leave computer running or not

drdenby · Feb 18, 2014

As I can tell, the last time this was addressed was 9 years ago.

What is the prevailing opinion nowdays of whether to leave a computer running or shutting it down, if it is going to be used a few times a day?

Is there a certain amount of expected times that it would be restarted before it is better to leave it on? or does that matter?

I have heard it both ways and figure this is the best place to find the answer.

C12Friedman · Feb 18, 2014

To my knowledge there is no "school of thought" here. The amount of time your system is left on pretty much is dependent upon your needs. There are drawbacks to constantly restarting a computer as there are drawbacks to constantly running a machine. Running 24/7 can put more stress on the PSU than letting the PSU rest for spells. I run all my desktops 24/7 but I am also running enthusiast class PSU's which I believe makes a difference.
I think I would personally look at the PSU installed as to how long to run it continually; a Server or Enthusiast class PSU can easily handle 24/7 operation, a midrange class should be able to run 24/7, a Budget or Entry-level class PSU I would run only as needed. Conversely, I would not choose a Server class PSU if I was intending to run my computer a few times a day (they aren't designed for that).
In considering that, I think I would say: If you find you start your computer more than 6-10 times a day, leave it on. If only a few times a day then go ahead and shut it down between uses. Note that this does not take energy costs into account which for many users is also a factor to consider (while I ignore it completely since my response is specific to system wear and tear)

One thing to note: there is a difference between a "Budget" PSU and a "Crappy" PSU. If you are running a PSU from tier 4 or 5 of any review list (and don't want to replace it for some reason - gambler that likes risk?) I will highly recommend you [strike]only run the machine the minimum needed since often the simple act of running a crappy PSU is putting stress on other components not necessarily designed for that[/strike] replace it.
Just my thoughts here

drdenby · Feb 20, 2014

Thank you for explaining this so clearly C12Friedman.

It looks like my next step is to determine what power supply I have. This is not anything I would have even thought about as the system starts and runs without issue. But, certainly if it will wear out expensive components, I need to know.

C12Friedman · Feb 20, 2014

The PSU is probably the most overlooked component (and the first thing skimped on when needing to fit a budget) of builds. After all, it's job is simply to supply power but, that doesn't take into account; 1) the power must be accurate (+/- 10%) and, 2) the power must be "clean", aka very low ripple and noise (undesirable by-products of converting AC to DC).
And then there's the bad... it seems a few PSU brands (not all and the number gets lower all the time) are somewhat unscrupulous in their descriptions and power ratings. Unfortunately there are still PSU's reviewed which are found to be capable of less than 50% of their rated wattage or PSU's that claim certifications they don't have or using outdated designs
This is one of the tiered lists I was referring to http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx it is fairly accurate (IMO) although a little extra research through review sites like this http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm can be far more helpful

drdenby · Feb 20, 2014

Thank you for this explanation.

Hmm..

Mine doesn't seem to be listed in either the newegg tiers or the hardtech database. It is a Shark ATX-650-N12S

It is dead quiet if that is what you mean by noise, and looking up the specifications it seems to read :

AC INPUT

115V/230V - 60/50Hz
DC OUTPUT
+3.3V +5V +12V
-12V +5VSB
650W

Max
Combined
Peak Watts
33A 43A 26A
0.8A 2A
650W

Maximum Power Output: 650W
Efficiency: Typical 70%
Manual shut-down rocker switch
Input: 100-127V AC or 200-240V AC - selectable by switch
Dimension: 150mm x 86mm x 156mm (the 156mm length is the side that extends inside the case when installed)

Do you think this is an ok power supply?

C12Friedman · Feb 20, 2014

Ripple and Noise are not what you commonly think of here - they are both seen on an oscilloscope as variations from the true voltage value, ripple as waves and noise as variations without pattern (simplified but effective explanation I think)
Simply looking at the numbers from your PSU I can see that it is an older design (modern designs are heavier on the 12v rail than the others, a modern design would have numbers like 3.3v=20A, 5v=20A, 12v=48A+, -12v=0.8A and 5VSB=2A+). That in itself doesn't mean it's bad but you are likely running it near it's power limits (especially if running a high end graphics card) - you have 312W available for the 12v. As long as your system is stable and the PSU is not running it's fans loud, you should be fine for casual use. If you find the PSU fan starts running louder, you'll want to start budgeting (and researching) a new PSU. I don't know that I would recommend 24/7 operation from that PSU since I am unable to find any legitimate reviews for it but I'll keep looking.

drdenby · Feb 20, 2014

Thank you again for explaining in an understandable way. As per your advice earlier, I am turning it off after use.

I will keep an eye and ear for the signs you have mentioned to look for. And should it come time to replace, I will heed your advice too about the newegg tier hierarchy.

thanks again

Search

leave computer running or not

drdenby

Honorable

C12Friedman

C12Friedman

Glorious

drdenby

Honorable

C12Friedman

Glorious

drdenby

Honorable

C12Friedman

Glorious

drdenby

Honorable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page