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Cost to run a gaming pc in Victoria (2026–27)

VIC reference tariff · 27.5c/kWh

$0.11 per hour at 400 W

Typical use (3 h/day, 365 days a year at 400 W) ≈ $120/year on the Jemena rate.

Source: ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27, effective 1 July 2026

Gaming PC cost in VIC at 3 h/day, 365 days/year (27.5c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (100 W)$0.03$0.08$2.51$30
Typical (400 W)$0.11$0.33$10.02$120
High (650 W)$0.18$0.54$16.28$196

Appliance running-cost calculator

VIC

Gaming PC: 100–650 W typical range.

2–4 h/day under load for a regular gamer; idle/desktop draw is far lower.

$0.11 per hour · $120/year at your settings
Per day (3 h)
$0.33
Per month
$10.02
Per year (365 days)
$120.32

Tariff: 27.5c/kWh — ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 for the Jemena network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Critical Hit — gaming system electricity use in Australia. Full gaming pc costs in VIC →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

A gaming rig only pulls serious power under load, so turn on sleep and power-saving profiles for idle time and browsing. Cap the frame rate when you don't need every last one; the graphics card eases off and draws less. Try not to leave it grinding through downloads overnight unless you must, and switch off at the wall to kill the standby draw from the tower and monitors.

Frequently asked questions

What does a gaming pc cost per hour in VIC?
$0.11 at the typical 400 W draw on VIC's reference rate of 27.5c/kWh (Jemena network). Efficient models run $0.03, high-draw models $0.18.
How is this calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses VIC's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 usage rate for the Jemena network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See VIC rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

2–4 h/day under load for a regular gamer; idle/desktop draw is far lower.