Is it dangerous having my PC case open all the time?

[daywalker]

I always have my case open because i dont want to worry about temperatures. So far it works: Right now i have 45C on my CPU and 28C on my motherboard. Because it DOES get dust, i always clean the inside of the case with canned pressurized air at least once a week, fans, motherboard, everything. But still do i really face any immediate dangers from having my PC case open all the time?? (static electricity e.t.c)

Thanks

 

[cirrus1]

Dust isn't dangerous for your hardware as long as you don't let it bog up your fans and heatsinks, and you seem to be very careful about it....cleaning at least once a week sounds a little fanatic to me but the amount of dust varies greatly from place to place.

Having your case open *could* lead to increased EMI (electromagnetic impulses) emmision which *could* influence on your other hardware (especially if you have some sensitive sensors or such around). But it's nothing to be frantic about if you aren't having any problems in this matter.

The greatest danger IMHO is the more physical damage that could happen to your computer, if something drops down into it (pencils, fluids and other), or if someone (be that kids, pets and yourself ) wants to see just how fast that Delta Extreme Scream 7k RPM rotates. At least having something at the top of the computer (a plate or something else) is a good idea in my book, as this prevents the more common array of dropped items.

 

[yes4me2]

I left my computer open for 2.5 years. So far no problem... but it is getting dusty inside.

 

[Dan]

Q: Is it dangerous having my PC case open all the time?

A: Only if you are owned by a cat.

 

[dmcowen674]

The only reason we had metal cases was for spurious RF years back. Now that the boards are so high in frequency the transmission will not go far so the case is not so important anymore.

 

[GiZzO]

Interesting information dmcowen674

GiZzO's Fan Database Page

 

[Anubis]

my brother used to run his comp case open with a huge 2 Ft box fan sittin right next to it blowin in cause it would overheat. the 3rd floor of our house gets damn hot. it never had anyproblims unless someone shut teh fan off

 

[DongTran]

Originally posted by: Dan
Q: Is it dangerous having my PC case open all the time?

A: Only if you are owned by a cat.

or if you have a child

 

[randomboy]

Originally posted by: DongTran

Originally posted by: Dan
Q: Is it dangerous having my PC case open all the time?

A: Only if you are owned by a cat.

or if you have a child

So put up one of those child-proof gates around it

Jeff

 

[Acts837]

I had read an article about two years ago how properly positioned case fans have a drastic effect on temps. The article further stated that you should not leave a case open if you have case fans because it "reduces" airflow. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[shurato]

Back when I didn't know any better about proper cooling, i opened the case of my duron 600 oc'ed to 950 computer and put a small desk fan blowing on it....had great temperatures. Only thing bad about that was alot of dust and the fan was kinda loud. Did that for about a year till the desk fan died..lol...and it was fine.