Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

So far, I'm putting it into hibernate state overnight, but it takes way too much time to resume. Probably because of all the installed software and two virtual machines I'm constantly running on my desktop PC, it takes dozens times longer to fully resume from hibernation than from sleep state.

It's a desktop computer so I don't care about power consumption and I've already got an uninterruptible power supply to protect it from possible power outages.

My question concerns more the safety of the RAM and motherboard. As far as I know, RAM should be provided with power all the time while in sleep mode. So the memory modules remain heated all this time, right?

So, what are potential problems with keeping a desktop computer in sleep state overnight that you guys can think of? After all, sleep mode was designed for short-time suspensions.

In case if it matters, my motherboard is Asus P8P67.

share|improve this question
1  
Modern computers are design to be left on. I have a computer that only reboots to install Windows Updates and the rare times a random process doesn't behave itself. How long your hardware actually lasts depends on the quality of hardware you have. I purchase my computer in 2007 and have not replaced a single part. – Ramhound Mar 6 at 12:35
1  
Absolutely nothing wrong with letting it sleep. Most people just set the machine to sleep after N minutes and then don't worry about "putting it to bed". – Daniel R Hicks Mar 6 at 12:36
1  
I turn mine off - however 'cheap' or efficient it is to be in sleep mode, I'm not paying for it :) – Dave Rook Mar 6 at 12:37
1  
@DaveRook If you switch it off and on every day, I think that it is actually more expensive in terms of energy consumption that letting it sleep. A desktop consumes quite a bit of power when turning on. – terdon Mar 6 at 16:04
@terdon - Thanks, it's good to know. – Dave Rook Mar 7 at 11:00

closed as not constructive by Dave Rook, techie007, Breakthrough, Dave M, DragonLord Mar 6 at 15:36

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

2 Answers

up vote 0 down vote accepted

Consider using hybrid sleep. Gives a good Hibernate backup should there be a power loss during the night. Google "Sleep Vs. Hibernate Vs. Hybrid Sleep" for more info on what each does in Windows.

share|improve this answer
If you could post a good link for reference that would help improve this answer. – Lizz Mar 6 at 13:24
up vote 2 down vote

Leaving a PC running 24/7 is not dangerous.

I've been doing it for years- as I like mine to be available when I'm away from home so I can reach it via LogMeIn.

PCs are designed to run continually.

Just think about the PCs they have at security desks (on 24/7), hotel reception desks, nurse stations in hospitals, computers running in shop back offices, and many more- all on 24/7 with no problems.

These generally aren't server class systems- just ordinary workstations like yours at home.

share|improve this answer
How much more is your electrcity bill per annum from running your PC continuously? – Simon Mar 6 at 14:31
Not much more: my PC is very power-efficient. My bill averages around $20/month (including an electric cooker) with my PC on constantly. I have a Radeon HD 7700, a capable graphics card which is extraordinarily power efficient- it draws all its power from the motherboard with no need for additional connections to the PSU. My previous graphics card had TWO additional connections to the PSU, and actually led to a VERY noticeable increase in room temperature. So my advice isn't for users with power-hungry gaming rigs. – Kim Jong-Un Mar 6 at 14:49
Thats very power efficient – Simon Mar 6 at 14:52

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.