running a laptop continuously

Posted by intuited on Super User See other posts from Super User or by intuited
Published on 2011-01-17T06:30:32Z Indexed on 2011/01/17 6:54 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 210

I have an experienced laptop — a Dell Latitude D400, with a Pentium M CPU — that I'd like to run as an always-on server. This model was launched in 2004; I got mine second-hand in about 2007.

I've heard that continuous operation is generally not a good idea with consumer hardware, but am lacking in specific knowledge about related problems, and have little idea of how much such usage patterns would reduce the lifespan of the machine.

I'm mostly concerned with the unit's core components; parts such as the hard drive which are readily replaceable are, well, readily replaceable.

What sorts of things can I do to increase the lifespan of this machine under such circumstances? For example, I'm guessing that it would be wise to limit the CPU frequency or take other steps to keep the internal temperature low. However, I'm not sure where the point of diminishing returns would lie with such an approach — 50°C? 40°C?

Would it be useful to suspend the machine periodically, for perhaps an hour each day, or a few hours each week?

© Super User or respective owner

Related posts about Hardware

Related posts about continuous-operation

  • running a laptop continuously

    as seen on Super User - Search for 'Super User'
    I have an experienced laptop — a Dell Latitude D400, with a Pentium M CPU — that I'd like to run as an always-on server. This model was launched in 2004; I got mine second-hand in about 2007. I've heard that continuous operation is generally not a good idea with consumer hardware, but am lacking… >>> More

  • Speakers silent, headphones work in Ubuntu 9.04

    as seen on Super User - Search for 'Super User'
    I'm running Ubuntu 9.04. Worked fine for months, then I rebooted yesterday after weeks of continuous operation. Now audio won't play through the speakers. The USB headset works fine, but the Conexant audio (CX20549) does not. Weirdly, it thinks it's playing. pavumeter shows appropriate levels… >>> More

  • Hard drive after PCB swap strange stuff

    as seen on Super User - Search for 'Super User'
    I’ve done a PCB swap to my HDD. The HDD model is: WD6400AAKS-00A7B2. The original PCB PN matches the new one (first three letter groups), though the cache mismatches (16MB original, 8MB new). The Hardware store that made the swap told me it was hard to do the swap, they have done firmware adaptation… >>> More