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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe electricity cost depends on the EliteDesk Mini’s average power draw at the wall and your electricity rate—not on the HP name alone. Use this formula: (average watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × price per kWh. For a 30-day month (720 hours), illustrative draws of 10 W, 20 W and 40 W would cost $1.08, $2.16 and $4.32 respectively at $0.15/kWh. These are examples, not measured consumption figures for a refurbished EliteDesk.
Because “EliteDesk Mini” covers multiple models and configurations, the only reliable estimate for your machine is to measure its actual streaming workload and apply your local tariff. Internet service, hardware costs and backup equipment are separate expenses.
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Calculate the electricity cost for your own Mini
Measure the computer’s average wall draw while it is running the stream, then insert that figure and your electricity rate into the formula:
Monthly electricity cost = (average watts ÷ 1,000) × hours in the billing period × price per kWh
#1 Best Overall
- 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9500T 6-Core 2.20 GHz Processor (9MB SmartCache, up to 3.70 GHz)
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory, 256GB NVMe Solid State Drive, Windows 10 Professional (64-bit)
- Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Dual-Band (2.4 & 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0
- 6 x USB Type-A, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 Output, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 Output
- USB Wi-Fi adaptor
A plug-in energy meter at the wall measures the computer together with power-supply losses. Let the stream settle into its normal workload first. If power use varies, measure over a representative interval long enough to average those changes. This article has no measured wattage for an EliteDesk Mini.
Illustrative 30-day examples
The following arithmetic uses a hypothetical electricity price of $0.15/kWh and 720 hours (30 days). The wattages are scenarios, not a benchmark or manufacturer specification for a streaming EliteDesk.
Rank #2
- Processor: HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini Desktop Business Computer is driven by intel core i5-10500T with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. WIFI and bluetooth have been built.
| Hypothetical average wall draw | Calculation | Electricity cost for 30 days |
|---|---|---|
| 10 W | 0.010 kW × 720 h × $0.15/kWh | $1.08 |
| 20 W | 0.020 kW × 720 h × $0.15/kWh | $2.16 |
| 40 W | 0.040 kW × 720 h × $0.15/kWh | $4.32 |
Use the hours in your actual billing period: 31 days is 744 hours, while 28 days is 672. The result rises or falls in direct proportion to the wattage, hours and tariff. For example, doubling any one of those inputs doubles the calculated cost.
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Model and configuration
“HP EliteDesk Mini” is not one fixed hardware configuration. HP’s EliteDesk 805 G8 Desktop Mini data sheet, for example, documents a specific generation and lists processor configurations including the Ryzen 7 PRO 5750G. It does not establish the power draw of your refurbished unit while streaming. Do not treat a specification for one configuration as a measured figure for another.
Rank #3
- Powerful Performance: Intel Core i5 Hexa Core processor for reliable multitasking and smooth computing.
- Fast & Efficient: 16GB DDR4 RAM and 250GB SSD for quick startup and performance.
- Windows 11 Pro: Modern operating system with professional-grade tools and enhanced security.
- Compact Design: Space-saving mini chassis fits neatly on or under your desk.
- Renewed Quality: Professionally tested and renewed to perform like new; may show minor cosmetic wear.
Encoding workload and stream settings
Resolution, frame rate and encoding can affect the computer’s workload, but YouTube’s published settings are delivery recommendations—not estimates of a particular PC’s power use. YouTube supports H.264, H.265/HEVC and AV1 ingestion, frame rates up to 60 fps, and constant-bitrate encoding. Its H.264 recommendations include 5 Mbps for 1080p30 and 8 Mbps for 720p60. It recommends a two-second keyframe interval, no longer than four seconds, and transcodes incoming streams for different viewer formats. See YouTube’s encoder settings.
Choose settings your specific encoder and upload connection can sustain, and measure the Mini while it is running those settings. A different resolution or encoder workload may produce a different average draw; the published bitrate figures do not predict the change in watts.
