Better to leave computer on or not?

[terencemckenna]

Which is better for your hardware? To leave your desktop PC on all the time, or to switch off when you aren't using it?
This is kinda a stupid question but there are two sides to it.
Firstly: If you look on the packaging box of your motherboard, which it came with, it will tell you the amount of hours that the components on the motherboard are supposed to last. Thus this implies that the hardware can only last a certain amount of hours physically and then switching the computer off when you aren't using it would make sense.

Then there are things like this that people will tell you:
"Excessive heat is more of a danger than the number of times you turn the computer off and on."

I'm specifically asking about a desktop PC, not laptop where there are other factors like battery etc.

[Phantom Wolf]

I would say that depends on the size of the box, if it's a slip desktop or a traditional size. Either way, though, it's probably better to leave it off.

[pretentious]

personally, i always turn my computer off when not using it. Apparently turning the computer on and off isn't good for the HDD. However, consider the RAM and the cache and all that stuff. Memory leaks would be a real pain when you never turn the computer off

[Assassian360]

It really depends on multiple factors.

* Do you have a reason why it would need to be on all the time?
* Have you considered using "sleep" or "hibernate" instead of standard shutdown?
* What sort of cooling does your case have?
* What sort of components do you have? Higher end components are more likely to need better cooling for long term "on" status.

[terencemckenna]

I'm not really into torrents so my computer has no reason to be on 24/7...i just like it when it is on then i can just arrive at home and log on immediately...I dual boot so starting up takes a while.

Got a graphics card and sound card and regular cooler master fans for cooling.
Thanks for the input everyone.

[Vulpine]

Firstly: If you look on the packaging box of your motherboard, which it came with, it will tell you the amount of hours that the components on the motherboard are supposed to last. Thus this implies that the hardware can only last a certain amount of hours physically and then switching the computer off when you aren't using it would make sense.

That's the no-brainer part. All electrical equipment has a shelf life. Fortunately, as long as you've purchased moderately decent hardware, you stand a very good chance of upgrading your system long before it physically wears out.

Then there are things like this that people will tell you:
"Excessive heat is more of a danger than the number of times you turn the computer off and on."

Heat build-up is a negligible concern if you have reasonable cooling to begin with and perform regular maintenance on your box i.e., blow your vents out, remove dust and particle build-up. Turning your computer on used to be a stressful procedure but hardware has advanced since the 80's - 90's. Manufacturers still need to cover their asses, though, so it's not unreasonable to see those shelf life labels. Turn it off, leave it on, or whatever. You'll be fine either way, barring cheap components.

[hellow533]

I leave mine on all the time.. Unless I'm going on vacation, or leaving for a weekend.

[insomaniacal]

I leave mine on all the time.. Unless I'm going on vacation, or leaving for a weekend.

Im in the same boat.'

Technically, it's probably better to turn it off when not in use. Will it give a noticeable effect in real life? Probably not, unless you're using excessively cheap, ultra-heat sensitive components (which are pretty rare these days anyway, barring shoddily made laptops).

[rotkreiger]

Conveniently speaking, it's always nice to run scan's while you are asleep, so you just don't have to deal with it.

Hardware wise, wear and tear is always going to take place. Whether its drawing energy all at once upon turning it on, or just running.

The real question you should ask, is how much it effects your electric bill, and does it really make a difference?

[Automatiic]

It's better to leave it on and this is why:
As some users have already mentioned, turning the computer on and off is bad for components. But the real reason it is bad hasn't been mentioned. Ever notice the intentional gaps in sidewalks? Why are they there? Basically, when it gets hot outside, the concrete expands. If those gaps weren't there, the concrete would have no room to expand and would, therefore, crack. Your PC Components go through the same thing with a few exceptions. A.) They don't have nice gaps and B.) they get a lot hotter. The constant expansion and contraction of those parts from extreme heat and then room temperature will wear your parts out very quickly and since your computer can't be turned on and running at room temperature, it is better to leave it running. Constant temperature is best and for a computer, that constant temperature is hot. Just make sure you keep the computer cool, have good ventilation, clean out dust and keep it elevated so it picks up less dust.