Calculate your cost
Start with the example below, then replace the wattage, daily runtime, and rate with the numbers for your gaming PC.
This setup uses about 60 kWh in a 30-day month.
Please enter valid values within the ranges shown.
| Schedule | Hours/day | Cost/month |
|---|---|---|
| Half runtime | 2 | $5.65 |
| Page example | 4 | $11.30 |
| Longer runtime | 6 | $16.95 |
Same 500-watt input and 18.83¢/kWh rate; only runtime changes.
Formula for the page example
0.5 kW × 4 hr × $0.1883 = $0.38 per day
Convert watts to kilowatts, multiply by the active hours used each day, then multiply by the electricity price in dollars per kWh. Multiply the daily result by 30 for the monthly estimate shown above.
How to read this estimate
A gaming PC's draw changes with the game, frame rate, graphics settings, and installed hardware. The number on the power supply is its maximum capacity, not constant consumption, so a wall meter is the better source for this estimate.
Use this as a baseline until you can check the label or measure the gaming PC directly. Model, settings, condition, climate, and household routine can all change the result.
What changes the cost?
- 01
GPU and CPU load, frame rate, and graphics settings
- 02
Monitor count, display brightness, and peripheral devices
- 03
Idle time, sleep settings, and power-supply efficiency
Ways to spend less
- Cap unnecessary frame rates and use balanced power settings.
- Enable sleep after a short idle period.
- Turn off secondary displays and accessories when they are not needed.