POLL: Who actually has the cover on their case?

[flash4master]

personally i leave 'em off most of the time.

so what about everyone else?

[snarfdiggity]

I have a dual BP6 linux server and I leave the cover off on it all of the time, but for my main system I have the cover on, because I have strategicly placed fans in the case, and I need a good tight seal, so I can "drive" air around my case.

Trust me, It worked way better than an open case.

[Warthog]

Lets see...I don't overclock, don't add new hardware every week and don't mess around with the inards of my computer constantly. Soooooo I leave the cover on. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog

[Brangwen]

My computer runs several degrees cooler with the lid off, but I don't overclock, though I do constantly figet with the innards and the lid will be off for a few consecutive days, otherwise it's on. Quieter and I drink a lot of caffeine around the box.

Brangwen http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[Target]

Rockin and over-clockin with the cover ON. Like snarfdiggity, because of the number and placement of my fans, I get better results with the cover on. 4 total fans dedicated to getting air in and then out of the case, case sides have small vents on the bottom of the tower, and I rigged filters for all intakes as well to keep the dust to a minimum too http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[NavyDood_ F/A18_Mech]

Celery 366 over-clocked to 458
V3-3000 over clocked to 183
10 fans total internal.

Case covers stay on and screwed. CPU stays at 32-34 deg Celcius.

Jim

[Eli]

My cases are all on (except for this 486 Unix server that I still need help with guys...), but none of them are screwed down.

[Mntsnow]

Everything Clocked and with the the side covers on. I figure if I have to leave the sides off then it's not stable! I would rather have a slightly lower overclock and full stabablity than one that crashes if the temp in the room goes up by 3* http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[socalgal]

The covers are supposed to be on? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[BBA]

Mine actually gets hot if I take the cover off.

Thats because I designed into it a cross flow cooling fan setup that keeps everything in the case within a degree of outside room temp, and the CPU's (plural) never get 4 degrees F higher than room temp.

I'm now one of the few and proud that actually likes to keep the case on. And it's quiet too.

[jl123]

HeHe my house seems to have a dust problem so i keep mine on. Although i'm always messing around with the "guts" of the computer, i never strip a screw. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

~Joel(jl123)

[scotter]

well with all the extra holes I've cut in my case might as well leave the cover off.
Oh but wait then where would I attach all the fans ? lol http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Wiz]

i have one side on. It has 2 blow holes, so it is needed. the top, front, and other side i keep off.

[jokostel]

i leave my case on but i have an option w/ this case where i can remove both sides of it so of course,on side gets opened more often than the other.. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif but i have those cool large faced hand tighten screws instead of the tiny little screws.. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[OuTpaTienT]

Mine's on...mostly. I find with a 3 piece cover that I can attach the left side cover only at the bottom, and allow the top of the side-cover to fall away from the machine (about an inch or two). This allows for good ventilation until I can perfect the placement of my fans and get around to punching a large hole in the top of the cover.

[Kruppt]

I leave my covers on, I have a 15 degree case temp drop from taping up the factory vents on the side cover and any other holes on sides and bottom of case. I drilled 64 5/16 holes instead in the bottom front cover. The case then acts like a wind tunnel, with front fan blowing in and the two rear fans blowing out. Cut the grills off for better air flow (no restriction with air going through grill). It is quieter also without the grills. I take the cover off every few days and blow it out with a old portable vacum cleaner that I turned into a blower instead, to keep dust problem to a nill. Also you can tape up any empty bay openings and the air coming in the front will be forced to come in by way of the lower front opening getting the velocity of the air through the case up. Really works! Covers on for this boy. How's that for a long blow of hot air? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[rrick31]

i keep mine off i am always changing hardware.and it does run cooler.getting ready to do another mb today.

[alpha]

Cover? What cover?

Seriuosly, I've lost my 486's cover, the hard drive sits beside it on the floor and the psu sits out side the chasis.

[Ultima]

My first pc, has the cover off, cause I still need to build in some fans.

My second pc has the cover on, for as far as you can call it a cover.
A piece has been cut out of the side, directly over the mobo, which room is now covered by 12 system fans.
It also has 4 in front 2 in top and a 220V fan in the back.

So, I don't think I need to keep the cover off.
That case houses a k6-2 450 at 115x4.5, and the temps are:
Mobo never higher then 26 degrees celcius
cpu never higher then 40(in 3d gaming), idle never higher then 33-34

Is pretty good I'd say.

