IS it safe to keep a computer running for 16 hours?

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  1. Posts : 826
    Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit SP1
       #11

    There's this nice long running debate going around about this. Leave the computer on all the time and incur a little/some hardware fatigue, or turn it off when you ain't using it. Turning it off and on all the time (cold booting) can wear hard drives out.

    I personally always leave my computer on and now with the more advanced power saving option built into Window's 7, that little fatigue chance is decreased to near nil. Either way, hardware will run towards failure, just depends on how fast you lead it there.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 218
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #12

    Back when I was building computers, I found that the component that failed the most in computers that were left on constantly was the cooling fans, either on the cpu, the video card, the chipset or the power supply. So make sure you have quality fans.

    And when fans fail, components will then fail due to overheating unless you've got programs, either in the bios or software, or preferably both, that will monitor temps and shutdown the system. Some, such as Speedfan, will also monitor the speed of the fans and give alerts when they fall below preset values.

    And be sure to blow the dust out of the fans and the computer at least every 6 months.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 589
    Windows 7 ultimate X64
       #13

    Either way, hardware will run towards failure, just depends on how fast you lead it there.
    Well said Newt.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5
    win7 32 bit
       #14

    I've had client machines on for 3 or 4 years. The old idea was that surges from turning on/off hurt system IC's. Dont know if this is true, then or now.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #15

    I really don't know how much wear and tear leaving a computer on does. I do know their is no wear and tear on one that is off. It only takes 60 to 90 sec. to boot so I really don't understand a computer running for hours, days when not in use. While your computer is booting do something; kick the dog, get a cup of coffee, kiss your mon when you get back your computer is running cool with cleaned out ram ect.
      My Computer


 
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