Can Your PC Really Run Forever? Reddit Users Share Their Experiences

When it comes to how long you can leave a PC running without turning it off, opinions vary widely. However, Reddit users have some fascinating stories that shed light on this topic.

One user, Atul, shared, “I once plugged my Raspberry Pi into the 5V USB port of my TV. I forgot about it and went on with life. Four months later, I realized the Pi was still plugged in and running. So I ran a HDMI cable to it and realized it was still just fine after operating undisturbed for 120 days.”

Another user chimed in with their experience of a work PC: “My work PC has been off once in the past four years because of a power outage. PCs don’t care,” they said. This suggests that as long as the environment is stable, computers can run for extended periods without issue.

Yet, some users emphasized that while the hardware might handle continuous operation, the operating system could be another story. One user mentioned, “The hardware might not, but sometimes the OS has a conniption.”

Interestingly, Linux servers seem to fare exceptionally well. As one user noted, “My Linux server ran non-stop for five years with no issues. Never turned off, never rebooted. I used a service that ‘patched’ the kernel. My concern was not the PC itself, but the cooling fans! They can be the weak spot.”

Even older machines like netbooks and Raspberry Pi devices have proven resilient. A user proudly shared, “I have a Raspberry Pi that continuously registers the production of my solar panels since 2013. It has been working flawlessly and without interruption for more than 10 years now.”

The consensus among these tech enthusiasts is that with proper care and cooling, PCs can run for extremely long periods. Factors like dust accumulation and fan maintenance are crucial, as mentioned by a user: “As long as you have adequate cooling and are mindful of things like dust, the answer is indefinitely. Eventually, your SSD will fail, but that will happen whether it’s plugged in and on or not.”

A fun fact from the thread was a user whose Psion Series 5 has been plugged in and running a program since 1997. “It hunts primes and bongs every hour. It doesn’t get switched off,” they boasted.

For those curious about the science behind these claims, the most common issue pointed out was the wear and tear from turning a computer on and off frequently. “Powering a computer off/on is the worst thing you can do to it,” explained one user, likening it to the damage caused to light bulb filaments from constant on/off cycles.

In summary, many users on Reddit have shown that with the right environment and regular maintenance, PCs can run for years without a hitch. It’s a testament to the durability and resilience of modern technology.

Enjoy this article? Share your own experiences with us on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter for more tech insights and updates.