Computer Ventilation

Is this a desktop computer?

If so, what size is the case?

Once when a friend's computer was overheating, I suggested he try packing it with ice.


I'm not really sure how it worked out...

that friend never called me again.

I've run my desktop without the side cover on for years. Just be sure to blow out the dust every once in awhile. The cover is really just to keep the dust out (and to hide all the innards).

You might also consider installing a second fan. They aren't expensive and I think most towers come with a place to install one. My current computer came with two fans installed from the factory. Some people actually use a water cooling system made for desktop computers, but I think they are expensive. People who build their own systems and and overclock their PCs tend to use them.

if a computer doesn't get enough cool air to keep it cool it will over heat and fry, I always need at least two built in fans for mine but that's only because I do games on there that require the computer to work extra hard things like that or anything that requires your computer to work overtime will make it where you need a lot of air to keep it from over heating.

I don't know what all you use it for but regardless extra cool air never hurts

The main thing for a case is to keep your components safe... This helps if it ever gets bumped or knocked over...
Secondly without a case dust will accumulate much faster... This will cause over heating, and bad connections between stuff like your CPU heat sinc and cpu...

But, yes you can run without a case and it is very easy, many common designs are to drill holes the size of your MOBO under your desk and mount your mobo, then attach your CPU, GPU, and ram... Then drill more holes to mount your PSU and HD/SD.
I would recommend also mounting your fans near it to keep air flow, as a hot computer does not run well, but this is not a requirment as it is open to the environment so to speak... Many of the most state of the art cases right now have 1 or maybe 2 fans and are open to the environment (Granted they are water cooled though)... Where as 5 years ago the most common designs were sealed cases with over 7 fans.


Also if this is a computer bought off the shelf, the only fan you are likely to have is your heatsink. I would suggest buying a new case, I got a DIYPC brand for $30, just make sure your mobo will fit your case if you get a Atx or MINI style.
If you need help finding if the mobo will fit I can help you find out.

Lastly DIYPC comes with 2 fans most of the time, I would suggest buying a 3rd. Mount two in the front and one in the back near the CPU. This will create a positive pressure in the Case making dust less frequent.

Another thing that might help, you can enter your BIOS on startup and set your fan speed for operating temperature ranges on most PC bios'.
I like to make my Heatsink fan go 100% at 75c and above. Just to be cautious, I don't care much for the noise as my fan is very silent.

Edit: a DIYPC case and an extra fan will cost about $40.

P.s. a heatsink fan located on top of your CPU is not considered a Computer cooling fan, the only thing it cools is the CPU, everything else will stay very hot. This is a flaw of many off the shelf computers.

I run mine with the side panels off... And you should de-dust your computer at lest once a year.. I take my computer outside and use compressed air to blow all the dust off it's heat sink and off all components.. If you allow dust to build up too much it becomes like a blanket keeping in all the heat.. I also have my computer next to the Air conditioner. When it is a really hot day the Air Conditioning keeps my computer cool

I think I should add this to help you all when cleaning your computer just in case you didn't know.
When you take the dust out, tons of static electricity is produced. If it discharges it has a high potential of frying your mother board...
To prevent this, always hold your hand on the mother board during the entire cleaning process... This will prevent you from accidentally frying your computer.

Airflow very important, without proper ventilation computer will be heat up, Heat is major killer of computers,Just clean up your computer vent systems regularly, and use CPU monitoring software to prevent overload and overheat.