There is no single monthly electricity cost for keeping YouTube streaming on a Dell Wyse thin client: it depends on the exact Wyse model, its average power draw at the wall while streaming, and your electricity rate. Calculate it as average watts × hours per day × days ÷ 1,000 × price per kWh. For a 30-day month, that is watts × 720 ÷ 1,000 × your rate.
How to calculate the monthly electricity cost
First determine the computer’s average power draw in watts while running the stream. Multiply that by the hours it runs, divide by 1,000 to convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours, then multiply by the price you pay per kilowatt-hour.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Monthly kWh = average watts × hours per day × days ÷ 1,000
Monthly electricity cost = monthly kWh × electricity price per kWh
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For continuous operation over 30 days, the computer runs for 720 hours. At the 2025 U.S. residential average of 17.30 cents per kWh, each watt of continuous average draw costs about $0.1246 for that month. The EIA marks its 2025 values preliminary; your own utility rate and billing structure are more relevant to your bill. See the EIA’s residential electricity price data.
#1 Best Overall
- Part Numbers: 4K8XT, FGYD2, 895W8, 2WDPR, C63YJ, 3C8N9, 5MXMG
- Ports 3 USB 2.0 1 USB 3.1 1 Audio-mic combo jack 2 DisplayPort
- Connectivity: RJ45 (Wired Ethernet)
- Chipset: Intel Quad Core 1.44 GHz
- Memory: 2GB RAM
What Dell’s published Wyse figures can—and can’t—tell you
Wyse 3040: idle power reference
Dell says the Wyse 3040 consumes 3.3 W in an idle state. If that were the system’s actual average wall draw while streaming, the calculation would be 3.3 × 720 ÷ 1,000 = 2.376 kWh, or about $0.41 at the 2025 U.S. residential average. But Dell’s figure is for idle operation, not a YouTube playback test, and it is not a measured wall-power average for your setup. Dell’s Wyse 3040 idle reference.
Wyse 5070: modeled energy demand
Dell’s Wyse 5070 PCF datasheet lists yearly TEC of 41.84 kWh. The figure is modeled energy demand under stated assumptions including a two-year product lifetime and EU use location; the year is not stated in the datasheet excerpt. It is not an always-on YouTube benchmark or a direct replacement for measuring your own setup’s wall draw. Read the Wyse 5070 PCF datasheet.
Rank #2
- Intel Celeron J4105 (4 Cores/4MB/4T/up to 2.5GHz/10W) supports Windows10 Linux ThinOS ThinOS + PCoIP
- Wyse 5070 thin client, Intel Pentium Processor J4105, no eMMC
- Composite Audio (out) | Composite Audio (in & out) USB-C Port | USB 3.0 Port | 2 USB 2.0 Ports | Mouse and Keyboard
- 4 USB 3.0 Ports | 2 DisplayPorts (Pentium configuration only) | RJ45 Ethernet | Discrete Graphics | US Powercord
- (Shown with optional) Dual-Antenna Wireless Networking Module | Available Auxiliary Port (shown with optional VGA)
Why the adapter rating is not the power draw
The Wyse 5070 guide lists a 130 W AC adapter. That is the adapter’s rated capacity, not a statement that the computer continuously consumes 130 W. Multiplying 130 W by 720 hours would therefore produce a misleading estimate. Dell Wyse 5070 Extended Thin Client User Guide.
Get a useful estimate for your own stream
- Identify the exact model and configuration. “Dell Wyse” covers different systems; a published figure for one model should not be applied to another without evidence.
- Measure average wall draw during the intended workload. An optional plug-in watt meter can measure the complete computer’s draw while it is streaming. Let the setup run long enough to capture normal playback rather than relying on a momentary reading.
- Use your actual electricity price. Check the bill or tariff for the applicable per-kWh charge and any relevant time-of-use structure. The national average is only an illustration.
- Include only the equipment and charges you mean to count. Decide whether the estimate includes a display, speakers, network equipment, internet charges, or paid streaming services. The formula above estimates electricity for the measured equipment, not those other costs unless you measure and add them.
To compare two estimates fairly, use the same basis: exact model and configuration, average wall draw during the intended stream, local all-in electricity price and billing structure, and the same decision about which other equipment or services are included. The published Dell figures above do not compare Wyse models under a common streaming workload.
Rank #3
- Premium Quad-Core Performance: Powered by the Intel Pentium Silver J5005 (up to 2.80 GHz Burst). This higher-tier processor offers superior speed and stability compared to standard Celeron models, suitable for demanding cloud workloads
- Upgraded 8GB DDR4 RAM: Equipped with 8GB of high-speed memory for smooth multitasking and responsive application performance. Well-suited for modern VDI environments including Citrix, VMware, and Microsoft Azure
- Dual 4K Display Support: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 605 and dual DisplayPorts allow you to power two 4K monitors at 60Hz. Maximize your productivity with crisp, high-resolution screen real estate
- Enterprise-Grade Security: Equipped with eLux RP 6.8.4-1. This Linux-based OS uses a write-protected file system to block malware and unauthorized software installations, providing a low-maintenance solution for cloud workspaces
- Reliable Wired Connectivity: Features a built-in Gigabit Ethernet port for the most stable and secure network connection possible. Note: This unit is a dedicated wired model and does not include internal Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube stream rather than operating a local thin client, StreamNeo runs uploaded videos or playlists from the cloud. The setup is: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com.
- (2) USB 2.0 port, (1) USB 2.0 port with Smart Power On, (3) USB 3.2
- (2) DisplayPort 1.4 ports, (1) RJ-45 Ethernet port, (1) universal audio jack
- Keyboard and Mouse NOT included
- ThinOS
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps streams as uploaded, at one flat price per slot.
- Automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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.
