Case is totally open....

[Fibre Optix]

My business partner was having computer trouble yesterday, now the computer is fixed but he insists on leaving all the case panels off. Basically it's just the chasis of the case with all the components exposed.

I told him that I don't think it's a good idea to do that.
He replies that this is perfect cooling. (I laughed out loud when i heard this)

Is it safe to operate a computer completely exposed?

[Mr.Ferrari]

If your careful..I guess. If I had children around or pets I probably wouldn't. If one gets too curious they could find a nasty shock in there..

The dust buildup probably isn't fun either.

[RazorDX]

I remember the days of having to use a box fan on an open chassis to prevent my motherboard from switching off, as that powerful Pentium 2 kept going above the motherboard's advised heat level. I also remember removing a crapload of dust from that thing on a regular basis, as well as other odd debris.

Personally, I don't like to leave a case open. There is no benefit, unless you need a box fan or air conditioner pointed directly at your processor. In theory it sounds like good cooling, but in practice it is more hassle than its worth.

[Vaillant]

theres another reason we keep our computers in metal boxes.... protection from EMI and electrostatic discharges :P

Granted the odds of a shock appear slim, but the right place could fry the whole board. and it doesnt take much either.

My machine, with its panels off, is extremely sensitive... a slight nudge, or anything with an electromagnetic signature near it and it reboots.

Keep the panels on. If ur not happy with the cooling, put a hole into it and mount a fan. There are many solutions. but Never leave it open. its dangerous for the machine.

[whubbard]

You could cover the sides with screens, it would help with the dust, and getting shocked. While airflow would be basically the same.

[Vaillant]

that isnt a bad idea actually :P

[jgilbreath04]

Well i'll put it this way, .3 volts is all it takes to ruin certain parts in your comp, over. That means static electricity at its mildest could take it out. But besides that if no one sticks there fingers in there and no pets decide to go licking capacitors your technically fine besides an accelerated amount of dust build up.

[jer888]

Also without the sides any airflow pattern of cool air comming in the front, cooling the parts, the exiting the back is gone. I actually get hotter temps with my side off then on.