Gaming PC vs. desktop computer: running cost
A desktop computer is cheaper to run: about $38 a year versus $67 for a gaming PC at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $29 difference.
| Gaming PC | Desktop computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 400 W | 90 W |
| Watt range | 150–900 W | 40–250 W |
| Typical use | 3 hours a day | 6 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 374 kWh | 210 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 5.8¢ | 1.6¢ |
| Cost per day | 18¢ | 10¢ |
| Cost per month | $5.60 | $3.15 |
| Cost per year | $67 | $38 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $163 | $92 |
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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.
- Desktop computer: A typical desktop tower without a discrete gaming GPU draws 50-120 W in use; sleep mode draws 1-3 W. Monitor not included.
Ways to cut either cost
Small PCs do office work at 10-25 W instead of 60-120 W.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a gaming PC or a desktop computer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a gaming PC costs about $67 a year versus $38 for a desktop computer. That's $29 more, or 1.8× as much.
How many watts do gaming PC and desktop computer use?
A gaming PC typically draws 400 W (range 150–900 W). A desktop computer draws 90 W (range 40–250 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.