Laptops vs Desktops: Which ConSUMes More Electricity?
When it comes to electricity consumption, laptops and desktops have a significant difference. Generally, desktops consume more electricity than laptops. This article will explore the reasons behind this, along with the latest trends and tips on how to reduce energy consumption.
Factors Contributing to Electricity Consumption
Power Consumption
Desktops typically consume between 200 and 600 watts depending on the components and usage, for example, gaming and high-performance tasks. Laptops, on the other hand, usually consume about 20 to 100 watts due to their design for energy efficiency and portability. This fundamental difference in power consumption is a key aspect to consider when comparing laptops and desktops.
Components
desktops have more powerful components including larger CPUs, GPUs and additional storage or peripherals, all of which contribute to higher energy use. In contrast, laptops are optimized for energy efficiency to maximize battery life and minimize consumption.
Usage
Laptops have several power-saving features that reduce consumption when running on battery, whereas desktops run at full power continuously when plugged in. This means that a laptop can achieve significant savings in electricity usage when compared to a desktop during daily use.
Idle Power
Laptops generally use less power when idle compared to desktops, which can still draw significant power even when not in active use. This feature is especially beneficial for users who leave their computers on for extended periods.
Differences in Power Consumption Across Different Laptops and Desktops
While the general trends mentioned above hold true, the actual consumption can vary based on specific models and usage scenarios. For instance, laptops made for graphic design might consume more power than a modest home PC. However, most laptops are designed to have low power consumption, extending their running time on battery as a primary selling point.
Take, for example, a 15-inch laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor and a 512GB SSD drive. When using battery power only, the electricity consumption is approximately 574 Watts per hour. Running this same computer on AC power, however, will consume 472 Watts while working in battery mode, making it approximately 7% less efficient than using AC power.
Reducing Energy Consumption
Choosing an older model or one that has been refurbished is an effective strategy to minimize energy consumption, as these tend to use less energy due to lower performance and the more efficient technologies used in older models. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize energy efficiency over the latest technology.
Another tip is to ensure that your laptop uses a standard DC jack for charging instead of USB ports. USB ports tend to use a lot more energy since they require a constant current source even when there is no device connected via the USB cable.
Conclusion
The differences in electricity consumption between laptops and desktops are clear. While desktops generally consume more electricity, laptops are designed for energy efficiency and portability. Users can still achieve significant savings by choosing the right model and using energy-efficient charging methods.