How Much Electricity Does a Dell Dimension C521 PC Use?

Computers are part of our every day life, no matter what our occupation. Computers are alledgedly responsible for as much CO2 as the shipping and airline industries, whether it be huge servers needing cooled or your standalone PC at home they take power, some more than others. But just how much power?

We tested a Dell Dimension c521 Desktop PC, manufactured in April 2007. Yesterday we published details of the Dell LCD monitor that came with this PC.

Shut Down; 3W

Start-up; 70 to 105W (Average approximately 81W)

Start-up (Logging into Vista); 100 to 111W

In Vista; 56 - 101W (Average approximately 90W)

Energy Saving Ideas for your PC

• Turn off Bluetooth, Infared and Wifi when not required
• Remove programs from start-up that are not required
• Instead of a screensaver, set up your computer to auto-snooze
  
• Close programs not in use
• Shut down rather than allow the computer to snooze
• Shedule auto-shutdown if you want to finish downloading files
  

Leaving your PC on for a year would use 788kWh and emit 426kg of CO2 and cost about £102.44.

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.