Many users have plugged their PC into a power strip. But does it harm the hardware if you turn off the socket at the end of the day?
Many users have plugged their gaming PC into a power strip. Since often, besides the PC, you have a monitor or other devices and one outlet on the wall is not enough for all devices at the same time.
Some users fear that they might damage the power supply or connected components by turning off the power at the end of the day via the power strip. At a time, when graphics cards are way too expensive or hardly available, few users want to take that risk.
MeinMMO explains what it’s all about and whether it is really dangerous to turn off the power at the end of the day.
Update: The article was first published in October 2022. We updated the article on May 30, 2024, and added new information.
Your power supply usually does not break when you turn off the power
Basically, it is recommended to disconnect important or valuable devices from the power supply. And it’s not just about saving energy, but rather about safety.
Because by disconnecting from the power supply, the risk of damage from power surges, such as lightning strikes or house fires, decreases.
What about the power supply? Every computer has a power supply. The power supply converts the alternating current from the socket into direct current. It also ensures that each component is supplied with the appropriate voltage.
Modern power supplies today have numerous safety features built in to ensure that your hardware is not damaged even if you turn off the power. These include fuses against overvoltage (OVP), overload (OCP), overheating (OTP), and short circuit (SCP), where the power supply then turns off. These functions protect not only the power supply but also your other components.
Some power supplies also have a so-called “snubber” built in. This is a small component that can absorb voltage spikes. These can occur, for example, when you turn off the power very abruptly or when individual components require a lot of power.
Inquired with bequiet!: We also inquired with the manufacturer bequiet!. They assured us that with high-quality power supplies, there is no risk of damage to components or hardware if the PC is regularly completely disconnected from the power.
Basically, though, it is always worth buying a high-quality power supply. With very cheap power supplies, you should be cautious because often more is promised than delivered. For instance, ComputerBase tested cheap power supplies and urgently advised against buying no-name devices, as the deficiencies often outweigh the benefits (via computerbase.de). You should especially be careful with cheap devices on eBay.
And there are also more things, where you should not skimp when building a PC.
The motherboard has its own power source when the power is off
What about the motherboard? All components in the computer are installed on the motherboard. The motherboard has a small battery for power supply when the PC is turned off. This small battery ensures that certain information is permanently stored. This includes, for example, the BIOS settings or the current time.
If you leave the computer unplugged for a long time, for example, when you are on vacation, then in the worst case, the BIOS battery runs out and the motherboard forgets the time and BIOS settings.
However, this is unlikely, as the BIOS battery usually lasts many years and often even outlasts the motherboard. The button cell on the motherboard can also be easily replaced and costs very little.
The RAM also appreciates a break
What about other components? Other components, such as the graphics card or the processor, do not require a continuous power supply. For the RAM, it is even better if it is not constantly powered, as it would otherwise not be able to fully discharge.
The RAM is also one of the reasons why it can be worth it to completely turn off the PC. Further reasons why you should let your PC take a break at night can be found directly on our site at MeinMMO:
5 Reasons why you should turn off your computer at night
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