Power Consumption - 95W and 125W

[asdf123]

Hi guys, power noobie here

What is the electricity difference between 95W and 125W CPUs? How significant will this power difference be for my electricity bills if my computer is on a lot

To be more specific, here is my electricty fees charge rates:
140 KWH @ 5 cents/KWH
185 KWH @ 5.9 cents/KWH
1733 KWH @ 5.6 cents/KWH
684 KWH @ 6.5 cents/KWH

CPU:
Phenom X4 II 940 Black edition - 125W
Intel C2Q Q6700 - 95W

I guess on average 8 hours idle, 8 hours used (Sometimes gaming, sometimes mild work on the CPU)

 

[cjl]

It's hard to say without knowing the specific CPU, as well as the amount of time your computer spends on. There is little to no difference in idle power between most 95 and 125W CPUs, but there would be a larger difference if they were under constant load. Also, CPUs don't use their entire TDP - there are 65W CPUs that will only ever use anything near 65W if they are overclocked like crazy.

 

[asdf123]

I guess on average 8 hours idle, 8 hours used (Sometimes gaming, sometimes mild work on the CPU)

CPU: Either
Phenom II X4 940 Black edition - 125W
Intel C2Q Q6700 - 95 W


So there's not much of a difference in electricity fees?

 

[cjl]

Probably not much, although the Q6700 really isn't the one to be looking at. If you are concerned with power, get a Q9000 series CPU - they use quite a bit less than the 6000 series.

 

[Devastator_uk]

It's also worth noting that the chipset also uses power and the AMD 700 series are among the most energy efficient you can get, the right chipset could save 10-15W over the worst ones.

Also the graphics card can use a lot too, possibly more than the CPU.

 

[RetiredChief]

Let's see if my nonfunctional brain can be engaged:

((20 Watts Difference X 8 hrs a day x 30 days) / 1000) x 6.5 cents = 31.5 Cents differential per month.
Cut one cup of java (or can of beer) per month and don't sweat it - get what you want