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A fanless mini PC drawing 14.7–17.9 watts at the wall would use about 10.584–12.888 kWh over a 30-day month of nonstop YouTube playback. At an illustrative electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh, that is roughly $1.27–$1.55 in variable usage cost. Your actual bill depends on your local rate and the power draw of your own setup.
Estimate the monthly electricity cost
Use the computer’s average power draw at the wall while it is doing the job—not its processor’s thermal design power (TDP) or the maximum output printed on its power adapter.
- Calculate energy: average wall power in watts × operating hours ÷ 1,000 = energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Calculate variable usage cost: energy in kWh × your electricity price per kWh.
A 30-day month contains 720 hours. At 14.7 W, the calculation is 14.7 × 720 ÷ 1,000 = 10.584 kWh. At 17.9 W, it is 17.9 × 720 ÷ 1,000 = 12.888 kWh. Multiply those totals by the usage rate on your bill to estimate the device’s energy charge.
For example, at $0.12/kWh, the lower estimate is 10.584 × $0.12 = about $1.27, and the upper estimate is 12.888 × $0.12 = about $1.55. The $0.12 rate is only an arithmetic example, not a verified current rate for any particular location. If your electricity plan uses time-of-use pricing, divide the running hours and energy among the applicable rate periods and use each period’s rate. Fixed account charges are not caused by the mini PC, so do not include them when calculating its marginal usage cost.
#1 Best Overall
- Latest Celeron N150 Processor - The MeLE Mini PC equipped with the powerful latest N150 processor. Featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, with speeds of up to 3.6GHz, this micro PC delivers a 40% performance boost compared to its predecessors, the Celeron N5095 and N5105. With a low TDP of just 8W, it achieves robust performance at an exceptionally low power consumption. It pre-installed the Windows 11 Pro system, also support Linux, Ubuntu, you can choose what you need.
- High-Speed Performance and Expandable Storage - Enjoy faster computing with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Ideal for home working, business offices, IOT, school education, and billboards. Expand storage effortlessly with a Micro SD card slot (up to 2TB) and an internal M.2 2280 SSD slot (up to 4TB, supporting both Nvme and SATA M.2 SSD)
- Triple 4K Display and Full-Function USB-C - Maximize your visual experience with triple displays supported by the ultra HD graphics card (4K@60Hz). Two HDMI ports and a full-function USB-C allow simultaneous triple display, enhancing your work efficiency. The USB-C PD3.0 port supports 4K display, data transfer, and power input, reducing cord clutter and optimizing your workspace
- Wi-Fi 5 & Bluetooth 5.1 and PD3.0 technology - The Mele mini PC incorporates advanced Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1 technologies, ensuring reliable dual-band connectivity (2.4GHz and 5GHz). With PD 3.0 technology, the mini PC can charge from 12V to 20V, providing flexibility with power sources (minimum 36W). Enjoy the convenience of a portable desktop PC anytime, anywhere, with swift connectivity and adaptable charging options
- Elegant Fanless Cooling Design - This fanless PC features passive cooling system that prevents overheat. It provides a quiet and stable computing environment,supports 24/7 operation. While its unique design ensures dust resistance and silent operation, please note that fanless mini PCs will have a surface temperature of 55°C to 70°C, which is hotter than the case temperature of traditional fan-cooled mini PCs, but meets the safety standards of the International Electrotechnical IEC62368-1:2018
What the fanless mini PC test measured
CNX Software reported 14.7–17.9 W at the wall while a fanless MINIX NEO Z100-0dB played YouTube in Chrome at 8K60 under Windows 11. The tested setup also had Wi-Fi 6, a keyboard-and-mouse RF dongle, and a VGA display connected through an HDMI-to-VGA adapter. The review reported idle draw of 8.9–9.2 W. See CNX Software’s Windows 11 test.
