iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
It depends on your PC’s measured electricity use and the Gyre plan you actually need. OBS Studio has no software subscription fee, but running it around the clock uses power; Gyre starts at $49 per month for one simultaneous HD stream and runs the broadcast from its cloud. Measure the PC’s incremental power draw and compare the resulting electricity cost with Gyre’s plan price before deciding.
How to compare the monthly cost
Use this calculation for the electricity attributable to streaming:
Monthly PC electricity cost = average incremental PC watts ÷ 1,000 × streaming hours in the billing month × electricity price per kWh.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Measure the entire PC at the wall while it is performing the streaming task you intend to run. A plug-in electricity monitor can help. Measure over a representative period rather than relying on a guessed wattage.
- If the PC would already be on, estimate only the additional power caused by streaming. If it would otherwise be off, include its full measured consumption during the stream.
- Use the all-in price per kilowatt-hour from your electricity bill where possible. The U.S. Energy Information Administration explains the distinction: watts measure power, while kilowatt-hours measure energy consumed over time (EIA: Measuring electricity).
- Compare that electricity cost with the Gyre tier that fits your stream count, resolution, storage, and workflow needs. Include other costs only if they genuinely apply to you, such as buying replacement hardware or a dedicated internet connection.
For context, the EIA’s May 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook forecast an average U.S. residential summer 2026 electricity price of 18.27 cents per kWh (EIA Table SF02). That is a national forecast, not an individual household rate or a substitute for your local tariff.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 3-year limited warranty (1 year replacement + 2 years parts replacement) for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase effective on all sales starting Oct. 2026. 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
What Gyre costs and what each tier includes
Gyre’s official pricing page, accessed October 3, 2026, lists these one-month prices and plan details. Its page also displays lower multi-month totals and discounts, so check the live plan page and checkout terms for the billing interval you choose.
| Plan | Listed monthly price | Simultaneous streams | Storage and workflow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | $49/month | One HD stream | 35 GB; no watermark |
| Start+ | $99/month | Four HD streams or one 4K stream | 75 GB; playlists and scheduling |
| PRO+ | $169/month | Eight HD streams or two 4K streams | 150 GB; playlists and scheduling |
The listed free trial is seven days and includes one Full HD 30fps stream, 20 GB storage for up to 15 files, and a Gyre watermark. Confirm exact terms at checkout. Source: Gyre’s official homepage and pricing.
A creator running a single HD channel should compare OBS electricity cost with Start rather than automatically pricing the higher tiers. The higher plans add simultaneous-stream capacity or workflow features; they are not necessary just because the channel is live 24/7.
The Tool Desk
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 →Rank #2
- 【Great power in a small computer】Get fast performance from the Ryzen 5 3501U processor (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 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 three 4K screens】Connect three monitors for more space to work or play. 1*Type-C 3.2 DP+DATA+PD and 2*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 (2*USB3.2, 2*USB 2.0, 1*Type-C 3.2 DP+DATA+PD, 1*Type-C 2.0, 2*HDMI 4K60Hz) for your printer, webcam, or other computer accessories.
- 【Ready to use, saves space, and runs quiet】This mini desktop computer comes with the OS 11 Pro operating system pre-installed, so you can set it up and start using it immediately. Its compact, small form factor not only saves valuable desk space but also operates very quietly, ensuring it won't distract you whether you're working, studying, or streaming media.
What each option does—and what the costs leave out
OBS Studio on your own PC
OBS Studio is free and open source under GPLv2, and its official site says it can be used commercially without restrictions (OBS Studio). It runs locally as recording and live-streaming software, so your PC and internet connection have to remain active for the broadcast. Its zero software subscription price does not mean zero operating cost: count the computer’s incremental electricity consumption, and any applicable hardware or connection costs.
Gyre in the cloud
Gyre streams prerecorded files from its cloud service. The computer and home connection do not need to stay online to send the broadcast. That can be useful if you do not want to leave a PC running, but the subscription price is only one part of the choice: compare the plan’s stream capacity, resolution, storage, playlists, scheduling, and watermark against your needs. The source set does not establish independent uptime measurements or a controlled cost comparison.
StreamNeo as another cloud option
StreamNeo is a cloud service for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos. It is an alternative to consider first if your priority is an always-on cloud stream, any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and a free first day. Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB storage per slot pooled across active slots, 24/7 looping and playlists, automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream, and StreamNeo team support. See StreamNeo for details.
Rank #3
- Jasper Lake Architecture Intel N4500 Processor – The Bmax B3Pro Mini PC is powered by the Jasper Lake Architecture Intel N4500 processor with 2 cores, 2 threads, 4MB cache and a burst frequency up to 2.8GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N4500 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, Expandable up to 4TB – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, the B3 Pro provides responsive performance for everyday computing, with quick startup and smooth multitasking. Featuring a dual M.2 SSD slot design (1× SATA + 1× NVMe), it allows flexible storage expansion up to 4TB, giving you more space for applications, files, media, and other digital content
- Rich Interfaces & Reliable Connectivity – The B3 Pro Windows 11 Pro mini PC is equipped with USB 3.0 with data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, dual HDMI 2.0 outputs supporting up to 4K@60Hz, and a 3.5mm audio jack. With WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000Mbps), it easily connects to monitors, projectors, printers, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals for convenient home, office, and everyday use
- Dual 4K Display Support – Featuring upgraded Intel UHD Graphics (up to 2.8GHz), the B3Pro 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
- Bmax WARRANTY - Bmax offers a 1-year limited Bmax'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
StreamNeo’s monthly option is $9.99 per month. A first day is free with no card, one free day per account. The same product is on every plan; only the billing length changes. UPI and cards are accepted in India, and card checkout is available worldwide. For five or more slots, contact support.
Which option is cheaper for your channel?
On direct software-plus-electricity cost, OBS is cheaper when your measured incremental PC electricity cost is below the Gyre tier you would actually use. If the electricity alone exceeds that tier’s price, Gyre may be cheaper on those two line items. Neither comparison accounts automatically for your time, hardware wear, internet costs, or the value you place on running the stream from the cloud.
- Choose OBS when you want local control, already keep a capable PC running, and the measured extra power cost is acceptable.
- Consider Gyre when you want cloud delivery and its plan capacity or workflow features fit your channel better than running a PC locally.
- Consider StreamNeo when you want a cloud loop for uploaded videos, per-slot pricing regardless of quality up to 4K 60fps, and automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
Encoder settings and YouTube requirements
YouTube’s current encoder guidance lists RTMP and RTMPS delivery and resolution-specific bitrate recommendations; it recommends RTMPS for encrypted delivery. Use the settings for your chosen output resolution and follow YouTube’s current guidance at Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions. Correct encoder settings help meet YouTube’s delivery requirements, but they do not establish how reliably a particular PC, connection, or cloud service will run.
Rank #4
- 【Powerful & Efficient Performance】Powered by the Intel Celeron J3355 Processor (up to 2.5GHz), this Mini PC delivers a 25% performance boost over previous generations. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Home and supporting Linux/Ubuntu, it’s the ideal micro desktop for seamless web browsing, document editing, and efficient daily office tasks.
- 【Massive Storage & Unique Expansion】Equipped with 6GB LPDDR3 RAM and 128GB onboard storage for fast boot-ups. Stand out with our dual M.2 SSD slot design (1x SATA + 1x NVMe), allowing you to easily expand storage up to 2TB without replacing the original drive. Perfect for managing large digital libraries and intensive multitasking.
- 【Stunning 4K Dual HDMI Display】Boost your productivity with Intel HD Graphics 500 and dual HDMI ports, supporting 4K @60Hz high-definition visuals. Connect two monitors simultaneously to streamline your workflow—ideal for home office setups, stock trading, or enjoying a theater-like 4K media experience.
- 【Ultra-Compact & Space-Saving Design】Measuring only 4.2x4.1x1.4 inches and weighing just 0.49 lbs, this palm-sized mini computer fits anywhere. Use the included VESA bracket to mount it behind your monitor for a zero-clutter workspace. Features a smart silent fan and heat sink system for quiet, reliable 24/7 operation.
- 【Stable Connectivity & Smart Recovery】Stay connected with Dual-Band WiFi (2.4G/5G), Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. Exclusive One-Click Restore feature (via F9 key) allows for quick system recovery in minutes. Backed by Bmax's 12-month warranty and lifetime technical support for a worry-free purchase.
Whether you use OBS or a cloud service, the stream must comply with YouTube’s rules, including copyright requirements. Replaying prerecorded material does not by itself establish that you have permission to use it or that a channel qualifies for monetization. Gyre’s API guide says monetization on third-party-created streams depends on enabling a YouTube Studio monetization default and describes API controls for ads on eligible broadcasts; that is Gyre’s guidance, not a determination of any channel’s eligibility or likely revenue (Gyre API automation guide).
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Your upload streams as made, at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot; there are no quality tiers. If YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo automatically recovers. The first day is free with no card, and the Monthly price is $9.99 per month. Start at StreamNeo’s free trial.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
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.
