Treat your hardware right: off or on? August 31, 2010
Posted by martin in : General , trackbackWhen it comes to computer hardware there is one enduring debate. Do you leave your computer running when not in use, or to power it off when you are done. Here is a brief explanation of both sides of the coin.
Treat your computer right: leave the hardware on?
The rationale behind leaving you computer hardware running constantly is based in a sound concept. The idea is that the your computer is exposed to its most stress during the power up sequence. The belief is that powering your computer sends surges through its components adding an extreme amount of stress and its better to just leave it running. This is true, turning on your computer does stress it.
Treat your computer right: turn the hardware off?
The idea that you should power-down your computer hardware lies in the issue of heat. As your computer runs, the internal components heat and cool, which is a good thing. But this can cause problems as certain components heat and cool at different rates. This means that leavening your computer on indefinitely stresses the joints between the various internal components. Called differential expansion, this is also true.
Treat your computer right: the answer
The short answer is; it really doesn’t matter so long as you don’t abuse your computer.
The issue with turning your computer is only really a problem when you do it too often or too quickly. Known as Rapid Cycling, repeatedly turning your computer, or any electronic hardware on and off is just plain stupid. Don’t do it.
On the other hand, leaving your computer running for extended times stresses it too. Do you let your car run all week? However, modern computers utilize power saving technology, hibernation settings and stronger components meaning you can leave your PC on for extended periods, but not days and weeks.
So the answer is to use common sense. Power it off when not using for extended periods while making sure to leave lots of time for your computer to cool and drain its power between start ups.
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