In a separate test of the same model, CNX Software reported the same 14.7–17.9 W range during YouTube 8Kp60 playback in Firefox on Ubuntu 22.04, with idle draw of 7.5–7.6 W. That setup included Wi-Fi 6, two USB RF dongles, and a VGA monitor connected through an HDMI adapter. The Ubuntu test found that 8Kp60 playback was not watchable in that setup because it dropped many frames; the power reading is not a recommendation to stream at 8K. The matching ranges from these two reports are useful as examples, but do not establish that operating system, browser, video settings, peripherals, or workload never affect power use on other computers. See CNX Software’s Ubuntu test.
Rank #2
- Processor of the Mini Desktop Computer: 4 cores i7 CPU, 8 MB Cache, Base Frequency 1.8GHz, Max Turbo Frequency 4.6GHz, 14 nm Lithography.
- RAM & Drive of The Mini Desktop Computer: 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD(Solid State Disk).
- Graphics of the Mini Computer: UHD Graphics 620, 4096x2304, 4K High Definition streaming capability and dual Monitor Support via HD&VGA Ports.
- Features of the Industrial PC: Fanless, all metal case, 2x COM RS232
- What's in Box: 1 x Mini PC, 1 x Power Supply, 1 x Power Cable, 1 x HD Cable, 2 x Antennas, 2 x Sata wires, Screws
These are readings for one fanless Intel N100 mini PC configuration, not an average for all fanless mini PCs. A different model, video, resolution, browser, network setup, or attached equipment may draw a different amount. The reports identify connected display and USB equipment, but do not establish that every separately powered peripheral is included in the PC’s wall reading.
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Measure your own setup for a better estimate
- Place a plug-in wall electricity meter between the outlet and the mini PC’s power adapter.
- Run the YouTube playback workload you actually plan to use, including your intended browser, resolution, and connected equipment.
- Let the reading represent a typical operating period, then use the meter’s average watts or recorded kWh in the monthly calculation.
- Decide whether you want the computer-only cost or the full setup cost. For the latter, include other powered equipment, such as a separately powered display or network devices; for the former, exclude or separately account for those loads.
CNX Software used wall power meters for its cited tests. Measuring at the outlet captures the mini PC’s actual draw through its power adapter. An adapter’s maximum output rating describes its capacity, not what the computer continuously consumes.
Rank #3
- 【7x24 Reliable N100 Performance for Business】– This mele mini pc runs N100 quad-core processor (up to 3.4GHz) with 8GB LPDDR5 memory and 128GB eMMC – delivering sustained performance for industrial automation, IoT gateways, and 24/7 digital signage. Pre-installed windows 11 Pro, also supports Linux and Ubuntu. Built for IT managers who need always-on systems.
- 【Business-Grade Storage – 128GB eMMC with ≥2,500 P/E Cycles】– This mele pcg02 equipped with high-endurance TLC eMMC 5.1 storage with 2,500 P/E cycles – 2.5× the endurance of QLC-based alternatives. Real-world lifespan of 18–20 years at 20GB writes per day, accounting for OS reserve space and real-world write amplification. Built for 7×24 commercial operation, digital signage, and the 5-year business refresh cycle. it supports expand storage via Micro SD card slot (up to 1TB) if you need.
- 【Rich I/O for Seamless Connectivity】 – This mini pc stick built-in male HDMI 2.0 plugs straight into your monitor or TV, no cable needed, while full-function USB-C (DP1.4) drives a second 4K@60Hz display. Also includes 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2, PD3.0 power delivery, Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band WiFi 5, and BT 5.1, widely compatible with monitors, TVs, and projectors. Ideal for video conferencing, meeting, digital signage.
- 【Engineering Excellence – Quiet Fanless Design】–This pc stick adopt true passive cooling design: quiet, no dust ingress, no moving parts to fail. Ultra-compact computer stick at 137.5×53×16.3mm (5.4×2.1×0.64 in), 130g (0.29 lb), with VESA mount for hidden installation behind monitors. Precision triangular grooves on top and bottom double the heat dissipation area for reliable passive cooling. Surface temp may reach 55–70°C under load — normal for fanless systems, compliant with IEC 62368-1:2018.
