How long should I shut down my pc to cool down the hardware?

[sublidieminal]

How long should I shut down my pc to cool down the hardware? I was just wondering because I have the habit of giving my pc a rest whenever I want to get on something like a game later on. Is this just a stupid habit? Or is it worth it?

 

[Dalamari]

It is a stupid habit, as long as you keep it down when you sleep your comp will be fine.

 

[theGreenBunny]

In theory it isn't such a bad concept, except that it doesn't work. The idle temperature your computer is normally running at (when not gaming etc) is reached after about 5-10 mins after you turn it on (depending on your comp). So when you 'give your pc a rest' for long enough for it to cool all the way down, it still won't matter because the temp will be up to normal levels in no time. If you had left it on all that time it would also be running at pretty much the same, normal temps.

So no, it's not worth it.

 

[ComradeBadger]

In fact, it's better to leave a computer on, extends the life of the parts.

When a componant heats up, it expands, and when it is turned off... it cools down it contracts.

Do the math

 

[ShinRa]

Comrade you should clarify things for him. Parts life expectancy last a long time. My old 486 still works. So if your worried omg my parts are gonna die any minute cuz i left them on over night, don't sweat it. They last years and years.