Pim

[BFlurie]

Cover on 'cause the kitty would try to squeeze in to sleep if it wasn't. Also, it's more secure for the couple spiders that live in there.

[Missing the point]

I have had the cover off for about 6 months now, as I am overclocking, but have no fans in the case, I got a large 14" fan blowing on the processor and mobo

[Roy]

I run with mine on, but not fastened (I hesitate to say screwed!). My system runs cooler when it's closed because the 50 cfm case fan pulls air across things instead of around them.

[bhess]

Cover on. 466@581 I don't see any difference in the temp. Quieter and I have cats and a 18 month old.

[psyklone]

you know .... leaving the case off is a good way to let the hamsters get out.

just a word of warning!

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[M1pilot]

Cover's are on. I've got seven fans running in there keeping things frosty. The cover also keeps the cat out and the noise in. The left side cover has quick release thumbscrews, so it's no biggie pulling it when I need to get in there.

-M1pilot

[hhh8785]

Well at the current time, ask joel (jl123) but usually the cover is beside it and the computer itself is against a shelf, so it is running like the cover is on, but in case i need to check the innards of it real quick i can just push it out and see instead of shutting down, unplugging everything, brining it out, taking the case off and checking, then having to redo all that. If I ran it with the case off my cat would tear those cables to pieces.

[Richard_Cranium72]

None of mine have the cover ON,

I get them from all my pals too.

they make real good underpinning for my mobile Home http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Snuffy!]

Yeah, my cover is on, thats why i have designed such a good ventilation system in my case.

[Imperion1]

Cover is currently off. Not quite finished with the ventilation for it. Also, soon to be replacing the mobo and cpu. For better and faster. Ah, I see AMD in the future. Gonna try the Abit kt7 Raid board. I've got a full tower so space for optional items is no prob. Only have 4 out of the 6 (5 1/4) bays filled. Leaves room for 2 more hard drives.

[barry glisson]

One side cover off. No cats or kids.
This way, when I need to fix something, it's
easier to get to it.

[Szech]

My roommates use my computer, and they have a tendency to kick whatever's under the desk. I don't like the idea of my computer being exposed anyway. Besides, I have a lot of fans, so it's all gravy.

[voogru]

I leave the case OFF during the winter its not that cold hhere during the winter but it can get down to 50* My comp Generates more heat than our Heater and its cheaper to run! http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[OuTpaTienT]

Cover on. (with a 4" square hole cut in the side and a fan pulling air in)

[Jv44~Siggi]

Cover always off. With it on the case wouls become quite hot sometimes. With it off the sys runs cooler, always. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[nunyadam]

my wife's cpu cover's on.(i'm done with it for now)mine alway's has at least one off at the moment just have to keep pushing for a little more. if i ever get done i'll put them on. (and give it to the wife,sell her's ,build a new one for me ,lather ,rinse ,repeat)

[awwall]

Cover been off for over a year. Evrything seems to run cool without any aux cooling fans.

[[Neo770]]

I have to leave the case on because little brother like to poke things...

[the_deacon]

my covers are on so that i have a closed system of air flows. isn't that supposed to make things cooler since room temperature fluctuates like crazy here unless you have your air-conditioner on full blast the whole time? plus we have dust problems here.

[t048]

I don't even know where the cover is. It's broken, I think.

[jeana]

cover on (have a black cube server case with doors that swing open and shut... plus pets like to climb inside if I leave the case open)

[AuraEdge]

I clock like crazy, and mess around inside all the time, but I keep the cover on.
Performance is important to me, but quietness and aesthetics are also important to me.
I only have 4 big fans in my case (no YS techs or Deltas, too noisy), and thats including my powersupply. **** near everything in my case is overclocked. I got my Thunderbird 750 @ 1Ghz with a Alpha w/ a Sunon 60mm (I have a YS tech sittin on my desk somewhere, but its plently stable with the Sunon, altho It runs a tad bit hotter), one normal 80mm sunon on the front, and one in the back. I also have a small one on my Graphics card and one on my mainboard, courtesy Abit.
I also have a Cardcooler XT around, but that also created unneed sound. It wasnt terribly loud, but I didnt need it, and it didnt let me clock any higher.
I like clocking, but if you need to have a windtunnel in your room to do it, it aint worth it.

I have an Enlight 7327, which is a great case for the tweaker. Everything snaps back in place without a screwdriver, or bending yourself in awkward positions to get to the back of the case.



[This message has been edited by AuraEdge (edited 10-21-2000).]

