Sleep vs. shutdown: Difference and best option for computer?

weeklycod wrote:

What is difference between sleep and shutdown what should I do for my computer

Shut down -- subjects hardware to greater thermal variations (power cycles), hence shortens hardware life.

Sleep -- less thermal variation but more time powered up, which also shortens hardware life.

Probably a wash: half a dozen of one, versus six of the other. Endlessly debated for many years, no resolution or consensus. In the end, other things are likely to be limiting factors in how long a computer lasts.

So it probably does not matter, sleep or shut down. Shut down (versus sleep) saves a tiny amount of power, a fraction of a light bulb maybe, also not significant.

In the spacecraft high-rel business, there is a preference for reducing the number of power cycles and instead running hardware powered on at steady state temperatures. Temperature variation is seen as a life limiter for spacecraft parts and hardware. And some spacecraft hardware is rated for a limited number of power cycles. But spacecraft operate in extremely harsh environments versus commercial grade computers at room temperature.

Bottom line: either way should be fine, not something to worry about whatever you decide.

Ideally put it to sleep at night unless you experience any problems like den.thed lists.

Every week or so Restart the Mac as it refreshes everything.

Most people don't shutdown unless they know they are not going to use the computer for a few days.

There is no exact answer but shutting down every day will not prolong the life of the machine.

My wife is now using a 12 year old mini of mine that has rarely been shutdown.

Incidentally how many GBs are now being written to your drive daily?

During the Day, leave the Mac mini On and let the Display turn off.

Over-night, Sleep vs Shut Down is optional and totally up to you.

There were some macOS sub versions that introduced "Automatic sleep" issues under certain conditions. If you are experiencing any over-night sleep related issues like Kernel Panic's or Restarting during the morning Wake..? Then by all means Shut Down the Mac mini over night instead of Sleep.

Many issue are reported by users when using the sleep function. I prefer to just have display turn off after a set time. (unless I'm gone for an extended time). Power consumption is small when not in use compared to my other household items. I do restart my Mac at least once a week. This is most applicable to desktop Macs.

FWIW, I shut down my computer if I will be away from it for about an hour or more. I fail to see any reason/value in leaving it on if I'm not using it. And I also turn off my TV, lights, toaster, car, etc. when I'm not using them. I do leave my phone on though just in case I receive a call or text.

But many do not do as I do so feel free to do as you wish.

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Barney-15E wrote:

I have never shut down any Mac I've owned.

I only restart when I get an update (which is fairly regular due to beta testing).

My wife is like that too. Never powers down her iMac, an M1 (2021).

(She also tends to refuse to let me update it, she is still running Sonoma and seems to like it that way.)

https://gizmogrind.com/blog/should-you-shut-down-your-macbook/

I have never shut down any Mac I've owned.

I only restart when I get an update (which is fairly regular due to beta testing).