Gaming PCs are growing in popularity and may consume a higher amount of energy than average households. There are a lot of variables that determine the amount of kilowatts (kW) a gaming PC uses but some of the main factors are the wattage of the components, how the machine is used and how often the machine is used. Factors such as GPU and CPU wattage, graphics settings and overall graphics settings will determine the overall power consumption of a gaming PC.
The wattage of the parts of a gaming PC will play the biggest part in determining kW usage. A gaming PC typically includes a more powerful graphics card, processor and/or gaming motherboard than a standard laptop or desktop. This means more wattage is required to power these components, resulting in higher kW usage.
In addition to wattage, gamers typically increase the overall graphics settings on their gaming PCs. This can cause the gaming PC to use more kW due to the higher settings. Along with hardware, the game settings are a major factor in determining the kW used.
The way in which a gaming PC is used can also have a big impact on the amount of kW used. For example, if the gaming PC is used for longer gaming sessions then more kW will be used, as opposed to a PC used for lighter tasks such as browsing the web.
Finally, how often the gaming PC is used will also have an impact on the kW used. A gaming PC that is used frequently, such as for streaming, will consume more kW than a PC that is only used for occasional gaming sessions.
GPU Wattage
The wattage of the GPU (graphics processing unit) is one of the major contributors to the amount of power consumed by a gaming PC. Newer GPUs are suggesting higher wattage, with models now reaching 500W or more. Keep in mind that the wattages of GPUs can range from as low as 50W right up to 500W. Choose the right GPU wattage for your gaming PC based on your usage habits and needs.
CPU Wattage
The wattage of the CPU (central processing unit) is another major factor contributing to the overall power consumption of a gaming PC. A processor’s wattage is determined by its age and how powerful it is. Newer processors, such as the 9th generation Intel Core i7-9700B, can have wattages up to 95W, with some lower wattage models also available.
Graphics Settings
Whenever graphics settings are increased, more power is consumed. This means higher settings will result in more kW being used by the PC. Gamers should be aware that if they are using the higher settings on their gaming PC, it will consume more kW than the lower settings.
Way Used
The way a gaming PC is used is an important factor to determine the amount of kW used. For example, if a gaming PC is used for more intense gaming sessions, then it will consume more kW as compared to a gaming PC that is used for a couple of hours a week, such as streaming and voice chat.
Frequency Used
Finally, how often the gaming PC is used is another factor to consider. A gaming PC that is used more frequently, such as by a streamer or an esports athlete, will consume more kW than a gaming PC that is used only for occasional gaming.
Surge Protector
One way to reduce the amount of kW used by your gaming PC is to install a surge protector. This device is designed to reduce the amount of power the PC consumes and can help keep the kW usage in check.