[smokin1]

This cover you speak of...it got me thinking..that must be the U shaped metal object I had left over when I put this together...I left it facing up, and installed a garbage bag in it....
http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[RobRich]

I don't care about noise, but I do care about apperance. My primary system is always "covered". To offset the cooling difference, I am currently using two 4" case fans. My 3DProphet-II has a factory cooling fan, and my Thunderbird @950 is cooled with a custom SocketA heatsink with two Polar-Logic 60mm fans.

Whenever my new high-performance (No, 950 MHz is not fast enough!) parts arrive, this case will be modified for four 5" fans. I will also be changing out the CPU cooling for a Copper HedgeHog with a single 60mm Delta (Black Series) fan.

I did, however, leave the side panel case screws out of my configuration. I change out expansion cards so often that it is too annoying to remove/replace these screws everytime I need system access.

Later,
Robert Richmond

[Beemers]

I have never had the cover off of my Compaq 4540. No need to. You can't upgrade s*** in it anyways. Little things yes but they are proprietary parts and they cost to much. I work on other peoples computers and take their cases off instead. Doesn't cost me a thing.

Cheers!


[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 10-22-2000).]

[gmcpher196]

cover is off and sitting behind the desk, it mainly gets used for putting on stickers after the biweekly hardware upgrade.

[vass0922]

Cover on, aesthetics are important http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
If you have animals maybe better to leave the case off? (as long as the puter is on of course) That'll learn 'em!!

To quote one of the greatest comedies of all time National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
"That cat had 9 lives, I think he just used every one of 'em" http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
PIII-650 not overclocked, runs at 30°-35°C idle, but when I get into games it goes up to about 55° so I gotta figure out a cooling solution... but with the case off it's just too **** LOUD!!
Can't hear myself thunk http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
Gotta change out that PS dear god that thing is loud, Dulles Airport is NOTHING compared to my PS http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

[Vampiel]

I read an article on time that if you leave the case off, it can cause "hot spots" in certian places on the components, leaving some spots cooler and some hotter that could cause problems eventually. I used to leave the case off until I read that article. I did have some overheating problems before. Havent had any lately though, maybe thats because there are 7 fans in my box now.

[This message has been edited by Vampiel (edited 10-22-2000).]

[Thud]

I keep my cover on for many reasons- I've got a full tower on the floor, and I know I'd stick my foot in there one day and do some major damage! Plus, it keeps the spiders that seem to flourish around here out, as well as dust balls. I'm running a Celeron 300a @450mhz- with nothing but the power supply fan I'm keeping it at 89-92 deg.

[jad1097]

They come with covers?!?!

[NDC]

Personally, I like to keep the covers on. I don't want dust build-ups. And besides, I don't overclock my CPU's either.

[Comtech]

These things have covers?

[fvay]

Case comes with a cover ?!! **** i didnt know that http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[crockett]

mine is 2/3 s on lol its always off normally but I just moved my desk and computer set up around so I threw the sides on.I left them on but the top is still off because that's where my really big an is at....
Being I've been to lazy to finish my water cooling set up I'm going to have to take the sides back off, cause my computer has been locking up on occasion..since the move.I'm assuming its cause it may be getting too hot with the sides on.

the water cooling unit is done but I just cant figure out how I want to mount the water block on the cpu. grrrrrr

[Bob-NB]

I couldn't resist this one. My wife has "fits" because the side cover is off nearly all the time. It makes it very easy to transfer data between HD's of some of the systems I work on. Like many have said here....What's A cover?

[Underclocked]

My 800e runs so cold in my HX08 that I've been thinking of insulating the case and putting a space heater in there. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

Oops, forgot to answer the question - most always the cover is on.

[This message has been edited by Underclocked (edited 10-23-2000).]

[Mike311]

My windows boxes all have the covers on. No reason to take it off of the laptop. My linux box was my sons old diablo machine and is held together with double sided tape and fans. Its a good thing too because I would have broken it when I was trying to get it set up. Networking is next, I may have to get some duct tape to help hold it together when I start throwing the real temper tantrums!

[Imperion1]

My full tower cover doubles as a small table. Works good too. Don't wanna clean it off, cause then where would I put all the stuff on it?

[NDC]

I couldn't resist this one. My wife has "fits" because the side cover is off nearly all the time. It makes it very easy to transfer data between HD's of some of the systems I work on. Like many have said here....What's A cover?


Why not just get a mobile rack to slide the HDD in and out of the case without having the case cover off?

