Gaming PC vs. computer monitor: running cost
A computer monitor is cheaper to run: about $10 a year versus $67 for a gaming PC at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $57 difference.
| Gaming PC | Computer monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 400 W | 25 W |
| Watt range | 150–900 W | 12–100 W |
| Typical use | 3 hours a day | 6 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 374 kWh | 57 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 5.8¢ | 0.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 18¢ | 2.8¢ |
| Cost per month | $5.60 | $0.85 |
| Cost per year | $67 | $10 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $163 | $25 |
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What drives the difference
- 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.
- Computer monitor: Monitors draw 15-60 W at typical brightness; high-refresh gaming and HDR panels sit at the top of the range.
Ways to cut either cost
Certified monitors use about 25% less energy than standard ones.
See options on AmazonWastes about 5-8% less as heat than bronze or unrated supplies.
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 gaming PC or a computer monitor?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a gaming PC costs about $67 a year versus $10 for a computer monitor. That's $57 more, or 6.6× as much.
How many watts do gaming PC and computer monitor use?
A gaming PC typically draws 400 W (range 150–900 W). A computer monitor draws 25 W (range 12–100 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.