Questions about leaving a computer on... (help please)

by OME9A Jun 3, 2005 10:23AM PDT

I have a couple of questions about computers and overheating and dangers of breaking down, etc.

I run a program on my computer (a diablo II program which plays the game for me) or if you do not know what that is, let's say I leave it on for downloads. Now, because of this, I would like to leave my computer on (NOT in standby) unlimitedly with an occasional 1 hour turn off (NOT standby, a complete turn off) everyday or so. Does this in turn cause it to break down sooner than it would? If so, how, and how long? Does this "WASTE" a lot of energy? REMEMBER: I am using the computer, but I am not SITTING AT the computer, however it is still in USE. I do not consider this a waste of energy since I am technically using the computer...is it a "waste?" This is the one game that I enjoy the most, and in order to get the most fun out of the game and become good, I would like to leave it on, unless the costs of leaving it on are great. Are there any other dangers in leaving it on? If so, what?

If this really is a complete "waste," is it okay if I turn it off (once again, not standby) during the night as soon as I am done using it for a total of it being about 6-12 hours. But, leave it on during the day when I wake up. Are there ANY dangers in doing this? I feel this is a considerable amount of time for it being turned off, is it enough? What is the minimum time it should be left off?

Thank you for any help.

Discussion is locked

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RE: Leaving a computer on

by John.Wilkinson Jun 3, 2005 10:51AM PDT

For the most part, leaving your computer on will not "wear it out" any faster than restarting it between uses, as the "damage" caused is approximately the same. As long as you have adequate ventilation (check the temp in BIOS or a program), it should be fine running all night. I've read that frequent restarts can cause the hard drive to wear out faster, while constant use can cause more wear to the rest of the system. However, the difference is so minimal the average user will never notice.

I have two old computers...the first is 4 years old and has been restarted 3+ times a day, while the second is 5 years old and has been run almost non-stop. They both still run fine, although they are out-dated and pathetic compared to my new computers. What I noticed: The one run constantly has a slightly slower response time, while the one restarted frequently takes a few seconds longer to boot than it originally did. (No big deal, and most people would never notice, but my curiosity drove me to time it.)

As to the cost, for me it's about 3.89 cents per hour that my processor, monitor, and accessories run, so it's no big deal. However, I'd save about $9 a month by leaving it off for 8 hours every night.

Hope this helps,
John

P.S. Out of curiosity, how does running an automation program for Diablo II while you sleep enable you to "get the most fun out of the game and become good?" To me that would be a "waste" of energy, but that's just me.

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Leaving a Computer ON

by gmperry Jun 3, 2005 11:07AM PDT

Over the years I have tryed levening my puter on all the time, I tryed stand by which caused me to have to reboot several times. dureing one of the times that I had left it on & gone to the gro. for a few idems. When we came in we smalled something electrial burning, when we found it it was comeing from the computer room. I found that a fan was smoking. So after that I turn off all computers at nite or when we leve the house. I have a 98se that has been runing this way for 8 yrs. Runing two others XP pro. I turn all off. Just My Thoughts. Gordon

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Same question, gramatically correct.

by TRIPLEJAY Jun 4, 2005 1:30PM PDT

I will be on vacation for approximately 2 weeks and need to leave my computer on so I may access my files remotely, but I am concerned about leaving it running the entire time I will be gone. Are there any issues, other than overheating, that I should be concerned about? (an aside to Gordon--do yourself (and those with whom you correspond) a favor and consider using spellcheck.)

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Leaving the computer on ?

by Papa Echo Jun 3, 2005 12:23PM PDT

IMHO,

? Of course, if it is on, it uses power, and that means $, but that is minimal.

? The main issue will be heat build-up, but if the fans are OK, and if the computer is configured at the BIOS to turn it self off if it overheats, that is a non issue.

? As for fire hazard, it is quite rare, but connected with the heat issue.

? All components in a computer will wear out over time, become ineffective or fail. Harddisk will last maybe 2 or 3 years or if you are lucky, 5. MOBO capacitors will leak... You can't escape - back up !

? If you keep the computer on and at the same time connected to the modem, security may be an issue. So, it's firewalls, or unplug.

? As for your game, is it possible to ''save'' a session and return afterwards ?

?etc., etc.

So, the choice is yours. Do what is convenient for you, in your own circumstances.

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Leaving the computer on ?

by OME9A Jun 3, 2005 1:45PM PDT

Okay, thanks guys, but how do I check the temp in the "BIOS" and how do I configure the "BIOS" to turn off if it starts to overheat?

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Not all the same

by Merl Priester Jun 3, 2005 2:06PM PDT

On most newer aftermarket mainboards, in the BIOS there is one location that shows the temps and fan speeds.
On most of them you can set a warning temp and a shutdown temp, in case of critical overheating.

Factory computers quite often have a very limited BIOS for the end user to set and may not have these settings available.

You will have to look at your manual, BIOS or call the manufacturer to find out.

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BIOS

by OME9A Jun 4, 2005 3:25AM PDT

How do I get into the BIOS and check it?

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RE: Accessing BIOS

by John.Wilkinson Jun 4, 2005 5:15AM PDT

The key used to access varries by model...check out this guide to find out what it is for you. Then just use the right arrow key to scroll over to the "Power" screen, and you should see the current temp. Some models will have an option to have your computer shut down automatically if it starts to overheat. For refernece, my temp runs 53C to 59C, but the ideal temp varies by model as well.

Hope this helps,
John

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Temp

by phantazy Jun 4, 2005 6:21PM PDT

I'm interested in your temp figures. I'm running Ahlon XP
2.2 Mhz and it's showing 50c, which I think is too high. Am about to change CPU fan and apply Arctic h/s paste.

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Temp varies. You will be surprised !

by Papa Echo Jun 4, 2005 7:33PM PDT

Yours 50

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My Temp

by John.Wilkinson Jun 5, 2005 9:39AM PDT

The temp on my Athlon64 3300+ stays around 53C, but goes as high as 59C when I'm gaming or heavilly multitasking for a while (burning DVDs, running a virus scan, playing music, and browsing the internet). However, an old P3 I had easilly reached into the upper 70s after doing nothing more than checking my email and browsing the web for a few hours. Intel always seems to run hotter than AMD, and as far as I know 53C-59C is a good range considering I'm using the OEM fan setup.

John

Questions about leaving a computer on... (help please)

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