• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Leaving 1 side off the case

Kabob

Kabob

Lifer
I was just wondering if there was any reason why I should not leave 1 side off my case. I would think this would allow for more cooler air to reach the components, and I can't think of a reason why this would be bad (other than more dust possibly...)

Any reasons??
 
Leaving the case open will lower the temperature on components that have a fan on them like the CPU.

However, it may increase the temperature of the components that do not have a fan on them like the hard drive.

The components with no fan rely on an air flow through the case for cooling. If you leave the case open, there will be no air flow. At least, there will be no controlled air flow.
Your hard drive or your chipset (if without a fan) or your MOSFET voltage regulators may end up in a dead spot (no air movement at all).
 
You only have to risk EMI if you live/work near a radio tower with no other buildings/trees around. Basically if you are in direct range of a radio tower you'll get some EMI which makes your comp run real "laggy." You really don't have to worry about it though since you only have 1 panel off and you probably don't live in an EMI situation.
 
The only problem I've ever had Leaving the side off is dust. Without controlled air flow dust is more likely to land where ever it wants. Blow it out every 6 months to a year and you should be fine
 
Originally posted by: Navid
Leaving the case open will lower the temperature on components that have a fan on them like the CPU.

However, it may increase the temperature of the components that do not have a fan on them like the hard drive.

The components with no fan rely on an air flow through the case for cooling. If you leave the case open, there will be no air flow. At least, there will be no controlled air flow.
Your hard drive or your chipset (if without a fan) or your MOSFET voltage regulators may end up in a dead spot (no air movement at all).
Click to expand...

Yep, there are a lot of components that need the case airflow to stay cool: http://www.bigbruin.com/reviews/thermalimages/
 
My CPU and temps go up when i remove the side of the case. But that is because i have an CPU air duct that draw in cool air from out side the case directly onto the CPU.
 
mines been open for years. it barely accummulates dust. a little louder, but a lot nicer looking, if you like seeing the inside.
 
Originally posted by: kabob983
I was just wondering if there was any reason why I should not leave 1 side off my case. I would think this would allow for more cooler air to reach the components, and I can't think of a reason why this would be bad (other than more dust possibly...)

Any reasons??
Click to expand...

i do open one side of my case when my prescott heats up during intensive apps... it helps lower down the systems' ambient temp and also the CPU's temp... just don't like doing it more often because dust accumulates much faster...

airflow? i guess it only works for a well designed case...but for a cheapy made in china case like the one im currently using, airflow wouldn't be much of a concern to me... 🙂
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top