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How much does it cost to run distributed.net client

The distributed.net project supplies client workers that can be installed on your computer. By installing the worker you become part of distributed networking project by donating idle cpu cycles. The premise that you donate the idle cycles may sound like it does not cost you anything but that is an incorrect statement.

How much does it cost to run dnetc, the distributed.net client? We reviewed the software and found out that it is quite expensive to run it contrary to what you may think when reading about time that your machine does not use anyway. Here is what we did - we set up a computer and let it run while measuring the draw of electricity. Then we started dnetc client and did the same measurements again. Read on to find out what the outcome was.

Scroll down for additional info labeled Findings of our simple power draw test

More info: Findings of our simple power draw test

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When machine is idling, the draw was approx 0.8 amps on the circuit. After starting distributed.net, the power draw shot up to 1.7A. This is an increase of 0.9 amps. It is due to fact that modern CPUs when idling go into low power state and draw much less power. By running distributed.net client, you increase draw on cpu, also your cpu cooling fans as they speed up to dissipate the added heat. That is however not the full story. If you have your computer in airconditioned room, you should add additional 0.2 amps for your AC to deal with added heat. That all adds up to 1.1Amps. Eventhough the line voltage is rated as 110, it actually supplies between 124 and 127 volts so your total added power draw is approximately 140 watts. If you run your computer 24/7 for 30 days that adds up to 101KWH, yes that's 101 killo-watt hours!!! Suppose you pay 12 cents per KWH, then your total is 12 dollars per month or 144 dollars a year. That is a lot of money for "free" idle CPU cycles!!!