Hi

I've been in doubt about this for quite a while so I thought its time I asked someone. Is it dangerous to keep the casing open on a computer? I've always heard that the data on my hard disk might get corrupted or some other hardware might get damaged if its not covered since they're exposed to any magnetic fields outside but what is the real threat here? If i have, say the speakers near my computer would that damage it if it's open? I know you might think that why do I need to keep the casing off in the first place lol but lets just say I'm curious

If you are talking about running the computer without the chassis covers secured in place, (1) any uncovered electronics are a safety hazards, (2) It draw in dust and other unwanted particles. What else, folks?

i_XpUser

oh..well that should be enough to convince me to keep it on lol

That's very wise. The other thing I forgot to add is the exhaust fan. It will work itself to very early death exhausting the entire apartment or house atmosphere.

i_XpUser

Hi, I don't think you could find a magnet strong enough even if you place it right on the Hard Drive to cause any damage. Fan probably will not have any problems. Probably less dirt than with the covers on. Two of my three are all covered at the moment. They may sit open for weeks at the time when I am using them for tests. Good Luck, Jim

Not mention bugs, rodents, hair, etc getting into the case.

Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

There is a danger of what you might drop or spill inside the box.

I destroyed a keyboard the other day when I spilled a cup of coffee.

Have you tried using a dish washing machine to resuscitate the coffee-stained keyboard?

i_XpUser

The rubber "switches" actually came off the membrane once I opened it up.

I like my coffee strong. I wonder what it's doing to my stomach lining......

I run my case open all the time.

I have had a few close calls with the cats and such wanting to take a look.

The main reason I run it open all the time is because I happen to do a lot of PC work for friends at home. Its a lot easier to leave it open then have to open it 3-4 times a week to attach drives and test cards.

To answer your Q though. It really is better to have the case closed.

The case is designed to be closed for proper air flow.
(with the case closed heat rises and gets blown out through the power supply and rear case fan as cold air is being sucked in from the bottom front. Which creates air flow across the motherboard and cards.)

Besides it keeps the cats out!

exactly. that's why I wanted to keep it open (not for my friends but I end up opening the case quite often as well). I was just wondering if it really is better to keep it closed since I dont really need to open it 'that' often. Thanks for all your help people. case'll stay closed :)

because i'm always doing things inside the case mine is permanently open on the side and the speakers are both laying on top and its been like this for years (the Hi Fi stereo sound is compromised i admit).
Some cases need to be closed for airflow reasons. For example some CPUs (mainly older eg. some pentium 2 dont have a fan on. The cooling of the cpu relies on the PSU sucking air up past the CPU heatsink. If the side of the case is off it upsets the whole airflow and the cpu might not be cooled adequately.

Hi Again, Since the best way to keep the comp cool is to move the room air in and out as rapidly as possible then the open case will always be the best way. I still close mine up at least once every 6 months. Jim

Hi
ditto with cliffpage , my pc doesnt know what a cover is, however no cats rodents either,occiasionaly hoovered, check out case mod sites if you want a change from magnolia etc.
http://gallery.pcapex.com/showgallery.php/cat/504/page/6
regards

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1634735,00.asp

above for Jennifer ,re: hair lol

thanks for the link