Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →There is no universal cheaper option: compare the Hetzner server’s full regional bill—including transfer, IPv4 and VAT—with the electricity used by your own desktop. Hetzner’s listed CX23 price in Germany and Finland is €5.49 per month before IPv4 and VAT, but that is a compute-price anchor, not an all-in 24/7 streaming bill. A desktop you already own avoids a new server charge, but its power use, home connection and maintenance still matter.
What a fair monthly comparison includes
Compare the same video, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, audio settings, number of destinations and operating hours on both setups. Otherwise, the figures do not describe equivalent streams. YouTube publishes encoder settings and recommends RTMPS for Live ingestion: YouTube Live encoder settings.
| Cost or consideration | Hetzner Cloud | Spare desktop at home |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cash cost | Compute, plus applicable IPv4, VAT, network transfer, storage and backup charges. Check the current configurator and terms for your location and account. | Electricity based on measured average power draw and your tariff; include incremental equipment or networking costs if applicable. Do not count the desktop’s purchase price if you already own it. |
| Ongoing work | Configure and maintain the server, stream software and recovery process. | Keep the machine, household power and internet connection available; handle failures and updates. |
| Dependency | Cloud provider and server configuration. | Home power, PC and ISP. |
| Archive needs | Neither location changes YouTube’s archive behavior for long streams. | Neither location changes YouTube’s archive behavior for long streams. |
Compute price alone is not enough to compare: a continuous stream sends data out for the full time it runs. Check the current transfer allowance and overage terms for the Hetzner plan you select rather than assuming transfer is free. The cost dimensions to account for include compute, transfer, storage, backups and operating time: StreamNeo’s cloud-versus-PC cost comparison.
Hetzner Cloud’s listed price—and what it leaves out
Hetzner’s official price-adjustment page says new prices for new orders and cloud instance rescales took effect June 15, 2026. Its table lists a CX23 at €5.49 per month for Germany and Finland, excluding IPv4 and VAT; the USA-region table lists $6.49 per month on the same stated exclusions. These are regional listed prices, not a complete invoice. Verify the live configuration, transfer allowance, IP treatment, taxes, and any storage or backup line items for your account and location on Hetzner’s price adjustment page.
#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
A CX23’s listed price does not establish that the instance will handle every stream. Workload depends on the content, resolution, frame rate, encoding method and simultaneous outputs. The available sources do not establish a universal minimum instance size for a 24/7 loop. Test your actual stream and monitor encoder health before relying on a particular configuration.
Calculate the spare desktop’s electricity cost
Use the desktop’s average power draw while streaming—not its power-supply rating—and your own electricity price:
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.
Monthly energy cost = average watts ÷ 1,000 × operating hours × price per kWh.
For a 30-day month, continuous operation is 720 hours. For example, if your measured draw is W watts and your tariff is P per kWh, the calculation is (W ÷ 1,000) × 720 × P. The result changes with both inputs, so do not treat an example wattage as a typical desktop figure.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #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.
StreamNeo’s cost comparison uses 120 W as an illustrative input; it is not a measurement of the reader’s computer or a claim about typical desktop consumption. To make your estimate more useful, measure the PC during the actual streaming workload with a plug-in energy monitor, then use your household tariff. The example and calculator are at StreamNeo’s cloud-vs-PC cost calculator.
Check whether the stream workload is actually equivalent
A prerecorded loop and a changing live camera feed are different workloads. A stream’s encoding approach and profile affect what the server or desktop has to do. Before comparing bills, write down the actual output settings and use the same ones for each option. YouTube’s current ingestion guidance covers resolution and bitrate settings and recommends RTMPS: YouTube encoder settings.
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.
Bitrate also affects continuous outbound data. Estimate monthly transfer from the bitrate and hours you plan to stream, then compare that amount with the plan’s current allowance and overage terms. Do not infer that a low compute charge makes a high-volume 24/7 stream inexpensive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not assume a 24/7 stream will have a complete YouTube archive
YouTube warns: “If your live stream exceeds 12 hours, it may not be captured at all.” If you need a complete recording, plan for that separately—for example, keep a local recording or divide the stream into shorter sessions. See YouTube’s live stream archive help page.
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 based on your own inputs and operating constraints
- A desktop may cost less in monthly cash if you already own it, its measured energy cost is low, and your home connection and power are suitable. Include any incremental networking or equipment costs.
- Hetzner may fit better operationally if you want the stream independent of your home PC and connection, and the full cloud bill—including transfer, IP and tax—works for your budget. You take on server configuration and maintenance.
- Neither option has a universal reliability advantage established here. A home setup depends on the local machine, power and ISP; a cloud setup depends on the provider and your server configuration. Consider how you will detect and recover from an interruption.
- Put a value on your time separately. Setup, updates, monitoring and recovery are real costs even when you do not assign them a dollar amount.
If you need an accurate desktop estimate, measure its draw under the intended workload and apply the formula above. For the cloud estimate, verify the current regional configuration and all billable lines. The cheapest choice can change with location, tariff, traffic and stream settings.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a prerecorded YouTube loop, StreamNeo is an alternative to operating a server or leaving a desktop on: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream a live camera feed.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- Any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps streams as made, at one flat price per slot.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required; one free day is available per account.
Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Plans include one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops, and support from the StreamNeo team; the plan differs by billing duration. 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.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
