Braiboo99 Sep 8, 2023 @ 11:27am
Should I let my PC cool before shutting down?
I'm asking if I should let it cool before switching off PC because there is a heat wave at the moment in the UK. I did not run any games so the heat build up is just from weather and the computer being on so my fan speeds are higher than normal on idle.

Will this damage hardware and when is it ok to switch the PC back on.

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Showing 1-15 of 24 comments
nullable Sep 8, 2023 @ 11:48am 
You're over thinking this.

If you want your PC on, let it be on. If you want it off, shut it off. Any extra gymnastics you want to throw in there is wholly your own invention.
Braiboo99 Sep 8, 2023 @ 11:55am 
Originally posted by nullable:
You're over thinking this.

If you want your PC on, let it be on. If you want it off, shut it off. Any extra gymnastics you want to throw in there is wholly your own invention.
Yeah I know I might be a bit paranoid, my PC is my pride and joy so I don't want to kill it inadvertently.
Rumpelcrutchskin Sep 8, 2023 @ 12:00pm 
I would not worry about it, components are not that fragile.
plat Sep 8, 2023 @ 12:00pm 
If the hardware gets too hot, it'll shut itself off automatically anyway. You can monitor your temps with either the Rainmeter program with cpu/gpu-specific skins or use a desktop monitor like HWiNFO64 or similar to check your temperatures one time, even before shutting down.

If you're concerned about the gpu specifically the Performance tab in Task Manager will show you the temperature of your graphics processor though not the hot spot itself. :steamhappy:
Daggoth Sep 8, 2023 @ 4:35pm 
The PC isn't going to get any hotter after you turn it off, so if it's running fine before shutdown then it'll be fine after shutdown.
And when you turn it back on the heat will be dissipated just as well as it was before you shut it down, so again; if it's fine, it's fine.

Components these days aren't so fragile as to get thermal cycle shock from ambient temperatures in any reasonable timeframe.
hawkeye Sep 8, 2023 @ 4:43pm 
Install hwinfo64. It's a free download. Leave it running. It records maximum temperature reached. In red if things are too high.
Mr White Sep 9, 2023 @ 11:24am 
Yes overnight a short fuse could cause a fire. Secondly in the age of high bills makes more of a case.
I doubt this would change anything.

If your PC is off, no electricity will flow through the components, thus not creating any heat.
Caolán_The_Wolf Sep 10, 2023 @ 7:03am 
pc parts are a lot tougher than people give em credit for, id say youll be fine you just need decent airflow.
Viperveteran Sep 10, 2023 @ 10:40am 
To be honest most modern computer pcs have self protection mechanisms in them. The only time you really need to let your computer cool down before turning back on is when it shuts itself off (not bsod). As for waiting to turn it off, the only time turning off a computer could be bad is when it is updating/transferring something important otherwise it does not matter.
Supafly Sep 10, 2023 @ 12:17pm 
When on they are getting juice which increases components temps. Without the juice their temps will continue to drop and stay low enough they don't need any active cooling.
Tex Sep 10, 2023 @ 5:22pm 
UK heatwave? Lol you all don't know what heat is.
Supafly Sep 10, 2023 @ 11:45pm 
Originally posted by Tex:
UK heatwave? Lol you all don't know what heat is.
Always some subject views depending on what population is used to. I've worked in hotter climates and I'm in shorts + T-Shirt and still hot whilst the locals have jumpers and cardigans on because to them it's cold.
MancSoulja Sep 10, 2023 @ 11:55pm 
Originally posted by Tex:
UK heatwave? Lol you all don't know what heat is.

Tell me you know nothing about humidity.

If you really want to understand our weather and you're not just another bad troll, try reading this.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24305230

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/humidity/effects
Last edited by MancSoulja; Sep 10, 2023 @ 11:59pm
[N]ebsun Sep 11, 2023 @ 1:16am 
Originally posted by Braiboo99:
I'm asking if I should let it cool before switching off PC because there is a heat wave
It will cool down slower if you just turn it off - what kills things fastest is a higher rate of heating or cooling. Leaving it on doesn't really do much for you - if it was getting hot, then turning it off will let it cool... while the rate of cooling might be lower due to the fans being off, it's not generating more heat while off.

Just turn it off, no need to leave it on to let it cool.
Last edited by [N]ebsun; Sep 11, 2023 @ 1:16am
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Date Posted: Sep 8, 2023 @ 11:27am
Posts: 24