On the other hand, if the computer is powered on, there’s wear and tear on the moving parts (mostly just fans now), and components like capacitors have a limited lifespan. These tend to be the first components that fail anyway, and I’ve always thought it odd to further reduce the lifespan of these components with the hope to extend the lifespan of what’s already the most reliable parts of the computer.
Now, with modern computers that sip power at idle but can consume hundreds of watts under load, the difference in temperature at idle and load is much greater than room temperature (off) and idle, so even if I was worried about thermal cycling I’d still be inclined to turn the computer off when it’s not needed because when it’s off there will be no big temperature swings. Granted, with Linux when my PC isn’t being used it pretty much just sits at a constant and steady idle… but Windows on the other hand…
Combined with the added electricity cost of not running the computer when it’s not needed, not leaving the machine running all the time is the obvious choice.
Yup. My entire PC desk (monitor, PC, 2+1 speakers) draw 7W when the PC is turned off (old speakers draw power when off for some reason). For comparison: My NUC server draws 7W white turned on, doing useful work. This infuriates me, so I got a zigbee power switch and shut the PC desk completely off when I’m not home.
If 7W for nothing pisses me off, you’re damn straight an idle or sleeping PC will too!
What’s this “boot” of which you speak?
Do people really turn their machines off these days?
Yes, I’m not wasting my hardware life and electricity for no gain.
Thermal cycling
TIL, tyvm!
On the other hand, if the computer is powered on, there’s wear and tear on the moving parts (mostly just fans now), and components like capacitors have a limited lifespan. These tend to be the first components that fail anyway, and I’ve always thought it odd to further reduce the lifespan of these components with the hope to extend the lifespan of what’s already the most reliable parts of the computer.
Now, with modern computers that sip power at idle but can consume hundreds of watts under load, the difference in temperature at idle and load is much greater than room temperature (off) and idle, so even if I was worried about thermal cycling I’d still be inclined to turn the computer off when it’s not needed because when it’s off there will be no big temperature swings. Granted, with Linux when my PC isn’t being used it pretty much just sits at a constant and steady idle… but Windows on the other hand…
Combined with the added electricity cost of not running the computer when it’s not needed, not leaving the machine running all the time is the obvious choice.
Its arguable that machines last longer staying at temp.
I use my machines enough that having to boot when I need it is just time wasting.
yes
Lol, have my upvote
Yup. My entire PC desk (monitor, PC, 2+1 speakers) draw 7W when the PC is turned off (old speakers draw power when off for some reason). For comparison: My NUC server draws 7W white turned on, doing useful work. This infuriates me, so I got a zigbee power switch and shut the PC desk completely off when I’m not home.
If 7W for nothing pisses me off, you’re damn straight an idle or sleeping PC will too!
Every day