Second, while downloading the blockchain, hardly I can do other things (even though my laptop is not that bad)!
If it's similar to the
HDD access issues I've experienced with the latest version, and you don't have an SSD, a decent solution is to do the initial sync with the "chainstate" directory linked to a RAM drive. When it finishes, copy the results to phyical HDD.
If it's a CPU issue, try
limiting BitcoinCore to a single CPU core. You can also lower its process priority from the Windows Task Manager: right click a process and use "Set Priority". In Windows 8 and later it's in the "Details" tab.
Exactly! That's why I think I don't have to buy those tiny excellent Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, or the Bitseed computers (yet) to run my full node.
Okay, I became curious enough to measure an Ivy Bridge laptop.
I got 14-36W. 14W with very light load and screen off. 36W with CPU maxed and screen on. Didn't check the effect of HDD activity. The measurement accuracy may be off, especially at the low end. The laptop's battery was connected, but not charging. I don't know the efficiency of the AC/DC adapter.