Shutting down your computer

**TestudoAubreii** · June 25, 2007, 08:40 AM

Greetings,

I have a questions in regards to shutting down your computer as opposed to just leaving it on all the time. I mean, does it benefit the computer to shut it down or to leave it on? It may be a silly question, but I am just wondering. I can see shutting it down if you are going to be away from your computer for a few days and it kind of makes sense that you increase the wear and tear factor if you constantly shut it down and start it up. I do not know. Anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

morrsionicus

**Spiff** · June 25, 2007, 09:59 AM

Wear and tear yes, but as far as i know the major benefit is saving electricity, leaving computers on all the time will end up costing you a lot -and isnt good for the environment

- assuming you pay your own bills that is.

**TestudoAubreii** · June 25, 2007, 10:46 AM

Yes, unfortunately I do pay my own bills. I was kind of thinking along those lines, but I think I'd rather wind up paying a few more smakers in electricity than replace components on my computer. Then again, the components on my computer my not go out as quickly as I fear. I've been trying to do some research on it, but what I am finding out is that the answer to this question is really split down the middle. I guess it all depends on how often you actually use your computer and what you may use it for. Thanks for the response.

**spartan_phalanx** · June 25, 2007, 11:07 AM

It mainly comes down to electricity. I was always hesitant to shutdown my computer for fear of wearing out my components but really it doesn't matter much. I prefer convenience over a small bit of electricity. You can always use screen-savers, power saving modes ect. if it does bother you. Also your monitor is probably using the most power anyway. I tend to turn that off if anything.

It is a good idea to restart it every once in awhile though, especially if you install programs, updates ect. a fair bit. Some programs have small memory leaks and restarting can be good there as well. Personal preference will be the main deciding factor.

**TestudoAubreii** · June 25, 2007, 12:39 PM

Thank you for your response.

I believe you statement about personal preference is correct. I kind of like leaving mine on and I tend to turn of the monitor before I leave or go to bed. I wil probably conitnue to leave it on.

**Hadrian** · June 25, 2007, 05:39 PM

Heat wears out electrical components. Electrical power coursing through components causing heat, and hours of service wear out components, not turning your system on and off. It is better to power down (hibernate) or just plain turn it off. Fans in continual use, (hibernate will not spare these) will wear out quicker. GPU fans, CPU coolers, etc cannot be turned off if the system is on. It's better to turn your system off, it'll last longer.

**TestudoAubreii** · June 26, 2007, 08:07 AM

Thanks, Hadrian. That is helpful advice.

**Garnier** · June 27, 2007, 08:07 AM

I always shut off my monitor every time I leave the computer (unless its to get a drink or something) and I shut it off any time I won't be using it for more than an hour.

**TestudoAubreii** · June 27, 2007, 09:40 AM

You know, Garnier, I tend to do that as well. I use my computer for about an hour in the morning before I go to work, about 30 mins. at lunch and a few hours after work. I've been shutting it down during those three periods. This is one reason why I posted this, just to see what everyone else does and perhaps receive some advice. Thanks for your response.

**Gary88** · June 27, 2007, 09:51 AM

Wear and tear yes, but as far as i know the major benefit is saving electricity, leaving computers on all the time will end up costing you a lot -and isnt good for the environment - assuming you pay your own bills that is.

there was a statistic that 5% of electricity in the USA was computers left on overnight, its a few years old now but still. also it cant hurt to let your hardrive cool down a bit