Few tricky questions

[gamerxxl12]

Over time I learned a lot about computers but there are a few questions that I still need help answering.

1. Should I elevate my case? My understanding is that if you leave it on the floor it builds up dust faster.

2. What is the diffrence between a floating and grounded power supply? This one I don't have any idea about.

Not sure if they are the same question or different, or if this is a easy question answer. Anyway thanks for helping.

[whatthe_fuzz]

i keep my case on my desk specifically for the dust reason. there are holes on the bottom of your case. so if its on the carpet directly, air will try to "sneak" through these holes. the closer to the carpet the more dust and crap will get in

[OddlyShapedTree]

Your PC doesn't need to be "elevated" it just needs to be in a place where it won't collect dust and gets good airflow. Usually that means it being off the ground though.

And for your second question, that has to do with currents and voltages so I will link you to this:

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=10670

They do a better job of explaining it than I could right now.

[allthatremains94]

Elevation helps with there being less dust as well as being a tad cooler in some cases. Positive air pressure, more air intakes, is also better to keep dust out, as long as the intakes are filtered, as this prevents dust from coming in through the nooks and crannies

 

A Floating PSU is one where either pin on the plug can take plus or minus. Think of it like putting a single battery in a small flashlight, or plugging in your phone charger.

 

EDIT: A grounded PSU is basically something that saves your butt, as well as your PC's lovely circuits, from having a nasty experience with electricity. The grounding wire goes out into your house, separate from all other wires, out of your house, and physically into the ground via a rod. At least that's what my teacher told me in my basic IT class.

[Djent]

Elevation helps with proper air flow to your PSU assuming its mounted at the bottom and dust collection

[gamerxxl12]

Do I have to elevate my case if I have tile floor and it has about half a inch above the ground?

[OddlyShapedTree]

Do I have to elevate my case if I have tile floor and it has about half a inch above the ground?

I would recommend it. The lower to the ground the closer it is to the dust, even if you have non carpet floors, there is still a lot of dust.

[BenD]

most pc enthousiasts clean out their pc's a few times a year anyway, so if you do that, then there is no reason for you to get your pc off the ground.

the lower your pc is, the colder the air it get's (if i have to explain that, go back to school)
you have tile floors, so it gets plenty of air flow.
if however for some stupid reason you never clean your pc out, put in on your desk , you will find out you'll still get dust anyway, just not as much.