Is it safe to run a computer without a case forever?

[2is]

Being careful doesn't mean you won't have accidents. After all, they are called accidents for a reason.

 

[SonicIce]

yea u can just throw all the parts in a cardboard box

 

[OVerLoRDI]

In theory you will be fine. But in reality... sure you don't have kids, pets, etc etc. But all it takes is one spill, mistake and you lose parts. It might not even be you, one of your "friends" you desire to show off your "best" gear to might do something stupid.

I had an open machine lying on my dresser. It was in a case, but the side panel was open. A friend of mine threw his empty soda can into the trash can that was next to my dresser. He missed. It landed in my machine and got soda droplets on stuff. Thankfully the machine lived, but it could have been a lot worse. It really isn't worth the risk.

Also, you state you are throwing the case away when you move. What better way to transport a computer than in a case? Or are you saying you will throw away the case once you get to your new place?

Also you structured your post as if you only want posts from people who agree with you. Not a great way to take advice.

This thread is also in the wrong place.

 

[poohbear]

Two things.

1) OCZ SSD = not best.

2) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811148001

actually it IS one of the best. Just because a small number of OCZ's MASSIVE client base had trouble does NOT mean its a bad SSD.

OP, i think 1 -2 months should be fine depending on the time of year. I'd worry about moisture in a damp place personally.

As long as you don't have it in direct sunlight you're good, just be aware your computer is far more susceptible to damage if not enclosed in a case. A senseless risk in the long run.

can you please elaborate on how sunlight will damage computer parts?

 

[2is]

That "small number" of clients with issues is rather large when compared to other equally if not more popular brands.

 

[bononos]

actually it IS one of the best. Just because a small number of OCZ's MASSIVE client base had trouble does NOT mean its a bad SSD.

........

Apart from being dishonest in their technical specs (and not even mentioning their crooked past with memory sticks), OCZ has big problems with on the corporate side. Google the article OCZ : The Master of SSD (Shady, Suspect, Deceitful).
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1602587

 

[2is]

can you please elaborate on how sunlight will damage computer parts?

Heat. It causes a greenhouse effect, and the temperature increase due to it is anything but insignificant.

 

[BD231]

can you please elaborate on how sunlight will damage computer parts?

Don't be stupid.

 

[poohbear]

Heat. It causes a greenhouse effect, and the temperature increase due to it is anything but insignificant.

how does it cause a greenhouse effect if there's no glass? The heat dissipates quite easily since its an open case. I imagine if it was a closed case (especially black colored case) it'd cause a greenhouse effect.

I have my side panels off, and its a gorgeous sunny day, and it don't see any of my temps going up "significantly".

 

[2is]

how does it cause a greenhouse effect if there's no glass? The heat dissipates quite easily since its an open case. I imagine if it was a closed case (especially black colored case) it'd cause a greenhouse effect.

I have my side panels off, and its a gorgeous sunny day, and it don't see any of my temps going up "significantly".

My mistake I assumed you were talking about acrylic cases

 

[Ventus51701]

http://www.overclock.net/t/661615/guide-how-to-completely-disassemble-a-case

This guide uses a coolermaster haf 932, and you can just take it apart and put it back together. It might be a hassle each time, but this way you can have a decent case and take it with you.

 

[2is]

I'm replying for 2 reasons.

1) To let you know you just revived a 4 year old thread
2) To reclaim the last word

 

[master_shake_]

4 years ago i would have said no get a case.

these days...

i used a motherboard box as a case for about a year.

 

[Burpo]

I'm replying for 2 reasons.

1) To let you know you just revived a 4 year old thread
2) To reclaim the last word

:thumbsup:

 

[MongGrel]

:thumbsup:

:biggrin:

 

[ehume]

A case can provide a sort of "wind tunnel" effect where air is intentionally directed to flow in a specific way to keep your components cooler. Without that wind-tunnel effect, such as without a case at all or a poorly-designed case, you could potentially get higher temperatures than if you had used the case with nice airflow.

So, it's not always true that "no case" will be cooler than a case. Although running with no case might be cooler than a poorly designed case, or a case with such a cluttered nest of wires that it disturbs the flow of air, you can stand to get cooler temperatures by using a case.

Think of the situation with video card coolers that have fans with a shroud. The shroud can actually help temperatures get cooler, because they affect the airflow from the fans. If you take off the shroud (and leave the fans as-is), then you can get worse temperatures because the air doesn't flow as intended.

I was going to comment, but you said it for me.

I review cases, heatsinks and fans. So to have access to my test system, I leave it on an ATCS motherboard tray (without a case) where I can get at the motherboard etc. However, I have my main rig in a case, exactly so that it will cool well (wind tunnel effect) and to squelch EMI.

If your system does not run hot and you have no animals or children to mess with it, you should be able to run it just fine. Have fun.

 

[2is]

:thumbsdown:

 

[cytg111]

Nope, sounds good to me. I've run my parts off cardboards for extended periods of time before with no issues.. might do it again.

edit : wind tunnel effect? I can easily envision the concept however it is one of those cases(da daaa) where i'd want experimental data to actually back it up. 1k watts running rampant in a small closed space and the "windtunnel" is not only negating that insulating effect but taking it one step further?
I'd need datapoints or experience actual throttling before taking actual steps.

 

[Rngwn]

I would not recommend keeping MB exposed for long (or in a case that have few gaping holes) when there are few geckos running around in the room. Once they are on your MB, it can't end well.

 

[Burpo]

I use the Top Deck open air case.. and have for 3+ yrs.. Gets cleaned once a year..

 

[sm625]

I know of a couple systems that have sat naked for 10 years possibly longer and still work fine. Even inside a case they still get dusty.

 

[Raduque]

Set it directly on the wooden desk. The foam could possibly be electrically conductive enough to pull a static charge.

 

[poofyhairguy]

All those miners with milk crates have really changed the game.

 

[Rakehellion]

- I kind of move a lot and i can dissemble and assemble computer parts within 3 mins (yes i can do that in lightening speed). Case make it bulky and difficult to move.

How does this make sense? Get a smaller case. There's no way I'm saving room by packing up my motherboard, cooler, and power supply as opposed to just tossing the whole rig in the back of the truck.

- I want to see my monster while i'm running my rig S=

:\

- easier to troubleshoot on what's going on.

Most cases have removable back panels.

can a curious dust with static chrage miraculously land on my mobo and screw things up?

Yes. All of the components in your computer are static sensitive. Your case electrically grounds them.

If you want the best of both worlds can make your own case out of aluminum struts and not have "walls" blocking access to your parts.

 

[aigomorla]

I'm replying for 2 reasons.

1) To let you know you just revived a 4 year old thread
2) To reclaim the last word

:thumbsup:

:thumbsdown:

u guys keep stealing his last word also...