB-A 2.0
- 【BUILT IN WIFI & BLUETOOTH】- Built-in Intel 7260 featuring the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi for enhanced wireless performance and integrated Bluetooth for seamless device connectivity.
Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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.
