Keep computer ON overnight or shut it down?

[zubovsergei]

I was wondering what most people do with their systems. I have an overclocked E8600 (4.4 ghz, 1.38v, watercooled) with a 4870x2. My system stays pretty cool. My temps for CPU don't go above 55 celsius on full load. My Mb temps are around 35-45 celsius depending on load.

Is it better to shut down the system overnight or always keep it on? WHich would extend the life of the system? I am only concerned about life of system, not power usage. I always thought systems do better if you just keep them on instead of constantly turning them on and off.

 

[Onus]

I used not to, but now unless it is doing something like running a scan, I turn my PC off when it won't be used for an extended period of time. I do it to save power though; I'm not concerned about component life.

 

[zenmaster]

off is likely safer, especially if you don't have a good UPS with line conditioning.

However, I don't think its a big deal either way.

 

[ram1009]

About 15 years ago I decided to let all my machines run 24/7/365. I've never been sorry. However water cooling adds a new dimension to that equasion. I doubt I would trust the pump.

 

[dhvd79a]

My concern for your system would be the water pump failing. That appears to be the vulnerable part of your system. Unless you do 24/7 computations I would shut it off.

dave

 

[Priv]

If the watercooling leaks the computer should shut off before any damage is done. So no harm should be done then.

 

[KyleSTL]

If you're not using it for anything, why leave it on? I HIGHLY doubt there is any significant relation between component life and power cycles (especially during the time before it becomes obsolete). I would either sleep or shutdown during the night (I do that on 2 desktops in my house, the third is my HTPC which is 24/7/365).

 

[dhvd79a]

If the watercooling leaks the computer should shut off before any damage is done. So no harm should be done then.

I am thinking of the water pump failing from running 24/7, an expense to replace, and the possibility of overheating.

 

[antiacid]

If you do not need your computer on at night, why not close it?

Even at idle, you're looking at 200-300w for average computers. Do you pay your own electricity bill or does someone else takes care of it for you? You could end up saving enough money to buy an additional game every year 😉

 

[KyleSTL]

Also, if you do decide to keep your system on, don't waste the energy at idle, use it for good by running Folding@Home to make use of the CPU (and possibly GPU) cycles.