How many watts does the average computer use while idle?

Question

How many watts does the average computer use while idle?

Answer 1

It varies widely, but roughly 65 to 250 watts. The source has a chart with more details.

Answer 2

the one i did measure ran at 192watts idle. it had 2 7800gt's, 3 harddrives, 2 dvd burners, an athlon 64 4400+.

you can get a kill-a-watt to check it yourself.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

Answer 3

Neither computers or electronics have a future...The future belongs to another race of Machines...The future belongs to me, me, me.

Answer 4

Probably a similar amount as 1-2 incandescent lightbults, so 60-160 watts. Average is very hard to measure, considering the huge variety of computers. This statistic is totally ignoring laptops, or other small computing devices which aren't PCs (which are MUCH lower power), as well as monitor's consumption, which depends on size, and CRT/LCD. It's much easier to find monitor consumptions though, both idle and active.

Answer 5

Monitor; LCD 25W, CRT about 75 Watts

Computer acive; 60-250 Watts

Computer, inactive, not in 'sleep' mode; 60-250 Watts

Sleep mode: 3-10 watts