What saves more energy overall...putting my computer to sleep at night time, or shutting it down?

Question

I head that shutting it down at night isn't good, because when you turn it back on again in the morning, it uses a lot of energy.

Would it be more efficient to just put it to sleep at night?

Answer 1

Well definetely dont directly unplug it; that will damage your computer.

I would say turn it off if you are leaving it off for 6+ hours.

Answer 2

It's the  best to just hibernate it.

Answer 3

isn't sleep like standby? I don't have the sleep option on my computers.

Standby uses a fraction of the energy compared to when the computer is on. What it basicly does is uses a small amount of power to keep the computer is aready state, but not energizing the CPU, hard drives, CD/DVD, floppy, NIC, and other parts.

Its for people who likes ot save power but not turning it off.

Hibernate is another step beyond standby. standby still uses energy to keep the ram and some other small stuff active. It saves what ever's on the RAM and various memories o nthe hard drive, then totally shuts down. When you turn it back on, it restores the RAM and everything to the way it was before shut down.

Turning off the computer wipes all memory that is not saved, you will nto be able to return where last left off at, at least not immediately. It also closes the programs and such, so they'll need ot be opened again during start up.

The energy comsumtions between hibernate and shutdown is roughly the same. Its less than the energy needed to run three flashlight bulbs (900mW). To save power during starting, both modes keeps certain capacitors charged.

By disconnecting the computer and pressign the power button again, you can see that the comptuer still keeps a small charge in the system. If you lose this charge, during starting it will need to quickly recharge all these caps, which uses a huge amount of energy.

Standby can use up to 10% of the regular energy comsumption, since the computer is still technically on.

Answer 4

shut it down, it saves energy, and restarting your computer also cleans it's memory from traces of all the tasks you performed, and it works faster for a while.

Answer 5

Computers last longer if you don't shut them down.

If you calculate in the energy cost of building you a new computer more often, it's probably better to let it sleep. Having it hybernate would be even more efficient.

If you are only worried about your own electric bill, then unplug it. There is always 3.3 volts running through your computer if it's plugged into the wall.

Answer 6

there is a problem with u computer

Answer 7

Unplug it from the wall. It stops the current which flows in the socket whether it is on or off.

Answer 8

Shut it down.  Electronics which are left on have a constant (if minimal)power consumption rate.  In addition, if the IC's are never without power, they can (and quite often do) break as soon as there is a power outage, so shutting your system down will save repair bills and the environmental costs of building new parts for your computer.

Answer 9

I never unplug my computer. I put it to sleep when I am not going to use it for about a day or so, but if I am going away or I will not be using it for a wile I turn it off. My computers always get so old that they are out of date, be for I have to replace them

Answer 10

by amiram a:



"shut it down, it saves energy, and restarting your computer also cleans it's memory from traces of all the tasks you performed, and it works faster for a while."

Perfect answer! This is 100% true!

Answer 11

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FILM YOURSELF, discussing your views on Global warming and the enviorment and if you have a sugestrion how your community can help reduce the effects.

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