[Savant]

until I got my ATX case with the sliding side panels I had used the covers for any number of things, not including covering the computer. Hung a trash bag around it ($20 for a garbage can??? hmm my comp came with this odd piece I've been wondering what it was for...) so many of my systems have never seen the cover, but the one with the side panels has the cover on (except during worst part of summer, it was overheating a bit when it got to 110 or so outside...)

[Rat]

Cover?? Ohhhh so that's what that thing was.....I used it to make a dashboard for my racecar.

Rat...
"The object of war is not to die for your country but to
make the other ******* die for his."
--George Patton

[Ed_S]

I vaguely remember seeing the cover a few MB's ago... http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Big[H]ardDive]

i run with my cover on and so does my computer (hehe)
heres my temps @present
cpu 1c
heatsink 34c
mainboard 29c

got to love active cooling!
cel 566@850

[Undertow]

I haven't had the covers on for about 2 years now. I mess with it all the time. But my new computer, which will soon be presented here with pics, will always have the covers on to get good air-in and air-out factors. I am strategically placing 10 fans which will keep my OCed Duron a happy CPU http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[NDC]

WOW! 10 fans to keep the system cool? That things gonna sound like Boeing 747! LOL http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif I have (3) 90mm and (4) 80mm fans and it sounds like it's going to hover out of my room or something. But what really seems to keep my Dual CPU's happy is this:

<IMG SRC="http://www.geocities.com/ndcmj/insidemypc.jpg" border=0>


[This message has been edited by NDC (edited 10-26-2000).]

[KAknight]

I have to cover on, but no screws in it. I think it helps keep things a little cooler.

[PickledOnion]

I keep my cover on because of my cats, however.........my friends' computers are another story!

Nothing like tinkering with a 'puter and it's not yours......

[giant69]

I think I fall into the category of about 65% of the people that have responded when I say...covers?I dont need no stinkin covers! Gave them to the neighbor kids to help build their fort BWWAAAAHAAAAAAAA

[surrealchereal]

doc vet said None of mine have the cover ON,
I get them from all my pals too.
they make real good underpinning for my mobile Home


Hey a new topic, You might be a Geek Redneck if:
You use your case covers for skirting on your Mobile Home. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Hmmm a cover on the computer. WoW! What a concept.
Note to self, "that's what those things are for, not packaging protection during shipping."

[jman01pa]

Covers on computers are like the blankets (covers) on a bed. Why?

J http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[fshanda]

Im covered on all 12 boxes. Keep it covered or keep it in your ......

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Reddog]

Leave it on, twin 92mm fans on the side and two 60mm fans in the back (3DCOOL model). Makes processors happy http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif.

Current stats according to PCA3:

CPU-89F or 32C
Case-78F or 26C
Fan-5371 rpm

P.S. I'll OC the Duron 800 when I get a 7000 rpm fan (Does anyone know where to get one?).

[harkm]

I have my cover on because of dog drool and computer noise. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif I do, however, have a screwdriver at arms reach just in case!

[Bsdboy]

Mine is on. I have an 80mm in the lower front,
another in the back,my Enermax PS has an 80 and 92mm,and I have a 120mm on the side.The sound level is too low for me to measure (my db meter only goes down to 50db).It's cooler closed up.

Bsdboy

[engracio]

What Mntsnow said on the first page. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif All of my overclock boxes. If I can't close it and run at the current setting then it ain't stable. Crank it down some till it becomes stable. Not racing anybody else except me so I get to make the rules. Besides, so what if Joe Blow got higher stats or benchmark. All that means is that he got lucky and got himself a good chip. My latest chip is an AMD 1000 ARGA. Think it will go 1000/1440 like this box I',m typing on now? I tried. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif

e

[AzKidd69]

Covers?? Ohh that thing sittin cock-eyed on top of the puter case?? and let's see.. the side.. oh on the floor... I hope that answers the question

[This message has been edited by AzKidd69 (edited 09-07-2001).]

[MoxManiac]

Yep, cover is always on, unless I have to do something with it. And I have no case fans at all. Just the Intel stock heatsink and fan, and the PSU. My P3 1ghz runs just fine http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[keabe]

Mines on only to keep my 2 month old rottie from poking around inside.

[RobRich]

Cover is on for my primary box, as I utilize active case cooling to lower overall system temperatures. I currently have 8 fans within my case counting my processor and video cooling.

[PassnThru]

Covers on. Only one of two overclocked and the side cover has a fan blowing directly on the processor. Lower temps with the cover on as opposed to off. Quieter too!

