Foreseeing heat issues with clear acrylic cases

[shiftomnimega]

I recently purchased this case from Newegg.

Now I was just thinking that this case, though has places for 5 fans, may have heating issues. However, not when the computer is on, rather when the computer is off.

I thought about my car and how hot it gets in there even when it's terribly cold outside. That is because the windows allow light energy to come into the car, be absorbed by the dash and the seat cushions and then converted into thermal energy. Thermal energy cannot escape from the car because the windows are shut tight.

Similar idea here. If I were to leave this computer case in the direct path of light from the sun could there possibly be an issue of heat?

Granted I am not all that worried about this since there are places between the fan blades where heat can escape. Also, if worse comes to worse I can put an opaque blanket over the case so light doesn't get in there. But theoretically, could this cause heat issues?

 

[HardWarrior]

It could, sure. But why place the case in direct sunlight anyway? Are you going for an effect? Solar UV can't be good for acrylic in large doses anyway.

 

[PCHPlayer]

I wonder which would get hotter when sitting in direct sunlight an acrylic case or a black metal case. Either way, it's not a good idea to put the computer in direct sunlight.

 

[EeyoreX]

The chances of this being a problem are slight. For one thing, the sunlight will not be directly on the case for all that many hours, unless you put it in a greenhouse or other area with a skylight that lets sun in the entire day. A couple hours of sun through the office window won't make a difference.

\Dan

 

[HardWarrior]

I'd agree with that, but I wouldn't sell the Sun short. You should see what it does to tomato plants!

 

[tracerbullet]

It will also turn the contents of a clear bottle of beer very, very sour in only about 15 minutes. Sounds strange, but if you have a chance - try it. Put a bottle of miller or somthing in a window for an afternoon, and then attempt to drink it. Anyhow, just agreeing - don't sell the sun short. Solar radiation is pretty incredible.

I'd keep the case out of the light myself. In a bright room would be fine, but for direct... One thing to know is that it's usually ultraviolet rays that do this sort of "stuff" - give you a tan, etc. Very little of that actually transfers through glass. It's not impossible to be sunburned through a window, but it's difficult. As such, it's possible that the light falling on the case won't really hurt it like if you had it outside. But I'm sure it would get hot, and that's never good.

If it was mine I'd just try to keep a towel handy, to cover it once in a while. A case that cool looking would be worth the work.

 

[shiftomnimega]

Roger that. Thanks for the comments.

Oh and about the beer thing... that'd be something I'll pass on

 

[compman25]

Thanks for the timely response to this thread!