- 【Smart Commercial Features】 – The fanless pc stick comes with Kensington Lock Slot, Wake-on-LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake, and Auto Power On, which automatically restarts the system after power outages—critical for digital signage, billboards, and kiosks at remote or unattended sites where manual rebooting is impossible. Ideal for office productivity and IoT deployments where reliability meets value.
Do not confuse local playback with running a live channel
This estimate concerns a mini PC playing a YouTube stream locally. If you mean keeping a YouTube channel live around the clock by broadcasting prerecorded videos, that is a different task: a local computer may need to remain powered and connected, while a cloud service can run the uploaded content independently. StreamNeo is one cloud option for YouTube: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it does not broadcast a live camera feed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, you upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The stream runs from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; StreamNeo also automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Unbeatable Fanless Performance for Demanding Tasks --MeLE Quieter 4C fanless mini pc is powered by faster N150 processor (up to 3.6GHz), 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB L3 Smart Cache with TDP 8W. N150 mini pc delivers more than 35% higher performance than N5105/N5095 CPU, with lower power consumption, and it can support 7/24 stable performance. Ideal for business, industrial, office, education and entertainment.
- The Secret to a Perfectly Clean & Silent Workspace -- Zero noise. Zero clutter. This N150 mini pc delivers 0dB noise for absolute silence and enhanced reliability. It’s the perfect companion for students, researchers, or remote workers who need to focus in quiet spaces like libraries or home studies. With its incredibly compact size (5.2”x3.2”x0.7”,0.44lb), it fits anywhere. Use the included VESA mount to hide it behind your monitor or TV, instantly decluttering your desk or living room.
- Triple Displays, Triple Your Productivity -- Stop window-hopping. Drive three independent 4K displays (via 2x HDMI 2.0 + 1x USB-C) from this single, tiny device. Perfect for financial analysts, developers, or content creators who need expansive screen real estate. Perfect for industrial automation controls, IoT device connectivity in smart retail, and specialized setups like astrophotography control stations. Unlocked BIOS supports auto‑power‑on for set‑and‑forget operation.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM + 512GB NVMe SSD, Expand Up to 4TB+ -- MeLE N150 mini PC combines 16GB of upgradeable RAM with a 512GB SSD, it offers ultimate flexibility with an empty M.2 2280 NVMe slot and a Micro SD card slot, allowing you to add massive storage. This scalable setup, combined with native Win 11 Pro and full Linux compatibility, creates a truly customizable foundation for professionals managing large files—from business presentations to high-resolution images and large media files.
- The Complete Connectivity Solution — WiFi 5, BT5.1, Gigabit LAN -- MeLE mini pc Quieter4C N150 16GB equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, and Gigabit Ethernet, it ensures reliable networking for IoT device connectivity in smart retail and industrial settings. The rich I/O ports allow easy connection to medical sensors, classroom projectors, barcode scanners, and PLCs, creating the perfect workstation, classroom, or home theater.
Rank #4
- Efficient Performance：NEO Z300-0dB Powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N N300 octa-core processor and Intel UHD Graphics, Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro, this N300 mini PC ensures fast and smooth handling of daily office tasks and web browsing, as a compact mini desktop computer
- Silent Fanless Design：With a fanless mini PC passive cooling system, this micro mini computer is perfect for quiet environments. The top cover may become warm, please keep it out of children's reach. Ideal for those seeking a silent mini PC.
- Reliable 24/7 Operation：Engineered for continuous 24/7 operation, this mini PC Windows 11 Pro device maintains top performance under heavy loads, ensuring consistent and reliable computing without any performance drops.
- Durable Anti-Static Protection：The anti-static design of this small PC safeguards the system against electromagnetic interference, prolonging the hardware's life and ensuring stable and long-lasting performance in your mini computers.
- Effective Multitasking：The multi-core architecture of this mini desktop computer supports efficient multitasking, enabling smooth operation of various applications, whether for office work, web browsing, or media tasks.
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