[Cygnus-X1]

Cover on mine... cause of our pet cats and I
have plenty of fans inside to circulate and
expel warm air.
The only way that I would choose not to have the cover on at all times is if I had a constantly cool stable climate with minimal case fans. Keeping the case closed increases the efficiency of the fans intended purpose.
Otherwise, I would keep the case open as others have posted, to access the innards of my comp on a frequent basis.

[ragtop]

Three machines with cases closed, one open. Have to keep the covers off the one, because I stole the fan out of it when my "main" machine was getting kinda hot during the hot summer months.

[Hawkeye178]

Mine was off but my mom threatened to throw out the cover if I didn't put it back on, so I gave in http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif.

Hawkeye178

[Splitz300]

It is suggested by manufactures and people that build systems for a living that you leave the cover ON for these simple reasons:

1. Some people have a fan blowing onto the CPu. This is wrong because your negating the purpose of the HSF. Your blowing that hot air right back onto the processor. Not a good thing.

2. You introduce dust and other miniscule particles onto the motherboard that COULD be eventually tracked onto the CPU or other main part of the motherboard. Remmeber, dust is not antistatice. Static electricity is up to 25,000V and it doesn't take that much to take out an entire system. If any has their system on carpet with their cover open your even in a worse situation. It's the old story of walking across the carpet and you touch the doorknob. Zap. That could travel toward your METAL tower and unless that's grounded. Well you know.

3. The CPU requries "cross-cooling" which is correct airflow OVER the processor not ONTO to introduce "new cooler" air. I.E. No air ciculation.

If you feel that your case temps are to high, try cooling proggies that cause the CPU idle temps to go down. Try to rearrage your ribbon cables for better airflow around your system. Even better, install some fans if you've got the room. Case mod is always helpful. IF there is a way, ALWAYS LEAVE YOUR COVER ON!

LEAVE YOUR COVER ON!
LEAVE YOUR COVER ON!
LEAVE YOUR COVER ON!

Just my .02.

Splitz

[griobhta]

As my new case has thumbscrews and is very easy to take apart I leave the case all closed up. Not really enough room around here to leave the cover anywhere else.

Griobhta

[NDC]

I keep the cover on all my systems...

[Tekkitan]

I do, because if i didnt, my delta fan would keep me up at night! ;p
stays below 40C anyways

[club_med]

I have them all on, the olders ones with screws are unsrewed for easy removal.

cm

[wyvrn]

I have a nice full tower case with several fans, so I leave the sides on.

[SPEEDO]

I leave mine on cause if I take them off you can't see the flames that are painted on them.

SPEEDO

[^hyd^]

mine's on, but comes off in about 2 seconds if needed! which is basically never!

cya

[AuraEdge]

On, all the time. Reasons are several.

1) I have an Enlight 7237 case, and anyone with this case will tell you its relatively easy to open.
2) Less noise, its several feet from my head when i sleep, and I'd like to keep my sanity
3) Dust
4) Id prolly stick my foot in there one day by mistake.

[surrealchereal]

Hey wait I just noticed mine has one side on and a top, uh there's also one open bay. (but I think it's in the kitchen in the junk drawer, or was that an old modem?)
Do I get partial credit?

Actually I have to back Splitz, he is absolutley right, air flow and all....

Hmm maybe a new topic for,,
Who uses the thumbscrews for holding in their components http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[SPEEDO]

Me! It's the only way to unscrew!!

SPEEDO

[justin_otis]

Oops, I triple posted!!!

[This message has been edited by justin_otis (edited 09-08-2001).]

[justin_otis]

what is a cover?

[justin_otis]

What is a cover? I think that I sold them in a garage sale or something.

[F4_Hunter]

I leave mine on. CPU temps go up 10c without it. Plus the noise would kill me.

[elroy]

The U shaped cover from my AT case has been sawed up in thin slices to make new wickets for my Croquet game. In my newest project I'm going to use the 2 flat sides from my ATX case to make a mini satellite dish. I couldn't figure out what else to do with them, do you guys REALLY leave them on the computer? I thought they were like car parts, you were always supposed to have some left over.

[hirschY]

All four PC's have covers on, but not one of them is screwed down (or is that on)
Makes for easy access, and I can never find my screwdriver http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Also, I dont bother overclocking anyway, so temps are always fine.
Got a K6-2 333, K6-2 500, Duron 700, and PIII 733.
Now, the extra stock of "PARTS" is another story.
Four cases, but only three covers, and I think one cover doesnt even fit any of the cases(still cant figure that one out)
I think I finally have everything but spare mice in one location http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Covers are like pizza, you love it or hate it....

