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What EXACTLY is sleep mode? - Alekzander When I put my computer from regular mode into sleep mode what changes? I know the monitor is on stand by, but I need to know what changes, and what changes back between sleep mode -> regular mode -> sleep mode.

Best Answer: sleep mode takes all the memory on the RAM and puts it into a cache on the hard drive, and then powers off the computers hard drive, rom drives, PCI and PCI-E cards such as graphics card, and memory (vista doesnt turn the memory off) and puts it into a low power usage state. once you move the mouse or press a button it powers back on. hibernate puts the memory into the Hiberfill file, and switch's off the computer, then when you press the power button it reloads what was in the memory so you are back were you left off. there are diffrent sleep modes that some bios's support, some will completely power off and switch off fans and everything, some will leave the fans and certain other things on. - Insane_mad_maniak

This is a pretty good explanation http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-vista/understanding-the-sleep-power-state-in-windows-vista/ - grae.uk

Your computer uses less energy by turning off unnecessary parts of the computer. After returning to regular mode, the computer restores power to the components it turned off, e.g. CD drive, hard drive, etc. - athiyav2000

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