Maximum Efficiency: Build A 25W Performance PC Using Core i5

Benchmark Results: Efficiency (Performance Per Watt)

Once again, we ran our efficiency suite, which consists of several scripted benchmarks.

Since we keep tracking power in one-second intervals, we can calculate the average power used for the entire workload. The difference is significant considering that the performance does not change. All we're doing is modifying components and voltage settings in an effort to decrease power consumption.

The results on total power used for this test run are similar to the average readings.

The total runtime is one form of a performance result. As you can see, the results are very similar for the first three configurations. The last test run, which was conducted with the slower but more efficient Toshiba 2.5” hard drive, delivers less overall performance due to the decreased disk performance.

We divided the performance result by the power used to get our efficiency score. As expected, efficiency increases quite a bit.

The efficiency diagram visualizes power consumption at every point of the benchmark run and also shows differences in runtime.

Latest in CPUs
Tech Deals
Our alternate pick for the best gaming CPU is $190 cheaper than the 9800X3D right now - pick up the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X for just $289
ASRock fixes AM5 motherboard by cleaning it
ASRock claims to fix 'burned out' AM5 motherboard by cleaning the socket
Ryzen AI
AMD's Gorgon Point APU line-up breaks cover — Allegedly aiming for a 2026 launch
Nvidia Blackwell Ultra B300
The week in chip news: Nvidia's GTC 2025 blitz, new NVMe HDDs and watercooled SSD, Intel's restructuring begins
AMD
Zen 5-based Threadripper 9000 CPU shipping manifest hints at imminent launch
Ryzen 9 9950X3D
Asus unveils AI Cache Boost — claims up to 19% faster AI workloads on Ryzen 9000 series
Latest in Features
Free Alternatives to Photoshop
Five Best Photoshop Alternatives Tested: Image Editing for Free
Awekeys Antiques Metal keycaps
Awekeys Antiques Metal keycaps are Viking-themed luxury for your fingertips
The Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7
Get the most out of your processor with this motherboard's Turbo Mode
AMD RDNA 4 and Radeon RX 9000-series GPUs
AMD RDNA 4 and Radeon RX 9000-series GPUs start at $549: Specifications, release date, pricing, and more revealed
MSI Prestige GPU
Tested: Intel's Arrow Lake 140T iGPU mostly maintains an edge over AMD's older 880m
MechBoards Hyper7 R4
I’m typing this on the world’s largest keyboard, a 178-key beast designed to make you more productive