Why use a case?

[CharlieMR]

It may look like a stupid question but, why use a case? Can't I just use the parts without it? Thank you.

[MzCatieB]

you can, but the cooling effect wont be as good and more likely to short circuit 

[hehehehhehehehe]

dust, aesthetics, audibleness..... etc

[Andi]

my first pc had no case, ran on the mainboard box.

 

You don't "need" a case but its really easy to kill your components without any protection. A case is grounded and mostly waterproof...spill some coffee over your pc without a case and you have a problem :D

[chocolateftd]

A case is there to keep all your parts together and, more importantly to protect your parts and control the airflow. Your cooling won't be very effective without a case.
Generally the reason for not using a case is if you are going to be swapping parts out daily or very frequently. So the main reason not to use one is for benchmarking.

[acidydragon]

I think the key word is protection. Static, animals, bumps, spills, the list goes on and on.

However, I have seen many people not use a traditional case, from the components sitting in a backpack, to sitting on the motherboard box.

 

You don't need a case, however, protection of your baby would be key :D 

[prodigydoo]

less dust and more protection..  people who dont know how to build a computer would be to scared to even buy one if it wasn't in a case lol

[Aviince]

Proper airflow over components is still important having a open case or no case at all isnt bad can help with cooling altho you have to be carefull to still alow some airflow over components that arnt directly cooled there own fans eg power delivery components and chipsets for example the powerd deliver on my gpus overheats when i have my side pannel off when under xtreame load but not when the side case is.

 

Point 1 or 2 fans over the right spots and youll be fine but if your this tight on cash just buy a case PS combo there pretty much the price of a ps anyway.

 

My opinon save some more cash and save your ears :)

[Yashrocks9]

it might save some bucks but would also expose ur delicate components to EMI and static discharges which might get short circuited due to the discharge

i wouldn't do it if i were u

:)

[CharlieMR]

Thank you all ^^ I thought I would get some troll comments like "what a stupid post". but didn't so I am grateful. Thank you again !

I'm buying a case: I hate dust and I spill my coffee frequently xD

[bradscoolio]

The need for cases is just a conspiracy created by the government.

Cardboard boxes are for the real enthusiasts!

[IdeaStormer]

Thank you all ^^ I thought I would get some troll comments like "what a stupid post". but didn't so I am grateful. Thank you again !

I'm buying a case: I hate dust and I spill my coffee frequently xD

 

Remember you don't need a case just like you don't need clothes. That should put in perspective for ya!

 

Also, I hear that USB sticks can also ruin your exposed system, just don't ask Linus he might have issues with that fact.

[MrPete1985]

I don't want my cat rubbing up against the PCB

I also have my PC on the floor, so I would worry about stepping on it also

[JohnnyGrey]

Why not have the best of both worlds? :P

[Smoka]

lol..

 

http://www.inwin-style.com/pd_info.php?id=292

[IdeaStormer]

lol..

 

http://www.inwin-style.com/pd_info.php?id=292

 

Hey I actually like that case, just too pricey for what it is.

[tito]

It just like asking why cars do have bodywork, if they can still work whitout them

[ProGearUk]

Another reason for using a case is that if you dont pci devices are more than likely to have the connector break at some point even due to a small nudge. Also the cooling without a case will be shocking. Also electrostatic protection that is offered by a case made of METAL will not be available without a case. You may also get electro magnetic interference that may damage stuff. This would be stopped by a case. Also it would just look stupid without a case. Also not having a pc case at all permanently would be like you walking round the streets and doing everything you normally do but without any clothes on. 

[EST_FatBoy]

My case has been on my desk for about 4 weeks now without its plate. Is that doing anything bad? The regular place for my computer is in a place where air dosent want to flow very well. I put the plate back on at nights or when I go away for a few hours, because of the animals.

[CharlieMR]

Animals can be tricky.

[Quaker]

The case serves many purposes:

- it keeps all the components together.

- it shields the components from electrical interference and EMPs.

- it shields the components from dust, pet hair, etc, to varying degrees.

- it shields the components from falling/spilled objects - there's nothing more fun than trying to clean dried-up Coke off your motherboard (if it even survived the soaking).

- it can more effectively control airflow over the components.

 

But yes, you can run the computer without a case. I've seen pictures of computers built into a cardboard box, held in place with duct tape. :)

And of course, may people (such as Linus) use those open air 'frames' for testing.