Rank #4
- This HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini Computer features the Intel Core i7-9700T. It is a high-performance 9th generation CPU with 8 cores and 8 threads. It operates at a base frequency of 2.0GHz and can boost up to 4.8GHz with Intel Turbo Boost technology, providing excellent processing power for multitasking and demanding applications.
- This HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini Desktop is equipped with 16GB of RAM. It ensures smooth multitasking performance, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without slowdowns or bottlenecks. It provides ample memory for productivity tasks, creative work, and even light gaming. 512GB of hard drive for your daily storage needs for lots of pictures, videos, and applications.
- This HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini PC desktop has USB 3.0 ports, 2 DisplayPorts, VGA port, and also includes a keyboard and mouse.
- This HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini desktop come pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, that runs fast and smooth, making it a great choice for work and everyday use.
Electricity tariff and other equipment
Use the per-kWh rate that applies to your location and plan. If a router, modem, monitor or UPS will also remain on specifically for the stream, measure or estimate those devices separately and add their electricity use. Do not include a device that would be on anyway if you only want the stream’s additional cost.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Can a refurbished HP EliteDesk Mini run a YouTube stream 24/7?
It can be a local streaming computer if its hardware, encoder and internet upload connection sustain the chosen stream. Whether a particular refurbished unit can do so reliably cannot be established from its product-family name alone. Confirm its exact model and condition, test the real workload, and monitor YouTube’s stream health rather than assuming the machine is suitable based on a data sheet.
Best Value
- 【Excellent Performance】The HP EliteDesk 800 G3 is a high-performance Mini Desktop PC equipped with a high-performance processor, large RAM, and a fast solid-state drive to provide users with a responsive and efficient computing experience.
- 【Processor】6th Gen Intel Quad Core i5-6500, 3.2 GHz base frequency, up to 3.6 GHz maximum Turbo Frequency, with Intel HD Graphics 530, which is a powerful and responsive processor that can meet the needs of different users.
- 【Storage & Memory】16GB DDR4 RAM can easily cope with multitasking and large software operation, ensuring smooth operation and fast response; 256GB Solid State Drive has both the system speed and the space to store data for a variety of needs.
- 【Dual 4K Monitor Support】 refurbished windows 11 computer is equip with 2 display port and 1 Type-c port, makes this 800 G3 Mini easy to connect two monitors at the same time, which easily improve work efficiency.
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Pro - a powerful, secure, compatible, and more manageable operating system that helps you better manage and protect your devices and data for greater productivity and security.
Check YouTube’s channel and encoder requirements
- YouTube’s live-streaming tips say the channel must be verified and must have no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days. Follow the current YouTube live-stream setup tips.
- Use an encoder and ingest configuration supported by YouTube, then preview and test before relying on a continuous stream. YouTube advises testing with content resembling the stream and monitoring stream health.
- Plan upload bandwidth, not just download speed. YouTube recommends capacity for the primary and backup stream bitrates with 20% headroom, and advises testing the actual upload bitrate. Its streaming tips cover preparation and connection checks.
For a stream made from prerecorded videos
A continuous stream assembled from uploaded or prerecorded videos is different from a live camera or other live local input. YouTube’s encoder directory describes Gyre as a cloud-based tool for 24/7 streams of prerecorded videos. A cloud option can avoid leaving a local Mini on for that use case, but no current service price or comparison with your electricity bill is established here. A service intended for prerecorded videos is not a replacement for a computer capturing genuinely live input.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the electricity estimate leaves out
The formula covers electricity for the devices included in the measurement; it is not the full cost of operating a channel or stream. Account separately for:
- Internet service charges, which are not part of the PC electricity calculation.
- The refurbished computer’s purchase price, repairs and eventual replacement.
- UPS or battery costs, including replacement; its electricity use can be included if measured.
- Any cloud-streaming subscription you choose to use.
To compare a local Mini with a cloud service for prerecorded video, compare the service’s current subscription cost with the Mini’s measured electricity cost, while accounting for the PC purchase and replacement costs as well. Also consider whether the stream needs genuinely live local input, your connection and power reliability, and how much local setup and control you want. Without your measured draw, tariff and the service’s applicable price, there is no grounded universal cost winner.
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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.
