Power usage 24" M1 iMac

[Banan911]

Have you also wondered how much power your new shiny iMac is using, look no further

I've been testing my 24" M1 iMac under different conditions to see its power usage. My model is the mid specification model with 8-core GPU, 256 SSD, and an optional upgrade to 16 GB RAM

All test have been run with no apps running, besides Geekbench when testing power usage under some load. Also Bluetooth and Wifi was enabled and the Mac was connected to Wifi, Magic keyboard and Magic Mouse during the tests.

Results

Sleep: 3,5 W
Idle (no apps running) 25% brightness: 14W
Idle (no apps running) 50% brightness: 19W
Idle (no apps running) 75% brightness: 30W
Idle (no apps running) 100% brightness: 41W
Geekbench CPU test + 100% brightness: 41-72W
Geekbench OpenCL test + 100% brightness: 41-56W
Geekbench Metal test + 100% brightness: 41-59W

 

[jav6454]

What did you use to measure power draw? Also, is this outlet level?

 

[Banan911]

What did you use to measure power draw? Also, is this outlet level?

I used this. I don’t really know what it is called in English, but in Denmark where I live, you can borrow it at the library and plug it in between the wall outlet and your device.

It will then show current usage in watt, usage over a specified period of time in kWh and so on.

 

[Ashka]

Thank you..

 

[glenthompson]

US & Canada users can find something similar in the P3 Kill-a-watt device. Some UPSs will show power usage too.

 

[Banan911]

The Mac must have been running some behind the scenes tasks yesterday because today I’m getting as low as 1,5W in idle. That’s quite impressive. To compare it’s less than what the AirPod case draws when recharging

 

[Fishrrman]

How about the power consumption while sleeping?
vis-a-vis that of "idling, 50% brightness" ??

EDIT: Ah, see you posted it already.
Thanks!

 

[satcomer]

How about the power consumption while sleeping?
vis-a-vis that of "idling, 50% brightness" ??

He said he already did the sleeping power draw! Re-read his initial post!

 

[Banan911]

How about the power consumption while sleeping?
vis-a-vis that of "idling, 50% brightness" ??

I’ve seen consumption as low as 1,5W while sleeping, and idle + 50% brightness is around 19W

 

[glenthompson]

I would guess that with the display off but the CPU not in sleep mode the power usage would be no more than 10 watts. Over the course of a year that's about $8 more in electric costs at my local rates. That's why I don't use sleep mode for desktops.