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Computer on 24/7

luluvert -  
 pepper -
Hello,

I'm looking for a real answer to my question: does leaving a computer on 24/7 with occasional restarts damage the PC more than turning it off and on every day? There are many topics and forums on this subject, but not many certain answers. I don't want everyone to share their opinions or tell me how they handle their machines. I want responses from people who really know what they are talking about.
Thanks in advance
Lucas

Configuration: Windows 7 / Internet Explorer 9.0

7 answers

  1.
    le_joker_fou Posted messages 765 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   239
     
    Hello,

    if you take the example of servers, they are on 24/7 and run without issues.

    Know that a PC can stay on as long as you want, you just need to ensure it is properly cooled because if it overheats, it could catch fire.
    Moreover, servers are set up in clean rooms (so no dust), I guess you have a clean room at home, so if you leave it running 24/7, it's good to clean it regularly because dust is a thermal insulator, which means heat doesn't dissipate.

    If you respect these few points (cleaning and cooling), you can leave it on.

    As for turning it off and on, it’s not good to do it too many times. Each time you start it, there's a voltage spike that goes through your PC. Once a day is fine, but 50 times a day can cause damage.

    The best way for personal use (especially for your electricity bill and the planet) is to turn on the PC in the morning or evening (when you will need it for the first time of the day) and leave it on until you go to bed or if you are away from the PC for more than an hour.

    I hope this helps you ;)
    31
    1. luluvert
       
      Thank you le_joker_fou, my PC is around 45/50 °C. I've had the PC for about 2 months, so it doesn't have too much dust for now...
      0
    2. le_joker_fou Posted messages 765 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   239
       
      The temperature threshold of a processor is around 50°C, sometimes up to 60°C. So for now, it’s fine, but keep monitoring it just in case.
      0
    3. luluvert
       
      Oh dear, I hope that’s not the case because he has already gone to 75/80°C!!!
      0
    4. pepper
       
      Thank you, that's very clear.
      0
  2. kaela Posted messages 138 Status Member 11
     
    As long as you have good ventilation, yes, you can let the PC run as long as you want! Just make sure your PC doesn't get too hot during use, otherwise your computer will deteriorate...
    3
    1. luluvert
       
      I monitor the temperature of my laptop with Speedfan; it shows around 45/50 °C when I am online and downloading, and when it's not connected to the internet, about 30/35 °C.
      0
  3. vieu bison boiteu Posted messages 44334 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   Ambassadeur 3 591
     
    Hi luluvert,

    we can run a PC 24/7 but
    - it needs to be good quality hardware
    - connected to an uninterruptible power supply to avoid surges and micro outages
    - replace the cooler provided with the processor with a better quality one to keep the temperature as low as possible on the processor
    - ensure the case is well ventilated
    - put a fan on the chipset heatsink
    - have a dust filter on the fresh air intake fan
    ......

    see you later
    --
    no links on web pages in English, I'm already flying solo enough
    3
    1. luluvert
       
      Hi Old boxy bison (LOL)
      I have a G72 a35sf laptop, it’s 2 months old, so it's new. For now, I still have a low-speed connection at home, so it’s not connected to the internet much, just at my aunt's place who has a high-speed connection. It's plugged into the original standard charger, and I think the fan is fine because as soon as the PC heats up, it runs faster...
      0
    2. vieu bison boiteu Posted messages 44334 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   3 591
       
      Attention, a laptop is not really meant to run 24/7
      Moreover, there is no thermal paste on the processor
      As mentioned on a cooling pad with anti-dust filter

      Isn't it the hot air exhaust on the side???
      And the cool air coming in from underneath???
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    3. luluvert
       
      Yes, on the right side it blows warm/tepid air!!
      0
  4. SMG
     
    Yes, because the system must close processes to free up memory at least once a week.
    1
    1. luluvert
       
      Thank you for the quick answers! So it's better to turn it off every night and turn it back on in the morning? Because I've been told that it's during the computer's startup that the components "suffer" the most...
      0
  6. kaela Posted messages 138 Status Member 11
     
    So we all agree, keep your PC as cool as possible and clean it :)
    1
    1. luluvert
       
      You're welcome ;)
      0
  7. dany311 Posted messages 13341 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   2 131
     
    Hello luluvert
    a well-ventilated desktop computer can stay on 24/7
    a laptop can too, but it should be placed on a cooling pad
    otherwise, it's safer to turn it on only when you need it
    0
    1. luluvert
       
      Ok, generally, it's on a desk and the air vents are on the side so it doesn't get too hot.
      0
  8. coconuts
     
    My computer is about 5 to 10 degrees.
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    1. vieu bison boiteu Posted messages 44334 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   3 591
       
      You mean what there => ' a 5/10 degree '
      ???
      0