This is a really basic question, but I'm just wondering what kind of negative effect running seti or other boinc programs on my computer could have--won't it "wear" out the computer over time, having it constantly work? I'm just wondering.....

If you run a CPU overclocked at too high temprature it can damage the CPU over time. If you dont, no need to worry. Its very rare that the CPU's fail. The most likable item to fail is your HD's and powersuppy.

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CPUs are electronic, they do not "wear out". Unless they are overheated, or other issues that can not be controlled they should be hurt by DC programs. CPUs are made to run 100% 24/7, that's how they are built. In fact, if you leave your computer on all the time, even without programs, it is always 100 (unless it throttles down), even though 99% of that is idle process.

In my opinion (and many others), leaving the CPU on 24/7 is actually better. There is less chance of surging your components each time you put power through them, etc.

I have a CPU that has been running SETI for over 3 years, and it's the computer I use daily. It has not "wore out".

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My movie https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/502242

what about the rest of the computer?

what about the rest of the computer?

Also doesn't apply as electronics in PCs are meant to be used 24/7, Just cause someone doesn't do that is their choice. Of course nothing lasts forever, Unless You're the Pyramids in Eygpt, It's Time fears only the Pyramids.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

My old machine was running Seti over 3 years 24/7 without any problems.
You only have to check your fans from time to time.

regards Mike

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With each crime and every kindness we birth our future.

This is a really basic question, but I'm just wondering what kind of negative effect running seti or other boinc programs on my computer could have--won't it "wear" out the computer over time, having it constantly work? I'm just wondering.....

It will be obsoloete long before it wears out. ;-)

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Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station. - Grand Moff Tarkin

This is a really basic question, but I'm just wondering what kind of negative effect running seti or other boinc programs on my computer could have--won't it "wear" out the computer over time, having it constantly work? I'm just wondering.....

It will be obsoloete long before it wears out. ;-)

My 4 PCs are obsolete now, and are still working as designed. The oldest is 7 years old, the second 5, my laptop 4 and the youngest 3.5 years old.

There seems to be no sign they are getting tired or wearing out!

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It's good to be back amongst friends and colleagues

This is a really basic question, but I'm just wondering what kind of negative effect running seti or other boinc programs on my computer could have--won't it "wear" out the computer over time, having it constantly work? I'm just wondering.....

It will be obsoloete long before it wears out. ;-)

My 4 PCs are obsolete now, and are still working as designed. The oldest is 7 years old, the second 5, my laptop 4 and the youngest 3.5 years old.

There seems to be no sign they are getting tired or wearing out!

Unlike everyone here at least, Most PCs will most likely out last everybody, I'd think. :D

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

All DC projects increase the heat load on the CPU (more transistors firing than just the idle process), so it is more important to ensure that your CPU has proper cooling.

One part of the HD will wear out slightly faster (the head movement axle), however, it should still last a decade or more.

I had one computer that was running S@H for 6 years (after a previous 6 to 8 years of service - don't remember exactly how old it was. The HD finally stopped working, and it was not worth fixing at all as it was below minimum requirements for all programs that I am using.

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BOINC WIKI

I recently (well it feels like recently, but in reality 2 yrs ago) shut down my old P3-533MHz machine and took the 12GB Seagate hard drive from it and put it in my P4 3.0GHz. The P3 ran seti@home classic from 2001 to 2004 and the P4 has been running since 2003. I have overclocked the 3.0GHz to 3.37GHz (800MHz FSB to 900MHz FSB). To cope with the extra heat the cpu puts out I have upgraded my cpu heatsink from the stock Intel version and have added 2 fans to give a total of 3*80mm fans in my case.

All up the hard drive has been going for 24/7 since I started DC projects in 2001 and hasn't missed a beat.

Overall heat and dust is a computers worst enemy. If you run DC projects then ensure you can get the heat away from your cpu and out of your case. If you live in a dusty area or have lot's of people in your house or have a dog or cat, then a once per month clean of the cpu heatsink and fan blades is essential. Computers work wonderfully as dust filters when they are running!

Live long and BOINC.

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Paul
(S@H1 8888)
And proud of it!

My dual P3 ran from early 2000 until June this year with no problems at all. It had several upgrades of HDD and graphics cards. And had to have a more powerful psu installed, to cope with the extra demands these items placed on it.

But keeping an eye on temps and cleaning regularly it had no problems.

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