Do I really need a case?

[csdanielson]

Okay, I'm still building that new system. Heres the specs as of now:

NV7 133R mobo
Athlon XP 1800
256 Crucial memory
GeForce 4 ti4200 64mb
IBM 40gb fast hard drive
Gonna use onboard sound

All thats left to get is a case and a power supply. Now, I was wondering if I really do need a case. I mean, couldn't I just get a power supply? I don't need a system that looks good. I just need one that can handle games like DOOM 3. I was thinking I could just hook the PSU up to it, and then cover the whole thing with this mesh box thing I have. It would have good circulation. I don't have to worry about any kids or anything like that bumping into it and breaking it, because I'm the only person ever in my room.

And, its my parents money I'm spending... I don't want to just burn up the cash. Theres a really good PSU I saw (400 watt, Antec, TRUE) for only $50 or so...

And don't cases really just hold heat in? No case would increase air flow and let heat escape much easier.

If I really do need a case, can you please show me the best one at Newegg thats affordable? Thnx...

 

[jcmkk]

Just get a case. I've ran PC's without their case a few times, but only for a short period of time (I was waiting for the case to come the next day, but I was too impatient and wanted to see the PC run that night). Cases shield your PC from static electricity and protect it from spilling something on it and stuff like that. For the money, I think one of the CHIEFTEC/TURBO LINK cases from NewEgg is your best bet. I don't particularly like the look of them, but they come with nice power supplies for the price.

 

[VBboy]

Originally posted by: csdanielson
Okay, I'm still building that new system.
And don't cases really just hold heat in? No case would increase air flow and let heat escape much easier.

Thnx...

Confused you are

Have you ever heard of case fans? Those fancy things suck cool air in on the front (usually), and exhaust hot air from the back (usually). Of course, without fans your case will heat up very quickly, and the trapped hot air will cause your components to heat up. That's why good cases have 2 intake and 2 exhaust fans, usually 80 mm (or larger - FS-020 and Chenbro Genie = 120 mm fans!). And with proper ventilation and air circulation, your case will run cooler than if it were just open (like with the side panel off).

AMD actually has a "requirement" for at least 1 intake and at least 1 exhaust fan (plus, a dual-fan PSU design) for their newer CPUs.

Good luck.

 

[csdanielson]

Well, heres what I was planning to do:

Take the motherboard with all the chips and power supply attached to it, and put it on a 100% wooden open shelf. Its a real big, box-shaped shelf. Two sides of it are open. Then, I would put some mesh around it. Then, I have two house fans. They're of average power. I could have them blowing at the motherboard constantly. This would keep the heat from sticking on it.

I think this would actually be cooler then a regular case, even if the case had two in-out fans. And, its much cheaper. I think I'm going to try this first... If that doesn't work, I will go ahead and buy a case.

 

[kc2gub]

lol, this is the funniest thing ive ever heard, don't be cheap, buy a case, thats the sillest idea ive ever heard.

 

[paralazarguer]

You need a case to protect your components from EMI and other things in your house from EMI that your computer will generate.

 

[CTho9305]

I've run 3 computers without cases... the only problem I had was knocking PCI cards out. the FCC didn't come knocking, they weren't unstable. maybe build a mobo tray + back of the case to hold in your cards... otherwise, no problem

 

[Ben50]

The first time you need to move your pc, you'll really wish you had spent the extra 50 bucks on a case. A case also protects your computer from accidental spills, bumps, and other accidents. I don't think your parents will have any arguements about a $50 case.