Running Constantly?

S

slinky

New Member
First off I'll say I know far more about mechanics than I do electronics. My friend has told me that leaving your computer on all the time is better than shutting it off at night. He's said that starting it up everyday wears it more than just leaving it running. From my knowledge I know that leaving mechanical components (ie fans) running all the time wears them out quicker, I do not know if things rings true for the electrical components. Please advise.
Thanks
 
I've also been told that leaving it on is better for the longevity of your system. However, what about restarting? By doing that alot of times will that harm your PC/Laptop in anyway?


Slinky, I didn't mean to hijack your post, but I just got to thinking and didn't want to start a new thread. :D
 
I'm certain that when this thread is over you will be non the wiser as some will say yes and some will say no with good arguments to back up their views. I'm not saying what I do is correct but I have had my PC for just over 2 years and every night I run CCleaner and delete all internet junk , then I shut down completely. Doing this has not had any adverse effect at all so either
a) I'm lucky or
b) It does'nt stress the components at all especially if you have a decent PSU that won't spike when powered up.
 
I start up and shutdown every day/night. Doesnt put any strain on the components if you ask me. It saves electricity too. Its like turning on and off a lightbulb. The mythbusters did an experiment to see if it was better to leave it on or turn it off. Turned out its better to turn it off (saving electricity wise...).

Its mostly up to you though.
 
What can cause problems is the heating up and cooling down of the systems parts. While this can be a problem, it is not very likely. You turn your t.v off and on all the time and it still runs right? How about your microwave, same story.

With todays tech this is really a non issue. Plus by shutting down every night you are saving some money be using less power. Just make sure to hit the power switch on your power strip, otherwise you monitor and system are still using some electricity.
 
Computers are meant to last a very long time, A decade or more if it's token care of properly. Whether or not turning the computer off can reduce life expectancy doesn't really matter, as it should never effect you; It'll be long gone before the time any detrimental effects occur.

The one thing it does effect everyday is obviously your electricity bill. But not by as much as people think. A high end computer that's left on 24/7 will amount to about $10 of your monthly electricity bill; the old adage that a pc takes up less energy in a week than you're dryer does in a hour comes to mind.
 
kobaj said:
I start up and shutdown every day/night. Doesnt put any strain on the components if you ask me. It saves electricity too. Its like turning on and off a lightbulb. The mythbusters did an experiment to see if it was better to leave it on or turn it off. Turned out its better to turn it off (saving electricity wise...).

QUOTE]
Me too..
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paratwa said:
What can cause problems is the heating up and cooling down of the systems parts. While this can be a problem, it is not very likely. You turn your t.v off and on all the time and it still runs right? How about your microwave, same story.

With todays tech this is really a non issue. Plus by shutting down every night you are saving some money be using less power. Just make sure to hit the power switch on your power strip, otherwise you monitor and system are still using some electricity.
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It's the turning on that kills electronic gear from the inrush of current. Computers, televisions, stereo gear, etc. are all affected.
This means for maximum life, either leave it on for extended periods of time or leave it off for extended periods of time. Turn it on in the morning, let it run, but then shut it off at night when you're not using it for hours at a clip.

Tom
 
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OvenMaster said:
It's the turning on that kills electronic gear from the inrush of current. Computers, televisions, stereo gear, etc. are all affected.
This means for maximum life, either leave it on for extended periods of time or leave it off for extended periods of time. Turn it on in the morning, let it run, but then shut it off at night when you're not using it for hours at a clip.

Tom
Click to expand...

I think that's the best response I've ever heard.
 
OvenMaster said:
It's the turning on that kills electronic gear from the inrush of current.

Tom
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By saying "inrush of current" you are talking about heat. Since anything that resists the flow of current (resistors) will cause heat. The more current you use the more something will heat up. It's also why when you overclock your CPU with more voltage, it heats up more.
 
paratwa said:
By saying "inrush of current" you are talking about heat. Since anything that resists the flow of current (resistors) will cause heat. The more current you use the more something will heat up. It's also why when you overclock your CPU with more voltage, it heats up more.
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I believe he's referring to amperage. As you stated heat is only a by-product. Volts is merely difference of potential. When you oc your cpu and need to increase voltage, amperage increases proportionally. Heat, again, being a by-product of this situation.
 
So, what I said about the parts heating up, then cooling down is wrong? I don't think so, Since heating up and cooling down is the main source of failure in a electrical component, except for over voltage. Every time you heat something up you change the molecular structure of that item. So after a while it gets to a failure point. It's called thermomechanical fatigue.
 
It's the turning on that kills electronic gear from the inrush of current. Computers, televisions, stereo gear, etc. are all affected.
This means for maximum life, either leave it on for extended periods of time or leave it off for extended periods of time. Turn it on in the morning, let it run, but then shut it off at night when you're not using it for hours at a clip.

Tom
Click to expand...

Yeah, my computer is on for about 16 hours a day, and then 8 hours off while I sleep.
 
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