Better To Leave PC In Sleep When Unused, Or Shut Down?

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  1. Posts : 45
    Windows 7 Professional x64 SP1
       #11

    Sleep each evening and turn off or reset every couple weeks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,364
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #12

    Designers of repairable critical systems and associated peripherals, and quite cognizant of the 2nd law of thermodynamics, will determine and declare an approximate lifespan of their product. They have labeled it 'mean time between failure' (MTBF) with the value of time (typically in hours). As a USAF technician, and later as an aerospace engineer, it was 'the rule' to document/monitor and perform maintenance or component replacement after a system had been operational for 'x' number of hours.

    In conclusion (and in 'general'), the simple fact is : if a part has been designed to operate for 'x' number of hours, it is going to be around longer if it is 'turned off' periodically.


    my $0.02

    Leave On, Sleep, Hibernate or Shutdown <----clik here
    Last edited by MourningStar; 22 Aug 2018 at 20:25.
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  3. Posts : 178
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #13

    Thanks for all your replies everyone. As there were no really strong views either way, and there seem to be pros and cons with both shutting down overnight or putting into sleep - I think I'll carry on doing what I'm doing; ie. shutting down fully at night.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 178
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #14

    iko22 said:
    The best way to preserve ALL your components from wear an tear is to fit a good grade power supply, either when starting a custom build or when replacing the generic power supply fitted by most computer manufacturers. A good power supply will include mainline choke and surge overload protection and other quality components to reduce electromagnetic interference.

    I think you already have chosen the best policy, but look at other strategies such as backup policy, power plans and even a new power supply.
    Thanks for your very comprehensive reply, iko22.

    I wouldn't have considered components such as power supplies, etc. I have an Acer Aspire (model no. M3910) desktop pc, approx. 5 years old. Should I be considering upgrading the power supply now, or is the original one that Acer fitted OK? Or should I just upgrade to a quality PSU if and when the PSU I have now fails?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,364
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #15

    woodbine said:
    ... As there were no really strong views either way, ...
    really??!!!
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  6. Posts : 16,130
    7 X64
       #16

    I have had psu failures on a couple of machines. One of them was 9yrs old, and the other almost 7 yrs old.
    The cheap generic psu are not very robust. Whether you should replace one before it fails is up to you.


    woodbine said:
    Thanks for your very comprehensive reply, iko22.

    I wouldn't have considered components such as power supplies, etc. I have an Acer Aspire (model no. M3910) desktop pc, approx. 5 years old. Should I be considering upgrading the power supply now, or is the original one that Acer fitted OK? Or should I just upgrade to a quality PSU if and when the PSU I have now fails?
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 2,798
    Windows 7 x64, Vista x64, 8.1 smartphone
       #17

    woodbine said:
    Thanks for your very comprehensive reply, iko22.

    I wouldn't have considered components such as power supplies, etc. I have an Acer Aspire (model no. M3910) desktop pc, approx. 5 years old. Should I be considering upgrading the power supply now, or is the original one that Acer fitted OK? Or should I just upgrade to a quality PSU if and when the PSU I have now fails?
    I don't know what is inside the Acer M3910, to be honest. I'd assume that it contains a simple generic 250W supply. You'd have to open the computer case to find out. Computer Manufacturers usually use these to keep the costs down. If I'm right then I'd look at replacing it right away with a suitable 80 PLUS certified supply, in order to give your components the most protection. Make sure the one you are buying contains OCP (Over Current Protection), OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection) and SCP (Short Circuit Protection).

    Hope that helps.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #18

    Always shut down when the computer isn't going to be used ! Use a ssd to quicken boot and shutdown and enjoy lower energy costs, less heat and less strain on the PSU. Mobo, hard drives......on and on.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 178
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #19

    MourningStar said:
    really??!!!
    By Strong reaction, I meant that no one said something like either;

    A) For Christ's sake, always turn your pc off at night, or your mother board will be burnt to a crisp by morning!!!

    or

    B) Never, ever, ever turn your pc off at night - utter madness!!!

    Unless I missed something?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 178
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #20

    Thanks to all for your replies. As always, really appreciated.

    If I do replace the power supply, are there any recommended brands or suppliers?
      My Computer


 
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