Device runs at a steady power draw of 24 to 30 watts.
Device runs at a steady power draw of 24 to 30 watts.
Hello, your gaming laptop keeps using 24 to 30 watts even when off. HWinfo shows the CPU uses about 8 watts (thanks to ThrottleStop and BIOS settings) and the GPU is off (0 watts). This happens consistently across both Linux (Ubuntu 22.04) and Windows 11 23H1. You've already tried changing RAM, turning off WiFi, and disabling the SSD in BIOS, but the power draw stays the same. You're wondering how to identify which component is drawing around 20 watts. Your specs include a Dell G15 with an Intel Core i5-11260H, an RTX 3050 Ti (80W), a large SSD, and a battery that's now 43Wh. If you need help pinpointing the source, let me know what tests or tools you'd like to run.
Initially you might not think about it, but why should you care? Plus, the screen only uses a few watts and charging the battery isn't necessary.
You're calculating this figure by considering various components and their power usage. A wall wattage meter helps confirm the PSU's efficiency. The screen, charge controller, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, and even the idle power of a dedicated GPU all contribute to the total consumption. Plus, the PC remains in a higher power state simply because it's connected. The 24W idle rating is quite impressive.
Check the C state activity on idle time using ThrottleStop. Background processes often block low-power states, and Linux may behave differently than Windows. My machine stays around 99% in the core C7 state when not in use. Most systems run heavy bloatware, preventing close to that level. Look into Task Manager Details to find issues. Reduced C state usage can lower power use and heat output.
Lower C levels can also be turned off by the BIOS. Most laptops don’t let you adjust them.
They're based on software figures, which aren't always reliable. Still, if you manage an hour or two on battery life, they seem to hold up. These gaming laptops aren't very efficient, particularly the cheaper models.