Question What are the functional reasons for using a case?

[Siddhartha]

My last build, not sure how long ago but it has an Intel i7 3770k, I did not use a case. I use fan cooled hard drive enclosures. The system is very functional, clean, easy to work on, etc. I am in the process of a new build. My question is am I missing something besides esthetics by not using a case?

 

[HutchinsonJC]

Besides Aesthetics (Looks)?

Protection for the components from kids wanting to touch, cats wanting to touch, bugs, or physical damage like things dropping on it, liquid spills.

Dust protection/Dust Filters

Directed air flow. I mean, you could point a box fan at all the components, but case fans and cases are usually designed to manage heat in a way that goes beyond just removing heat from the case, but rather directing that cooling air across the motherboard as a whole and other components like RAM with their little heat sinks, etc.

Convenience such as front end headphone/mic jacks or easily accessible USB ports. You can tack on to that things like power button, reset button, or drive bays for something like a multi memory card reader or optical drives.

Portability. I mean, desktops range in size, and they usually aren't purchased for portability, but having it all in a case usually means you can throw it in the back seat of a car for a move, for an event, or whatever.

 

[Arkaign]

Hutch summed that up incredibly well I'd say.

Only thing I'll add is that Gamers Nexus on YouTube is an exceptional place to check if you're in the market for a name brand case. They're so thorough that they've actually helped several companies make a revision/fix for the model. A common issue with current-trendy-glass cases is often abominable airflow. Meshify C is a good affordable option with glorious cooling airflow. As with everything, it gives and takes, more airflow = dust it out more often + generally slightly more noise (unless a case with poor airflow is overheating so badly that the poor fans ramp up to Beelzebub RPM levels).

 

[mopardude87]

One word for you at least with my experience and that would be

CATS

I love my kitties but i don't like them nosing about the puter. I got this kitten just about hopped into my Antec 900 when i had the guts out swapping out my heatsink recently.

 

[RLGL]

If you don't have a cat, the case may help keep the mice at bay.