Shut down or Sleep/Hibernation: which is best for hardware longevity?

[Stevekir]

This is an old question going back decades but I have never got to the bottom of it.

Arguments against sleep and Hibernation: Machine "does not get a rest" (whatever that means with a non-mechanical object); Does not save much power.

Arguments against shutdown: It takes a little longer to return the machine to use; Files must be closed (no open files on the desktop if you want that sort of thing); avoids the so-called "rush of power into the machine, which stresses it".

If there are disadvantages in both situations, the estimated length of time between sleep/hibernation and awakening and between shutdown and re-starting, is important. (A long period would obviously favour shutdown.)

So:

Are the disadvantages above valid (or indeed important); and

If the disadvantages are valid, what is the guideline. For example, if the period is likely to be > 30 mins, shut down; if less, sleep or hibernate.

Or is this like worrying about how many angels can dance on a pinhead?

 

[oscer1]

Hi everyone will have their own opinion. As for me I never shut down desktop computer. Only time is when a storm is in the area. Laptop get shutdown after use.

 

[Layback Bear]

I only use Desktop and I always shut down computers when not in use.

As fast as computers start today I see no reason for Sleep or Hibernation.

Sleep and Hibernation use less power but Off uses no power.
Their is no wear and tear on a computer when the power is off.

When you do a fresh boot or a restart Windows 7 gets a fresh start of many things such as how the ram is used. A lot of un-needed temps are removed ect.

Computers in my home are like lights; if not in use turn them off.

This is the way I do my system when I'm done with them, even if its just a hour or so.

1. Shut all open programs.
2. Turn the volume down because I don't need it blasting sound when starting.
3. Run a cleanup with Ccleaner set at default. (NOT the registry part)
4. Select Shut Down
5. When it shuts down, with the use of a surge protector (One button) turn the power off to the computer and everything that plugs into the computer.

It really doesn't take as long as it did to type this post.

When starting the computer all I have to do is push one button on the surge protector and one button on the computer case. Presto in 30 to 40 seconds I'm up and running again.

 

[LMiller7]

There are a lot of opinions about this and few indisputable facts. The best guidelines are whatever works best for you.

 

[Layback Bear]

Absolutely their are many options one can choose to use.

Their are probably many that don't choose the way I do things.
It's just my way and my reasoning for doing that fashion.