[surrealchereal]

giant69
Member
ventura, ca., us
Oct 2000
259 posts

posted 10-26-2000 03:41 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
posted 09-07-2001 02:11 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hmmm I think this is a timeless sort of subject eh? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[shahani]

Cover on. Bays slots open. Old Pentium CPU fan as the only other fan besides the CPU fan. No problems so far. Don't change hardware every week!!

[prttybean]

Just built a system and of course still fine tuning ventilation. So, cover off. I have a dog and an eight year old. Both are trained to never touch mommy's PC.

[RustyGT]

So.. it'll get me another post...
The box at home, On. When you spend your day fighting other peoples rubbish. Ignore it.

Funny thing about cases: The real good quality M/C's ie: Those that you dont have to pull down very often, are easy to get into.
Yet the cheap stuff that requires constant attention, call for carpentry skills.

Yes! I understand Why..But the irony remains. ChrsR.
PS. How do you get 10! fans into a box?!..

[MTAtech]

COVER OFF. I'm in there so often it doesn't pay to put it on.

[LordLocksley]

My cover is OFF.
I even keep my wife's cover off.

[Nighthawk]

Mine is off when it's in my desk and on when I take it to a LAN party (too much risk of pop spillage).

Later model of my desk (http://www.ikea-usa.com/product_presentation/show.asp?ProductNumber=24887508&type=ART) , if you're curious.

[charmler]

Cover ON because I have fans conected to the covers.

[Brewmeister]

You guys actually have your computers in Cases? LoL. My cover has been off for year or so, but just added some fans to side and a big AC/DC Muffin fan to the top for a good blow hole look so I think covers will stay on for at least 4-5 hours at a time. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Aaron_J]

Whats a cover?

Seriously, mine has been off since I bought the system. Always tinkering in there.

[polarbear]

Cover On.

2 Cooler Drives, 2 Delta Fans, GPU fan on the Geforce Card, Globalwin FOP38 on the 1.2ghz, fan on chipset on the mobo and a PCI slot blower directly under the GPU.

Kinda figure if i leave the case off i wont even hear the phone ring - computer currently acts as an alarm clock when it switches on at 7am cos its so ****** loud!

Rich

[Sturek]

Cover on. Actually it's just a side panel that slides out that is supposed to be held in place by a screw in addition to the two built in thingys that keep it in place and can be easily pinched to open the case. But I don't use the screw I lost it one day.

[Scorpio69]

At the moment they're all off.

[crazyray]

A cover on the PC? Heck, I don't even wear underwear... :eek:

[Gouki-]

Eeeeewwww...TMI! This thread is about computer cases...not about whether or not you choose to wear underwear! lol

For the most part mine is on...the cover that is. I also wear underwear greater part of the time. lol

[Scorpio69]

I too prefer to keep my peripherals as unhindered as possible. Once in a while I like to dress up my case, though.

(Did I just say that out loud?)

[earnie86]

On more often than off. Two 8cm fans one center area,back panel, blowing out; one on top sucking air in. Temps 28c idle, 52c load. 1.4 @ 1.54 :cool:

[Banti]

Covers off both comps... Might change... but I doubt it. I fiddle with them too often. Hmmm maybe a hinge would help:)


Banti

[cyclone2]

1 off, 2 on
At least until I play with them again, then cover off.

[Potlicker]

Well, I hate to take the cover off when I need to get in there so I leave it off. fan in front, fan on harddrive, fan on video card, fan mounted on case aimed at video card, fan on front and back of power supply, delta fan on cpu, and oh yeah a 9inch fan blowing on all of it. Can hardly hear the wife and kids:D

[awwall]

Never keep case on PC. Always have 9" Fan blowing into machine from side. Have never had a heat problem or dust problem..

aw:D

[linux_guru]

I keep mine ON. I have sufficient cooling to keep the inards at an acceptable temp.

[howste]

What's a cover? :confused: I've got four working PCs right here and none of them have the covers on. I guess I just never seem to get them put back on after I play with the insides. Wait a minute, my laptop has all of the covers on!

[Mr.Goodbytes]

What's a cover? Pfft.... What's a case? :D Actually for the longest time, I kept the cover off... but when i started putting more fans in there, I couldn't stand it without the covers on at night. That and the fact that my friends would sometimes use my computer and not watch where they put their feet. "Hey man!!! You're computer just turned itself off and won't turn back on. I think I touched something." GAAAHHHH :p