How often do you turn off your main computer?

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How often do you turn off your main computer?

Only to reboot.
13
23%
Turn...off...computer?
10
18%
Rarely.
10
18%
Every night.
18
32%
A few hours a day, but it's usually on.
2
4%
Whenever I'm not using it.
4
7%
Whenever my parents make me.
0
No votes
 
Total votes: 57

Roja
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Post by Roja »

matthijs wrote:I don't know how much power my pc uses.
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/computers.html

Most new computers are around 250W. (250W*24 (hours a day) / 1000) * Cost per KW hour (~$0.10)= $0.60 a day. Thats $18 a month, which means PanamaJack was pretty much right on the money.
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Maugrim_The_Reaper
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Post by Maugrim_The_Reaper »

Now the geeks are ruining the environment...:) Monitors use the vast majority of power when using a PC. I can only hope those not present switch it off... A computer itself uses power according to the tasks its running - a temperature dependent fan system makes a big difference.

Those using a PC in a small room can tell you it doubles quite well as a radiator during the winter too ;)
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JayBird
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Post by JayBird »

whats the difference in power consumption between CRT and LCD monitors !?
Roja
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Post by Roja »

Pimptastic wrote:whats the difference in power consumption between CRT and LCD monitors !?
CRT's are extremely inefficient, generating a tremendous amount of heat to do the same function that an LCD does. Some CRT's use over twice as much power as the same sized LCD's.

One other problem with the "power by use" model, as Maugrim hints at, is that computers and monitors generate a substantial amount of byproduct heat. That heat in turn causes an increase in cooling costs - which can be far more substantial than the power used to run the machine.

Regardless, its a relatively minor amount when compared to other appliances (Water heater, Oven, Air conditioner/heater), so power savings by itself probably isn't a significant reason for turning them off. As to the impact on the environment, there are a number of things you can do to improve your energy use, and the computer is probably near the bottom of the list in terms of simplicity, and impact per effort.

Personally, I highly recommend replacing standard lightbulbs with the compact florescent bulbs.. they last longer, are less expensive per year, AND use less energy per year. Then you have the benefits of better insulation, window improvements, weatherstripping, water saving, water heater wrapping, solar heating..

There are dozens of things people can do. Every little bit helps, so definitely, if you aren't using your computer, don't hesitate to turn it off.
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JayBird
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Post by JayBird »

Roja wrote:CRT's are extremely inefficient, generating a tremendous amount of heat to do the same function that an LCD does. Some CRT's use over twice as much power as the same sized LCD's.
I thought that might be the case
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Maugrim_The_Reaper
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Post by Maugrim_The_Reaper »

"Stand-By" is also something to watch. A TV or other appliance on stand-by is still using up to 60% of the energy it would use when fully switched on.

Energy for a fully active PC system ranges from about 100 to 250 watts depending on monitor and PC spec. Anyone who has a PC with late model AMD XPs or Pentium 4's is probably hitting the upper range - my AMD XP 2700 and nForce MB runs very hot compared to its predecessor... The 19inch CRT probably doesn't help - I do literally have no heating in my study. It's redundant.

Contrast that with lighting (maybe 5 sub-40w flourescants), TV Video (90-120w), etc. and a PC can actually be a real cost. I'll ignore heating since it's probably by far the largest depending where you live.
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AKA Panama Jack
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Post by AKA Panama Jack »

Maugrim_The_Reaper wrote:Those using a PC in a small room can tell you it doubles quite well as a radiator during the winter too ;)
You have got that right. :)

I switched from a 5,000lb, well it felt like it weighed that much, 19 inch CRT to a 17 inch LCD and that definately reduced the heat output and electricity used by my main computer. Those large CRTs generate as much heat as an electric radiator.
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Maugrim_The_Reaper
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Post by Maugrim_The_Reaper »

I've just put off buying a LCD until HDTV is fully supported. Would be a bit of a let down to buy a nice 19 inch LCD I expect to last at least 5 or more years and find it incapable of displaying HDTV output...
Roja
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Post by Roja »

Maugrim_The_Reaper wrote:I've just put off buying a LCD until HDTV is fully supported. Would be a bit of a let down to buy a nice 19 inch LCD I expect to last at least 5 or more years and find it incapable of displaying HDTV output...
I can't afford a comparable LCD (I have a 21" CRT), which holds me off. However, almost *all* decent LCD's sold today will support the resolution, aspect ratio, and other criteria of HDTV. Hell, most CRT's will too.

The problem isn't (primarily/usually) with the monitors.. its with the cards. HDTV cards is a whole 'nother issue. We're offtopic as-is, and THAT topic could take over the entire forums its so large and confusing.
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neophyte
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Post by neophyte »

I turn mine off when my wife gives me that "look". (You can take that either way.) :wink:
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Post by Gimpy »

I ran systeminfo.exe in the command prompt and it said he had been up for 25 days, 12 hours, and 4 minutes.
Heh, I should reboot, eh?
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