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?