Laptop Vs. Desktop Energy Comparison

There are many factors to be considered when you buy a Laptop or a Desktop such as price, portability, space, and upgrade. Many believe that you need a desktop for home use, but as years passed by, laptops have become quite advanced to replicate desktops.

But, which is more energy efficient? For the smart consumer, the energy consumption of a desktop or laptop is a significant factor that they look at. To answer your question “Which is more energy efficient: Desktop or Laptop?” let’s differentiate the two in terms of power consumption. 

Desktop

• Desktop computers use an average of 60 to 200 watts of electricity in order to run normally.
• It needs a permanent power supply which means you are continuously consuming electricity regardless if it’s in sleep mode or standby mode.
• You need to install a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) in order to prevent system crashes during a power outage.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS can eat a significant amount of electricity as a result of more energy consumption.
• The screen type of your Desktop is also a factor in your electricity usage. A CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screen consumes more energy than LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens. LCD screens can save up to 75% of electricity compared to a CRT screen.

Laptop

• One simple reason why a Laptop is more energy efficient than a Desktop is it can run for a long time using battery power (without connecting the power plug).
• Laptop computers consume 80% less electricity than Desktop computers. It typically consumes 20 to 50 watts which can be decreased if you use power saver modes. Power Saver Mode includes a dimmer screen and other measures that help save power on your Laptop.
• Laptops contain smaller PSUs or Power Supply Units, which run between 30 to 90 watts.
• 70% to 80% of power consumption in a Laptop is by PSU, and the rest of the components consume very less energy.
• Using a Laptop can save about 50% or more on what you pay with your energy company compared to a desktop computer. In addition to this, laptops are 20% more energy efficient when running on AC adapter power over battery power. 

How to save energy with your existing Desktop Computer?

1. Set your desktop computer to “Sleep Mode” if you’re not going to use it for more than a few minutes. Yes, it will still consume energy, but the energy consumption is less compared to your desktop's inactive state.
2. Do not choose the best quality and expensive video cards unless you work in the graphics or video industry since video cards are one of the most energy-consuming components of a desktop.
3. Avoid using screensavers. They don’t have any function that is useful for your computer and will help you to save energy.
4. Try to avoid turning your desktop computer on and off repeatedly if it’s unnecessary. Starting up is one of the biggest energy draws for a desktop computer.
5. Do not leave your desktop computer on throughout the night this will save you some bucks. 

Even when you are using a Laptop, do not forget that the rates and charges of your energy plan are one of the factors why you’re paying a lot.

So, compare your electricity and gas rates now to cut your energy bills then you can worry less about your Desktop or Laptop! Visit Econnex for the list of the best energy plans in your area.