Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

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Kyle_Brandtjen

Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by Kyle_Brandtjen »

I want to donate as much as I can, so long as it doesn't hurt my computer.
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Intel Q6600; 2x2GB=4GB Ram; Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4 Motherboard; PC Power and Cooling Q750 PS; 2x GTX 460 video card; Windows 7 X64.

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Dell Dimension 8400, 3.2GHz P4 4x512GB Ram, Video card GTX 460, Windows 7 X32

I am currently folding just on the 5x GTX 460's for aprox. 70K PPD
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by P5-133XL »

Generally the answer is yes. If your computer has temperature issues or fan issues I'd be cautious.

Is it a laptop? I'd be paranoid for they can have real issues folding. Specifically batteries and temperature/fans. Always fold on AC and never on batteries. Make sure that the pause folding upon battery option turned on to protect your batteries from being drained accidentally. Make sure that the heat the laptop produces has somewhere to go and monitor its temperature. As long as it stays reasonable there isn't a problem
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Rolo
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by Rolo »

If it is built and maintained properly, it is safe. I have four PCs folding 24/7 and I've always left my PCs on since ~1991.

I don't fold w/my laptop as it is far more difficult to clean and I don't want it sucking dust. It's GPU is pretty weak anyway.
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Jesse_V
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by Jesse_V »

I own a desktop and a laptop, and both are folding 24/7. Some laptops are better at keeping themselves cool than others. My Asus N61V-series is designed well and has quiet fans and the temperatures are kept in the safe range. It's been folding 24/7 for two years with no significant problems. Desktops are better than laptops at cooling themselves, but the mobile hardware in laptops is often designed to withstand higher temperatures. Most motherboards will also shut down the computer if the fans aren't adequately cooling the system. In summary, IMO it should be fine but it doesn't hurt to be careful and watch the temperatures just to be safe.
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by Rolo »

I don't disagree; my N51Vn folded great for a few days and there would never be an issue; I just didn't want to have to clean it monthly as, unlike my desktops, the laptop case doesn't have air filters or facilitate cleaning with quick disassembly. I didn't want to scare anyone off.
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by Jesse_V »

Rolo wrote:I don't disagree; my N51Vn folded great for a few days and there would never be an issue; I just didn't want to have to clean it monthly as, unlike my desktops, the laptop case doesn't have air filters or facilitate cleaning with quick disassembly. I didn't want to scare anyone off.
My laptop has a removable panel right over the CPU/GPU/RAM assembly, and the side of the fan is also exposed. Kyle, the accumulation of dust can cause higher temperatures as it slows air flow, but at least in my laptop blowing out dust using a can of compressed air isn't a big deal. Most of the dust accumulates on the fan, and in my case it's not difficult to remove it. I usually like to do this once every 3 or 4 months or so, but again it depends on the laptop's design and how hard the fan has to work. YMMV Kyle. Dust accumulation also occurs in desktops, but at least there you can see it. :)
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by 7im »

Kyle_Brandtjen wrote:I want to donate as much as I can, so long as it doesn't hurt my computer.
Hello Kyle,

the answer to this question has not changed since the last three times you asked... ;)

is running your computer 24/7 with folding@home ok? [Yes]
how much wear and tear does FH 5.03 cause?
Will running 4 clients at once damage my computer?
How to provide enough information to get helpful support
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Kyle_Brandtjen

Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by Kyle_Brandtjen »

sorry i forgot ive asked before
7im wrote:
Kyle_Brandtjen wrote:I want to donate as much as I can, so long as it doesn't hurt my computer.
Hello Kyle,

the answer to this question has not changed since the last three times you asked... ;)

is running your computer 24/7 with folding@home ok? [Yes]
how much wear and tear does FH 5.03 cause?
Will running 4 clients at once damage my computer?
RMouse
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by RMouse »

I fold 24/7 with my laptop, no problems at all.
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Re: Is it safe to leave my PC running 24/7?

Post by bruce »

RMouse wrote:I fold 24/7 with my laptop, no problems at all.
So do I...and it comes with its own built-in UPS. ;)
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