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How much electricity (Cost) does it run to leave a new HP Computer running?

I have a HP computer that is fairly new. I believe the power supply is 400 watt. My question is how expensive is it to leave the computer running 24/7. It is a Windows XP service pack 2 platform. I have it set up for standby and leave it running 24/7. I restart it weekly to allow programs to update. Is this consuming a large amount of electricity?

Public Comments

1. pennies a day are you using it? if not just turn it off
2. A lot less that if you leave your TV on standby! But if you don't use it just turn it off that way you will have peace of mind.
3. buy or borrow an inexpensive piece (about $25) of hardware called kill-a-watt. It measures electricity used for any item plugged into it. Here's a review and how to use: http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/kill_a_watt_electric_usage_monitor_review
4. I've noticed that most computers don't give a power consumption rating. The 400 watt P/S only refers to how much it can supply for various loads,,not what it consumes. Try running an amprobe on the power cord to see what it's drawing.
5. According to the referenced article, a computer in stand-by mode uses about 50 Watts. Do this around the clock you're looking at 36 kWh (kilo Watt hours) per month. In California those run about 35 cents each, so keeping your box on stand-by the whole time puts about $12 on your electricity bill every month. Your mileage will vary.
6. Depends on the location in the USA what the kWh charge is (electricity measured on the meter). In Texas, for instance, the cost is close to 9.8 cents per kWh. Most desktop computers weigh in at 65 watt. So, using round figures: 65 watts x 24 hours/day x 30.5 days/month = 4758 watt hours So, @ .10 cents per kilowattHours the cost is: $4.76 per month Also, the rate fluctuates. After a certain threshold of total use, the rates go up. So, running an air conditioner alongside that computer would up the 10 cents per kWh.