How much does a gaming computer consume?

People in Spain spend an average of 660 hours a year playing video games, which is more than double the average number of hours they spend reading, about 260.

So, just as technology advances with e-books, which enable us to carry several books in one and adjust the typography and font size to our liking, gaming computers have developed exponentially to the point that video games can envelop us as if we were really there.

But this level of development also means an increase in household energy expenditure, which then affects your electricity bills.

What is a gaming computer?

Gaming computers, also known as gaming PCs, are a type of personal computer with a number of features that maximise the immersive experience offered by video games.

The main features that differentiate it from an ordinary computer are the following:

• A high-performance graphics card, necessary for processing high-quality graphics and images.
• A high-speed processor, decisive for the resolution and execution of tasks.
• A RAM of 16 or 32 GB, so it can store all the data for the video games.
• A high capacity storage system, such as an SSD or M.2 hard drive.
• And an efficient cooling system to prevent the components from overheating.

While there is a wide range of components that could be added to further enhance its features, they can even be decorated to your liking with LED lights that change colour depending on the screen displayed and other decorative elements.

How can you calculate the consumption of a gaming computer?

Each of these components involves a certain consumption, depending on the potency and the use given. It will even be different depending on the game you are playing, as some demand much higher performance than others.

For example, here is the average power required for some of the most common elements of a gaming PC:

First of all, you need a processor. We will take one with a 3.8-4.7 GHz base/turbo frequency, with a power of 130 W. Then there are the memory modules, 4 GB each. The total accumulated power for these elements is 180 W.

Then you have the motherboard, which has a power of 100 W. The graphics card has a power of about 200 W. The power of the SDD is 10 W. The monitor would add a further 30 W, while the fans accumulate a power of 16 W. We could then add LEDs, with 30 W of power.

As we can see, the CPU and the graphics card are two of the elements that consume the most.

When we add up the powers we get 706 W. In total, taking the average of 660 hours of video game use per person per year, we would get a total of 466 kWh per year, or 1.2 kWh per day.

To get an idea of what this consumption entails, a refrigerator consumes about 220 KWh per year, so for the average use of a gaming computer would double the average consumption of a refrigerator.

But as we pointed out before, not all gaming PCs have the same consumption. On the internet there are a number of power calculators to help you to know the power accumulated by each element in operation, and as a result, the maximum power of the equipment you have. This information is also very useful to adapt the power supply and to know how much power your home needs.

There are also devices that you can plug into your connection that report in real time the power that is being taken from the network.

Do all gaming PCs consume the same?

No. As we have seen, it will depend on the different powers of the elements that make up the equipment, as well as on the performance of each device, since if we force it they will reach the maximum power, although it is a practice that is not recommended, since this can damage the different components.

The same goes for temperature. In a hot, unventilated environment, the ventilation and cooling systems will have to work at full capacity, increasing energy consumption.

What happens to the emissions from gaming computers?

Another factor we should take into account with gaming computers is their impact on the environment. A number of studies claim that playing video games weekly is one of the most polluting domestic activities that can be done at home, as the emissions are estimated to amount to an average of 452 kg of CO2 per week.

Tips to reduce the consumption of a gaming computer

• It is not all bad news. Even though gaming computers have a high consumption, it is always important to know how to use them properly and apply some recommendations that will help reduce electricity consumption.
• Turn off the computer: The golden rule is to avoid leaving a gaming computer switched on when it is not being used, this will reduce consumption and avoid wear and tear on the components due to improper use.
• Buy efficient components: Always look for high quality elements, with the greatest possible efficiency. They will not only perform better so that you can enjoy your games, they will prevent your computer from using excessive power. Always remember to recycle old components that are no longer going to be used.
• Study your consumption patterns carefully: The hours when you usually play are decisive for some tariffs with hourly discrimination. If your consumption is concentrated at peak times, those that are more expensive, your bill will be higher. That is why it is important to know all your options.

Endesa offers the Tempo Happy Tariffs, where you can choose between 2 consecutive hours each day or 1 whole day a week when you will pay 0 euros for each kWh you consume. And there will be a stable price for the rest of the day.

This means you can concentrate your gaming hours during those two hours when you can rest after class or work, or on Sunday, to reward yourself before getting back to your routine.