Is sleep necessary?

[Multipass]

I use my 2014 MacBook Air in clamshell mode, connected to an external monitor.

I have it set so that the monitor shuts off after 15 minutes, however, I have checked the box next to "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off". This seems to stop my MBA from ever going to sleep mode.

I like that because backups still work and downloads/uploads still continue.

I'm just curious if it's ok to have a closed MBA connected to an external monitor and external power not go into sleep mode?

 

[motrek]

I use my 2014 MacBook Air in clamshell mode, connected to an external monitor.

I have it set so that the monitor shuts off after 15 minutes, however, I have checked the box next to "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off". This seems to stop my MBA from ever going to sleep mode.

I like that because backups still work and downloads/uploads still continue.

I'm just curious if it's ok to have a closed MBA connected to an external monitor and external power not go into sleep mode?

Yup. Perfectly fine. The only thing it might put some extra wear on is the fan, and those are cheap and easy to replace. And the fan might actually last longer if it's not frequently turned on and off.

 

[Multipass]

Thanks!

Truth is, I didn't even know there was a fan in the MBA, it's so quiet that I've never heard it.

How would I know if the fan stopped working? Will I get some type of warning that the computer is overheating?

 

[motrek]

Thanks!

Truth is, I didn't even know there was a fan in the MBA, it's so quiet that I've never heard it.

How would I know if the fan stopped working? Will I get some type of warning that the computer is overheating?

I don't know exactly what happens but don't worry about it. If the computer gets too hot it will turn off.

 

[wiredup72]

transistors do degrade over time, but you will probably not notice it unless you keep your computer for a certain amount of years (hours running). I used to watch old server chips loose cycles in the old days in a few years. Better cooling and thermal shut down prevents most people from noticing, but it is possible.

 

[lostgear]

I thought Power Nap allowed backups and updates to occur when the Mac is sleeping? Therefore no need to prevent it from sleeping.

I use my 2014 MacBook Air in clamshell mode, connected to an external monitor.

I have it set so that the monitor shuts off after 15 minutes, however, I have checked the box next to "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off". This seems to stop my MBA from ever going to sleep mode.

I like that because backups still work and downloads/uploads still continue.

I'm just curious if it's ok to have a closed MBA connected to an external monitor and external power not go into sleep mode?

 

[Multipass]

I have power nap turned on, yet in the morning when I wake up my MBA my latest Time Machine backup will be 10 PM, for example. So it doesn't seem to work well.

Plus I don't think power nap was ever supposed to work with other apps like Chrome downloads.

 

[motrek]

transistors do degrade over time, but you will probably not notice it unless you keep your computer for a certain amount of years (hours running). I used to watch old server chips loose cycles in the old days in a few years. Better cooling and thermal shut down prevents most people from noticing, but it is possible.

I wouldn't worry about this. I've never heard of modern electronics failing due to electron migration. I assume it takes decades. My last computer was working 24/7 for 10 years when I sold it.