Any danger in leaving PC turned on 24/7
Discussion
Hi folks,
As I am still having problems with this PC switching itself off after about 1 minute from start-up ( sometimes it shuts off after less than 1 second), I am told I should leave it turned on.
I have looked at this shutting down problem on the net and it seems quite a number have had the problem which they say can be caused by: a virus: a motherboard about to die, a mobo screw shorting: a dodgy power supply or a faulty fan causing overheating. I doubt the fan is the problem as it can switch off very quickly before it has time to overheat and, once it is running, it goes all day with no problem.
I have checked the internal temperatures and MB temperature is 14 degrees and CPU 27 degrees.
So my query is, can any harm or danger be caused by leaving it on permanently with the monitor turned off and the broadband disconnected. Net search seems to suggest no problem but some warn of a fire hazard.
I noted yesterday that after a long period of being switched on with no activity, the air coming out of the fan port was cooler. This suggests that the CPU goes into a lower state or sleep mode and runs cooler. Is this correct?
Anyone else leave their home or business PC on permanently ?
Cheers
T
As I am still having problems with this PC switching itself off after about 1 minute from start-up ( sometimes it shuts off after less than 1 second), I am told I should leave it turned on.
I have looked at this shutting down problem on the net and it seems quite a number have had the problem which they say can be caused by: a virus: a motherboard about to die, a mobo screw shorting: a dodgy power supply or a faulty fan causing overheating. I doubt the fan is the problem as it can switch off very quickly before it has time to overheat and, once it is running, it goes all day with no problem.
I have checked the internal temperatures and MB temperature is 14 degrees and CPU 27 degrees.
So my query is, can any harm or danger be caused by leaving it on permanently with the monitor turned off and the broadband disconnected. Net search seems to suggest no problem but some warn of a fire hazard.
I noted yesterday that after a long period of being switched on with no activity, the air coming out of the fan port was cooler. This suggests that the CPU goes into a lower state or sleep mode and runs cooler. Is this correct?
Anyone else leave their home or business PC on permanently ?
Cheers
T
Assuming its adequately firewalled and virus-protected, leaving it on actually causes less stress on the components than continually power- (and therefore heat-) cycling them.I used to leave mine on permanently until one of the works PCs powersupply went wrong, showered sparks everywhere out the back and started smoking very heavily, which only stopped when the fuse blew. Fortunately we were there to stamp on the sparks in the smouldering carpet. Since then I turn it off if I'm not going to be near it for a few hours/overnight.
These days you are far more likely to bin the PC for a newer model before any PC components fail through being switched on and off.. My pc gets switched on and off every day (i dont like the idea of it being on all day on the net if i am not using it) and i have done that with every pc i have owned. Haven't had a single problem ever. I wouldn't worry about either way to be honest but if you leave it on then configure the power saving features to save your electricity bill 
>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Friday 27th January 11:37
>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Friday 27th January 11:37
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
Chilly right now. 15.5 degrees C. brrrrrrrrrrr
Soooo, you're achieving some kind of thermal magic with a motherboard temp of 14C then...
I think all the temp readings are wrong (CPU looks very low too). Best to check that out. It could be overheating in reality.
Well the mobo temp was early morn, later temp was afternoon.
Mobo / CPU figures you quote must be wrong, unless the PC is turned off!
I have a server (sometimes 2), a desktop PC and a selection of routers, firewalls, tape librarys etc running 24/7 at home. Things to consider:
- heat
- electricity bill
- hacking
...and in that order if you are well protected by a firewall or three.
In your situation, I would be a bit worried about leaving a PC on 24/7 if it randomly turns itself off after startup - what if the problem is overheating or a short?
I have a server (sometimes 2), a desktop PC and a selection of routers, firewalls, tape librarys etc running 24/7 at home. Things to consider:
- heat
- electricity bill
- hacking
...and in that order if you are well protected by a firewall or three.
In your situation, I would be a bit worried about leaving a PC on 24/7 if it randomly turns itself off after startup - what if the problem is overheating or a short?
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