Turning Your Computer Off At Night vs. Leaving it on 24/7

[LaL 418]

do they have hotlinking protection and put something horrible up?

it's not horrible ewok, just funny

[Captain Oates 911]

I put a multi meter in the circuit - (dangerous for learners - dont do it)

Standby mode reduces power by about 70%

I turn mine off at night anyway to save the last 30%

I live in a dry climate, but in humid climates like Florida I might do some thinking about it because of condensation.

I have built 4 computers in the last year and used the latest bits - it still takes ages to boot em up as it's xp and the software and the hard drives that are the limiting factor - but it gives me time to move the cat away from the screen and have a biscuit.

[Captain Ewok 1,895]

I hope I fixed

[LaL 418]

awww

[one...two...tree 2,762]

do they have hotlinking protection and put something horrible up?

It says in big bold letters - "I'm stealing this image."

[Krikit 1,164]

do they have hotlinking protection and put something horrible up?

Click on Otto's link and you'll see what it says.

I'm pretty sure that's a TOS violation.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

do they have hotlinking protection and put something horrible up?

Click on Otto's link and you'll see what it says.

I'm pretty sure that's a TOS violation.

Grant him clemency.

[Heracles 417]

Here is the deal, No turning your PC off will not void anything or make it wear out any faster. This is 2009 not 1986..

Now in terms of power use, first thing people need to know is the kw of their power supply. If you have 750 watt like mine, you are going to burn some serious power. What I did do though is purchase a power supply that has at least an 86% efficiency; which means the least amount of power is wasted in terms of heat. http://www.enermaxusa.com/index.php These guys build high quality power supplies. High quality power supplies also prevent a lot of errors and BSOD issues. Didn't realize untill recently that these same supplies operating on 240v (as per aus) actually increase their efficiency to 92%. Even the freagin power is better... Just saying..

Laptops are okay to leave on as they burn minuscule amounts of power anyway. Maybe 100watts.

If you want to save power and have a quick turn-on enable standby. If you want your computer to be able to completely turn off and then boot up, with the windows you had open, turn on hibernate. I usually have standby set for 20 minutes and hibernate enable after for 2 hours.

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I use one of these and found that even with turning my PC off, I burn about $13 of power a month.

I was thinking about installing wind power but I am sure I would have to battle with the HOA.

Edited December 1, 2009 by Booyah!

[Heracles 417]

I put a multi meter in the circuit - (dangerous for learners - dont do it)

Try the above device, it's safer. It reports everything under the sun. The updated model actually calculates power for you.

Edited December 1, 2009 by Booyah!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Laptops are okay to leave on as they burn minuscule amounts of power anyway. Maybe 100watts.

Interesting point. I chose a laptop at home over a desktop for the mobility, but I need one powerful enough to handle the programs I run. I've got a second LCD 20" monitor hooked up to it and most often put it in Sleep mode when I'm not using it.

[Niels Bohr 72]

LOL. You're saying he's an oldie.

Even at idle time, the FETs still consume energy.

I put a multi meter in the circuit - (dangerous for learners - dont do it)

Try the above device, it's safer. It reports everything under the sun. The updated model actually calculates power for you.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I use one of these and found that even with turning my PC off, I burn about $13 of power a month.

Here's a good review on the product.

You know what would be ideal? Have your power strips plugged into an outlet that is triggered by an ordinary light switch on the way. Then at night, after you've shut down or turned off your appliances, you can hit that switch, which is much more convenient than having to find the switch on the power supply.

[SuperDuper! 230]

WE have to turn our computers off every night. I guess 4500 computers left on consumes a few kilowatts

I assume you are referring to your computer network. Funny thing is that we are NOT supposed to turn off our computers EVER. The network updates after hours, and if your computer is shutoff during a critical update, you may not be able to log in later. Then, you have to make a request to the ever-friendly IT guy! *Shriek*

[Ban Hammer 13,398]

in other news, i have a new image to use....

[Niels Bohr 72]

What new machines are capable off now is through booting up by way of the network adapter. Many places have adapted this methodology. I don't know if it's applied in your area yet, but, it will eventually.

When the IT needs to schedule an overnight update, they boot up all the machines at once through the network adapter. Then, once the updates are completed, every machine will just turn off. Saves alot of energy. Many Universities are adapting this technique so as not to increases tuition.

WE have to turn our computers off every night. I guess 4500 computers left on consumes a few kilowatts

I assume you are referring to your computer network. Funny thing is that we are NOT supposed to turn off our computers EVER. The network updates after hours, and if your computer is shutoff during a critical update, you may not be able to log in later. Then, you have to make a request to the ever-friendly IT guy! *Shriek*