Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11At the 2025 U.S. residential average electricity rate of 17.30¢ per kWh, a computer drawing an average of 10 W at the wall would cost about $15.15 in electricity for a year of uninterrupted operation. At 20 W, it would be about $30.31; at 35 W, about $53.04. These are illustrative calculations, not measurements of a particular Intel mini PC or FFmpeg setup. Your result depends on the whole computer’s average wall power, your electricity rate, and how many hours it runs.
Calculate the annual electricity cost
For a computer running continuously all year, use:
Annual cost = average wall power in watts ÷ 1,000 × 8,760 × electricity price per kWh
The 8,760 represents the hours in a 365-day year. Dividing watts by 1,000 converts watts to kilowatts. Use the all-in marginal rate from your own electricity bill, expressed in dollars per kWh. For a machine that runs for only part of the year, replace 8,760 with its actual annual operating hours.
Examples at the 2025 U.S. residential average
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2026 publication of preliminary 2025 data reports a U.S. residential average of 17.30¢/kWh, or $0.173/kWh. Applying that rate to continuous annual operation gives:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- 【Powerful Performance】GMKtec M2 Pro S mini computer is equipped with 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, main frequency up to 4.8 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB cache, running much faster than i7-10810U, i5-12450H and i5-8259U, Wins PC series The power is only 35W, supporting your daily work with less power consumption, without delaying daily tasks
- GMKtec M2 Pro S Mini PC with Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EU GPU — Powered by Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 96 Execution Units, delivering up to 5× higher graphics performance than entry-level integrated GPUs. Enjoy smoother multi-monitor output, faster media processing, and playable casual gaming. Designed for users who need real GPU performance for productivity, creative tasks, and immersive visuals — not just basic display output.
- 【Storage Capacity】16GB DDR4 and 512GB NVME SSD Desktop computer Comes with 16GB SODIMM, dual-channel DDR4 supports expansion up to 64GB. 512GB SSD M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe3.0), supports expansion to 2TB, in addition, M.2 2242 SATA can be expanded to 2TB
- 【Wide Connectivity】The GMKtec M2 Pro S mini computer supports a range of connectivity options, including WiFi 6, USB4.0, BT 5.2, DP, HDMI, and RJ45 2.5G, allowing you to connect to multiple devices and peripherals from a single device.
- 【4K UHD & 3 Screens Support】Mini PC with Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EU GPU delivers high-quality graphics for the most demanding applications, 2 x HDMI (4K @ 60Hz) and 1 x USB Type-C (4K @ 60Hz) output terminals, allowing you to independently display 4K screens on 3 displays at the same time
| Average wall power | Annual energy | Approximate yearly electricity cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 87.6 kWh | $15.15 |
| 20 W | 175.2 kWh | $30.31 |
| 35 W | 306.6 kWh | $53.04 |
The wattage figures are example scenarios chosen to show how the calculation changes; they are not measured or guaranteed draws for Intel mini PCs running FFmpeg. Electricity rates vary by location, and a household’s actual tariff may differ from the national average. The EIA also reports a 2025 U.S. all-sector average of 13.63¢/kWh; that figure is not a substitute for the rate on a home user’s bill.
Measure the mini PC instead of guessing
The most useful input is the average power drawn by the complete computer at the wall while it performs the stream you intend to run. A plug-in electricity usage monitor can measure it. Connect the whole mini PC through the meter, run the representative FFmpeg workload, and record the average watts over a period long enough to include normal variations in activity. Then put that average into the formula above.
Rank #2
- 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.
Keep the setup consistent with your intended stream: input and output resolution, frame rate, codec, filters, and whether encoding or decoding uses hardware acceleration. A measurement from an idle desktop or a different encode workload may not represent the streaming average. The available evidence does not establish a wall-power figure for a specific Intel mini PC and FFmpeg configuration.
Why TDP does not tell you the yearly bill
Intel defines TDP as a thermal design target associated with a theoretical maximum load, not as a measurement of the whole system’s electricity use at the wall. Intel notes that power consumption is lower under lighter loads and can temporarily exceed TDP in some conditions. TDP therefore cannot be substituted for average wall watts in the annual-cost formula.
Rank #3
- 12th INTEL ALDER LAKE N95 PROCESSOR - The G3S mini pc uses the 12th Intel N95 CPU 4 Core 4 Threads 6MB cache, burst speed up to 3.4GHz. Compared with (N100/N5105/N5100/N5095), the N95 offers an overall performance improvement of 36%. Ideal for routine tasks, office work and home entertainment,which is more convenient than traditional desktop pc
- 8GB RAM MEMORY & 256GB SSD STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3S mini pc is prebuilt with 8GB DDR4 RAM, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 256GB M.2 2242 SSD Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox G3 Plus mini computer is equipped with USB 3.2, up to 10Gbps/S, HDMI(4K@60Hz)×2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 5, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 1000MbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0. 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
- WiFi5 & BT5.0 - Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 enables you to connect multiple wireless devices such as mice, keyboard, monitoring equipment, printer and monitor. High-speed wireless connection technology, reliable and efficient transmission speed, providing a faster internet experience for browsing and streaming. Small pc supports Wake On LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake and Auto Power On, ideal to use as a server
A wall measurement includes the computer as a complete system, while CPU package power or a processor’s TDP describes something narrower. For a useful comparison between mini PCs, measure each one at the wall under the same representative FFmpeg stream and compare average watts. Keep the stream settings, hardware-acceleration choice, annual operating hours, and electricity rate alike.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What FFmpeg and Intel acceleration change
FFmpeg can read live inputs, filter or transcode media, and write outputs. Its documentation covers Intel Quick Sync Video acceleration, and Intel’s graphics media stack supports hardware-accelerated video encoding, decoding, and processing in FFmpeg, including VAAPI and Intel Media SDK/oneVPL paths. FFmpeg’s *_qsv codecs use VPL for encode and decode operations.
Rank #4
- 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD Storage – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2242 SSD, the G3 S mini desktop offers quicker startup, smoother multitasking, and faster file transfers. Enjoy seamless performance whether you’re working on multiple applications, browsing, or streaming content.
- Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
- Dual 4K Display Support – Featuring upgraded Intel UHD Graphics (up to 1000MHz), the G3 S supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding for a smooth viewing experience. With dual HDMI outputs, you can connect two 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously, enabling efficient multitasking for work and entertainment.
- GMKtec WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 1-year limited GMKtec's warranty for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC.
The available acceleration path and supported codecs depend on the Intel GPU, driver, FFmpeg build, and selected encoder. Hardware acceleration may change the work performed by the CPU and graphics hardware, so the resulting power draw is workload-specific; it does not establish a universal annual cost. Measure the configuration you plan to use rather than assuming that a particular codec or acceleration option has a fixed wattage.
What the estimate includes—and leaves out
The calculation estimates electricity for the computer only. It excludes internet service, the purchase price of the mini PC, cooling, and any other equipment used in the streaming setup. If you want a broader operating-cost comparison, account for those separately rather than adding them to the electricity figure without a basis.
Recommended Free Tools
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that stays live from uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative to keeping a mini PC running FFmpeg at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops the videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home; it does not stream from a camera.
- Your uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot rather than quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; one free day is available per account.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free day.
Quick Recap
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.
