Cost to run a Intel NUC (Core i5, 13th gen)
A Intel NUC (Core i5, 13th gen) (Mini-PC) draws roughly 9 W at idle and up to 45 W under load. Run 24/7 at a typical ~20 W and the US average of $0.17/kWh, it uses about 175 kWh a year and costs roughly $29.78/year ($2.48/month). In higher-priced regions such as Germany (€0.40/kWh) the same device costs about €70.08/year. Adjust the calculator for your own draw and electricity price.
Source: HomelabWatts wattage database. Data as of 2026-06-13.
Compact x86 mini-PC commonly used as a Proxmox or Docker host.
Idle vs load running cost
| Scenario | Power | Energy / year | Cost / year (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle | 9 W | 79 kWh | $13.40 |
| Typical 24/7 | 20 W | 175 kWh | $29.78 |
| Full load | 45 W | 394 kWh | $67.01 |
Load depends heavily on the configured PL1/PL2 power limits. Excludes monitor and USB devices. Source: HomelabWatts wattage database, data as of 2026-06-13.
Cost by region (typical 24/7 draw)
| Region | Price/kWh | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (avg residential) | $0.17 | $2.48 | $29.78 |
| Germany | €0.40 | €5.84 | €70.08 |
| France | €0.28 | €4.09 | €49.06 |
| United Kingdom | £0.25 | £3.65 | £43.80 |
| Spain | €0.25 | €3.65 | €43.80 |
Prices from electricity price presets (EIA / Eurostat), data as of 2026-06-01. Excludes standing charges and taxes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a Intel NUC (Core i5, 13th gen) per year?
At a typical 24/7 draw of about 20 W and the US average of $0.17/kWh, roughly $29.78 per year ($2.48/month). At €0.40/kWh in Germany it is about €70.08. Use the calculator above for your own price.
How many watts does a Intel NUC (Core i5, 13th gen) use?
Approximately 9 W at idle and up to 45 W under load. Load depends heavily on the configured PL1/PL2 power limits. Excludes monitor and USB devices.
Are these figures measured or estimated?
Estimated. They are compiled from manufacturer specifications and community wall-meter measurements; your exact draw depends on configuration, firmware and attached storage. Measure at the wall for a precise figure.
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Last updated: 2026-06-13