Is there such a thing as an energy efficient gaming pc?

[palwal]

What kind of components should I be looking for if I want to be able to run modern games without energy bill taking a hit in the process. I know this is difficult to answer but I would appreciate any tips.

 

[FD2Raptor]

A Kabylake Pentium + GTX1050 Ti?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Video Card ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $184.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-03-15 09:14 EDT-0400

As the CPU and GPU are the two parts that consume the most power, the Pentium+GTX1050 Ti (this specific MSI 1050ti doesn't use a PCIe6pins to supplement the 75W max it can draw from the MB's PCIe slot; some GTX1050 Ti do have that PCIe 6pins connector and therefore can draw more power) combination represent a rougly ~120W total system power draw while still providing decent framerates and graphic quality settings.

But unless electricity cost is sky high where you are, the energy cost difference between a gaming capable PC and a relatively low power draw gaming PC isn't going to be that big.

 

[raisonjohn]

These are just my thoughts on an "energy efficient" gaming rig:

Look for a CPU with a relatively lower TDP but enough performance to avoid bottlenecking the GPU of your choice. No overclocking the CPU. Get a low-current CPU cooler, lower amp draw than the stock cooler. Get a low-voltage RAM of ample speed and capacity. Get low-current/amp case fans. Hunt for a GPU with lower TDP, lesser supplemental PCIE power connectors (better if none), but will still benefit from the monitor resolution you would be gaming. Avoid LED lights in any of your components. Purchase a high-quality and high-efficiency PSU that is double the wattage of your calculated rig power draw (at 50% usage 220VAC = highest efficiency curve). Get a monitor with low power consumption or those with "power-saving features". Scrap the HDD; get an SSD instead (if you can do away with just 1 drive, the lower the power consumption). An mATX or mini-ITX board also features less connections/ports (if ATX, avoid plugging in other accessories). Disable all unnecessary background programs.

 

[TMTOWTSAC]

Also pick out a quality PSU with a high efficiency rating:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80_Plus

You don't necessarily need the highest rated Titanium PSU, they charge a premium that would take decades to make back in saved electricity. Figure out what makes sense for you based on the cost and electrical rates where you live.

 

[boosted1g]

It all depends on the performance level you want.

You cant have "race car" performance AND get 30 miles per gallon just like you cant have a highly overclocked i7 and SLI graphics and not use a bunch of electricity.
However you can get a reasonible TDP non-overclocked i5 and a GTX 1060 and be able to have the performance to run at least high settings at 1080p.