I don't know exactly about what hardware and system software you are talking,
but if it concerns a MacBook running Mavericks, I can tell you that
when you close the lid and the MB really sleeps,
no software is running any more.
But the mouse still consumes power and a UTP adapter still does.
My experience with a MacBook Pro is that it keeps on running for some 6-7 hours, what ever I do.
With the lid closed it can sleep for 30 days if all wires are disconnected.
;JOOP!