Leaving Dell Dimension 8300 running 247

I was mostly generalizing. I have met some (technically cluefull) people who own an 8300 and leave it up and running full time. But I can't recall the specifics of their config-environment, and I don't know how that would compare to yours.

I'm not aware of any fundamental cooling problems in the Dimension 8300 line, but that doesn't mean much. A google search of the web and newsgroups, and a search of the Dell forums, should turn up numerous complaints-discussions if there is some inherent design problem. I'm not sure what capabilities your box has in terms of reporting temp for key components, but if you are that concerned you could gather some readings one way or another. If your box is capable of coping with heavy use during the warmest periods in your home-business, it should be able to cope during less demanding times. I'd be surprised if active cooling is inappropriately curtailed in any power savings mode. But there again, if you are that concerned you could do measurements-tests.