Computer Power ... Idle or not to idle?

[ACLeroK212]

I remember seeing a thread awhile back where someone was wondering if it was better to leave their computer on or off when not in use.

This article from CNN is a pretty interesting read that lets you know just how much power your using by leaving it in idle.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/ptech/07/28/good.question.ap/index.html

Here's a quote that was pretty interesting:

In fact, microchip maker Infineon Technologies AG, which is working on making electronics' sleep modes more energy-efficient, estimates that a mere 1 percent decrease in standby power consumption would save the nation 360 megawatts -- the equivalent of a medium-sized power plant. Put another way, 10 percent of an average home's electricity consumption comes from machines of some kind sitting on standby, said Infineon spokesman Saswato Das.

 

[SidewinderX]

Yeah, I've read similar areticles before. I think I read somewhere that if all computer power supplies were made 5% more efficient (in converting the power) that it would save America billions of dollars a year in energy costs.

 

[psyno]

Indeed a computer that's off uses less than one that's on... :O

It still uses power, even when turned off, unless you cut the supply, of course.

Your standard PSU is horribly inefficient, losing about 35% of the energy (to heat).

 

[Asus]

Indeed a computer that's off uses less than one that's on... :O

It still uses power, even when turned off, unless you cut the supply, of course.

Your standard PSU is horribly inefficient, losing about 35% of the energy (to heat).

yeah
i'm glad there are some psu's with 75 percent efficency.though you have to look for those.

 

[ACLeroK212]

Indeed a computer that's off uses less than one that's on... :O

It still uses power, even when turned off, unless you cut the supply, of course.

Yes. This I know (as should anyone, hopefully). The thread I was refering to in my first post talked about whether it was better for your computer to be left on and drain energy, or to constantly turn it on and off (which was compared to constantly turning a car on and off, which could possibly wear components of your computer down from the constant temperature changes). This article just goes a little more in depth to provide the consumer insight into which is better for you and your computer.

 

[DreamThrall]

Bitches get stitches! :frown: :sniper: