How long can a Gaming PC be left turned on without causing it damage?? how much on average it should running?

Hi Guys.

I need some help, I hope you guys don’t mind having my back here, Ok let me explain

I’ve been having some problems, with my brother lately well in reality it’s more like arguments because I have a Gaming Computer, I’ll write down the Specs later.

The Story is I don’t mind him using the computer, but here’s the problem He been using it 12 or something’s 15 straight hours lately, anything from Playing Games to Watching his Anime’s. I am scared Shitless if anything happens to the Computer. He says that this computer can handle it and bla, bla. But what I believe is that since he didn’t buy it. He really doesn’t give a shit if something happens to it

I think it’s way too much time and my problem is I like to take care of my things, Guys I still have a working Nintendo 64 in fantastic shape. It’s just a thing of mine. I love using my things and now abusing them. This is my First Gaming Computer that I bought myself and I want it last even after it becomes obsolete but also I don’t want to be a dick with my brother either.

So Now I ask you cause without of thought you guys must have the answer.

My Computer Specs Are

Asus ROG Maximus X Hero Motherboard

Intel Core i7-8700K 3.7Ghz CPU

Asus GeForce ROG Strix Gaming GTX 1080Ti OC 11GB GDDR5 Video Card

16 Gb Ram

8 TB HDD

500 GB SDD

That’s as much as I remember, Temperature wise I never let the CPU go further than 55C and my Video Card nothing beyond than 65C

I hope this is enough information and if anything else Please text me

Thank you in advances

Kind Regards

As long as the temperatures are staying low you should be OK. Keep in mind that not all sub-components are monitored so you really need to have good air flow.

I think my record is 5 years without turning off my pc hahah

@pcmasterrace69: you must not ever get any power outages there, that’s pretty amazing.

No need to worry, especially since there are various tasks being done on it. If you were doing production tasks that have 100% CPU and GPU load 24/7, then of course it is going to add more strain on the system and the lifespan of the components is likely to be reduced. I say you and your brother should just enjoy the PC and not worry about it. If something happens down the line, it just gives you an excuse to upgrade or use the warranty.

@iwilson1296: got a backup battery for energy cuts that can happen once or twice a year. better play it safe (if washing machine + drying machine + oven + water heater + some other stuff are all connected at same time it can cut energy for the house

solution is turning washing and drying machine (never computer hahaha)

I run servers in my lab 24/7 for... Well as long as we can without needing to restart.

Overall, it's "fine" - but I will caution that HDDs, optical drives, and fans will die after so X spin cycles. And when your HDD dies it's a sad day. Is he using an optical disc drive a lot? That'll be first to go based on my experience.

But that's not really a problem with how many hours in a day he's running it, but rather that he's using up the life span faster than he would if it was off more.

So... It's a machine. It's meant to be used but parts WILL die and his use will lead to them dying sooner. But unless the parts are faulty it will still last a long time and that's just life.

But it's your computer. If you aren't comfortable with him using it then he shouldn't be. Make him buy his own if he won't use it the way you are comfortable

I do IT in the corporate world and we have a few 10+ year old dell workstations that run 24-7-365 on battery backups , amazing considering if you ever crack open a dell they use mid tier bare bones motherboards and power supplies to save costs ....our last set of servers ran for 13 years non stop, redundant power supplies and raid 10 quick release drives

Indefinitely, as long as you have power.

+1 for UPS (uninterruptible power supply AKA battery backup) - so even when your city provides crappy, inconsistent power your PC will be okay and you PSU will thank you.

I leave mine on for days or weeks.

I usually only leave my on for more than ten hours if I'm downloading some large files, such as games or Itunes shows. Otherwise I turn mine off for about an hour once every five hours.

But as long as you have good cooling, leaving a computer on for more than 15 hours at a time is no problem.

Indefinitely, or until anything with "moving parts" wear out. Moving parts meaning fans, optical disk drives, hard disk drives, and so forth.

These parts are generally rated in the tens of thousands of hours for life expectancy, though, so they last a good long while.

I think as long as your temperatures are OK then you're good. Just turn it off before going to sleep I guess? That's what I do. But I've left for vacation before only to come home to my computer being on (woops) after two weeks. No harm.

We leave our computers on 24/7 at my job and they are absolute pieces of crap.

@xantufrog: Ok So little question here and hank you for your answer.

So leaving asides Fans and HDD. Not a problem, Fans are replaceable or ill just upgrade to water cooling and HDD I tend to have two or three backups so, it's all good there.

But What about the Motherboard, CPU and the Video Cards( Not the Fans)?? If For example I keep it on a good temperature and change the thermal paste often( 3 to 6 months). The Component will be fine?? Based on your experience?

Honestly I just want to keep look after my Machines and keep them operational until I die or something. I know it will become obsolete and i will replace but still.

What do you think ?

@mrbojangles25: Ok Awesome thanks for the Post

Just a little question, Same as with xantufrogI am worried about the Motherboard, CPU and Video Cards...

Ok, granted I'll replace the Fans and regarding the HDD I have backups. But focusing on the the motherboard, CPU or Video Cards. It's my first high end computer and as silly as it sounds. I want them to last( Whispers...Hopefully forever).

Man, I tend to keep and take care of my stuff. I am more than aware that I will update my hardware eventually but that doesn't mean I can't Aim to keep it in optimal condition and when the time comes, replace but the machine still works just fine.

But what are your thought based on your experience??

@blazepanzer24: Ok I'll keep it in mind xDD

Thanks :)

@BassMan: Alright. Thanks for the Info Man :)

You're Cool

@silversmith995: i wouldn't worry about printed circuit board components. In fact, I wouldn't mess with the thermal paste until temps become a problem (if they aren't a problem now, they may never be until your next upgrade). Taking electronics stuff apart when it isn't broken seems like a good way to break it (static shock, air bubble in new round of thermal paste, etc). Of course it should be harmless if it's all done correctly, but I don't see this as a preventative maintenance situation

@xantufrog: Hey. Ok Thanks for answering to my post.

I know it's my computer. Believe me I am aware of that fact. but that little jackass is my brother too and well you know how it is xDDOk again base on your experiences and on replays that I have posted on this threads I have a more specific question for you.

Aside from the HDD, Optical Drives and Fans. Which all of them are replaceable. Optical Drives. Fan replaceable or I could just upgrade to Water cooling, If I Keep my system temperatures in check and regularly do the maintenance( 3 or 6 months) How long can the hardware last??

Look this is my first high end computer and well I tend to take care of my things. I know it will eventually become obsolete and obviously I will buy another one. But I would rather working and it conditions xDD

What do you say??

@silversmith995: well, like I said, I wouldn't do maintenance other than dusting (very important). Air cooling is fine - I wouldn't bother with water cooling unless you're going to go overclock hungry. At least - I've never done it and have not felt the need to.

I really can't say how long your parts will last. It depends on the quality of the parts, heat, and dumb luck too. Honestly, most PC parts will probably last decades - except when they don't for no clear reason. I've had HDDs and disc drives die way too soon. But when they don't, they go and go. Those are thr most likely problems because they are mechanical. Other than that you can boot up a 286 computer and 99% chance the only problem will be a dead cmos battery and a chirping fan.