The PS4 Pro, a powerhouse console from Sony, continues to reign supreme for many gamers. While its graphical prowess and processing muscle deliver stunning visuals and immersive experiences, some users might be concerned about its power consumption.
Understanding how many watts your PS4 Pro uses can be beneficial for budgeting electricity costs, making eco-conscious decisions, and optimizing your gaming setup.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the world of PS4 Pro wattage, exploring everything from key figures to influencing factors and practical tips for minimizing energy usage.
Unveiling the Maximum: The PS4 Pro’s Wattage Rating
The PS4 Pro boasts a maximum rated wattage of 310 watts. This number signifies the theoretical peak power draw the console can reach under extreme circumstances. Think of it as the maximum capacity of your PS4 Pro’s internal power supply.
However, during everyday use, the actual wattage consumed will fluctuate depending on the activity the console is performing. The good news? You’re unlikely to see the PS4 Pro consistently hitting that 310-watt mark.
A Breakdown of Typical Usage: When and How Much Power Does Your PS4 Pro Use?
Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of how much power your PS4 Pro consumes during various activities:
- Gaming: This is where the PS4 Pro truly shines, but it also demands the most power. During intense gaming sessions, the average wattage usage hovers around 160 watts. However, this figure can be dynamic, influenced by the complexity of the game you’re playing. Games with intricate graphics, high resolutions, and demanding physics simulations will push the wattage closer to the 200-watt mark. Conversely, simpler games with less demanding visuals will require less power, keeping the wattage consumption lower.
- Rest Mode: When you’re done conquering digital worlds and exploring virtual landscapes, you might put your PS4 Pro into Rest Mode. This low-power state allows the console to perform tasks like downloading updates, charging controllers, and staying connected to the internet for remote activation. The beauty of Rest Mode lies in its minimal energy consumption. With an internet connection, your PS4 Pro sips a mere 3 watts of power in this state. Disconnecting from the internet in Rest Mode further reduces consumption to a negligible 5 watts.
- Streaming/Blu-ray/DVD: Activities like streaming movies, watching Blu-ray discs, or playing DVDs require less processing power compared to gaming. While you’re engrossed in a captivating film or revisiting a classic on disc, your PS4 Pro is likely consuming around 50 watts. This is because these activities don’t demand the same level of graphical rendering and computational horsepower as playing demanding games.
Beyond the Averages: Factors Affecting PS4 Pro Wattage
While the figures mentioned above provide a good starting point, understanding the factors influencing your PS4 Pro’s actual wattage usage is crucial.
Here are some key variables to consider:
- Game Complexity: As previously mentioned, games with intricate graphics, high resolutions, and demanding physics simulations will require more processing power from the console. This translates to increased wattage consumption. For instance, playing a graphically-intensive title like Red Dead Redemption 2 will likely consume more power than a simpler game like Stardew Valley.
- Console Settings: Fortunately, you have some control over the power your PS4 Pro utilizes. By adjusting certain console settings, you can optimize its energy efficiency. Here are some options to explore:
- Screen Brightness: Lowering the screen brightness can significantly reduce power consumption. A dimmer screen requires less power to illuminate, leading to overall energy savings.
- Power Saving Mode: The PS4 Pro offers a built-in power saving mode that can be activated from the settings menu. This mode reduces power consumption by automatically putting the console into rest mode after a period of inactivity or by dimming the controller light bar.
- Automatic Shut Off: This setting allows you to schedule your PS4 Pro to automatically power down after a predetermined period of inactivity. This is a great way to prevent the console from consuming unnecessary power when you’re not actively using it.
Calculating Electricity Costs: How Much Does Your PS4 Pro Cost to Run?
If you’re curious about the estimated electricity cost associated with using your PS4 Pro, you can perform a simple calculation. However, this will require knowing your electricity rate, typically charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Here’s a simplified formula to estimate the daily cost:
- Estimated daily cost = (Wattage used x Hours used) / 1000 x Electricity Rate
