Bitcoin miner (ASIC) vs. gaming PC: running cost
A gaming PC is cheaper to run: about $67 a year versus $5,125 for a bitcoin miner (ASIC) at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $5,058 difference.
| Bitcoin miner (ASIC) | Gaming PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 3,250 W | 400 W |
| Watt range | 15–3,600 W | 150–900 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day | 3 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 28,490 kWh | 374 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 58¢ | 5.8¢ |
| Cost per day | $14.03 | 18¢ |
| Cost per month | $427 | $5.60 |
| Cost per year | $5,125 | $67 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $12,396 | $163 |
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What drives the difference
- Bitcoin miner (ASIC): ASIC miners run at full load 24/7; an Antminer S19 uses about 28,000 kWh a year, more than double a typical US home. Most need a 240 V circuit.
- Gaming PC: Watts are total wall draw of the whole tower while gaming (GPU plus CPU, board, fans and power-supply loss); the monitor is separate. Idle desktop use draws 60-120 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Wastes about 5-8% less as heat than bronze or unrated supplies.
See options on AmazonShows real kWh per gaming session.
See options on AmazonNewer chips deliver far more hashrate per kWh (about 17 J/TH vs 30+ J/TH for an S19).
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a bitcoin miner (ASIC) or a gaming PC?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a bitcoin miner (ASIC) costs about $5,125 a year versus $67 for a gaming PC. That's $5,058 more, or 76.2× as much.
How many watts do bitcoin miner (ASIC) and gaming PC use?
A bitcoin miner (ASIC) typically draws 3,250 W (range 15–3,600 W). A gaming PC draws 400 W (range 150–900 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.