The Hidden Carbon Cost of Your Gaming Rig

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Your gaming rig uses electricity while you play, and a few settings can cut waste without changing the fun. A mid-range gaming computer typically draws about 300 to 500 watts during use, while a gaming monitor often uses 25 to 75 watts. The longer they run, the more electricity they use. In the United States, the average electricity supply produces about 348 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour, though the amount varies by region. Start with easy changes: cap frames per second at your monitor’s refresh rate, use a balanced power plan, lower screen brightness to a comfortable level, and set the monitor to sleep when you step away. You can also test a lower graphics-card power limit and keep it only if your games still feel right. Small adjustments reduce energy your setup does not need to use, while leaving you in control of the experience.