Denithor
Diamond Member
- Apr 11, 2004
- 6,298
- 23
- 81
Anandtech: The Cost of Running Your PC
I think that should cover your questions. The only way to get a definitive answer if you're seriously worried about it is to buy a power meter ($20-30) and measure the draw from the wall for your whole system, both idle & under load. Then figure out how many hours a day it's under load and calculate total average consumption. Multiply by your kwh rate and bingo - your total cost.
Personally I have two systems at home that stay on 24/7 running F@H on the video cards (with two cards in one of the systems). Check it out - it's for a great cause and you will have more than enough machine now to contribute nicely. Sign up with the AT team or your favorite college (if they have a team) or just contribute anonymously. For more details go read the Distributed Computing forum here.
No, I don't get paid to do this, advice here is freely given. I draw from about 15 years worth of hobbyist computer work - lots (and lots and lots and...you get the idea) of servicing friends & family members systems (mostly older stuff for people on tight budgets) along with a lot of performance upgrades to my personal gaming rig (gets a total do-over every year or so, whenever I get bored or something new catches my eye). So I keep up with both cheap and expensive gear, what the great bargains are, etc, because someone is always asking for something. It's a hobby and I enjoy helping people out.
Now, if you're serious about contributing...give a little to my favorite charity: Carnivore Preservation Trust. I love the big kitties.
I think that should cover your questions. The only way to get a definitive answer if you're seriously worried about it is to buy a power meter ($20-30) and measure the draw from the wall for your whole system, both idle & under load. Then figure out how many hours a day it's under load and calculate total average consumption. Multiply by your kwh rate and bingo - your total cost.
Personally I have two systems at home that stay on 24/7 running F@H on the video cards (with two cards in one of the systems). Check it out - it's for a great cause and you will have more than enough machine now to contribute nicely. Sign up with the AT team or your favorite college (if they have a team) or just contribute anonymously. For more details go read the Distributed Computing forum here.
No, I don't get paid to do this, advice here is freely given. I draw from about 15 years worth of hobbyist computer work - lots (and lots and lots and...you get the idea) of servicing friends & family members systems (mostly older stuff for people on tight budgets) along with a lot of performance upgrades to my personal gaming rig (gets a total do-over every year or so, whenever I get bored or something new catches my eye). So I keep up with both cheap and expensive gear, what the great bargains are, etc, because someone is always asking for something. It's a hobby and I enjoy helping people out.
Now, if you're serious about contributing...give a little to my favorite charity: Carnivore Preservation Trust. I love the big kitties.