can you turn on the computer when the side is off?

[JoeFaheyx]

hi, i was just wondering, if you could turn on the computer when the side of the computer is off...also, how would you go about moving the computer when the side is off to prevent static discharge....THANKS

 

[nanaki333]

it's fine if the side is off. in fact, it's good and bad. helps with heat issues, keeps the case & cpu much cooler, but also increases all them nasty dust bunnies. just get some compressed air and clean it regularly. As far as moving the case, just don't touch the inside components. like the ram, mobo, etc. just move it like you would move any other case.

 

[gsellis]

Yes, you can. The case is part of the cooling system though, so leaving the cover off will possibly result in a higher temperature for some components. Also, it makes it more prone to collect dust, be used as a litter box, etc.

Leaving the case side off does not make it more prone to static discharge that I know of unless you are touching the components within. If you are just moving it around and it is still plugged in, you have a ground to the chassis. But do unplug the machine to add/remove/change parts.