Computer Case: Safe to run open?

[Sportster]

. . .

 

[Judge]

My question is, is it safe to run with the case open? It will be a couple days before I can take a closer look to see what the problem was, so I'd like to run with the case open until then.

I'm open to any opinions on the subject.

Temporarily? Yes. Indefinitely? No.

Dust is a bad exposure, but exposing the innards to a possibility of static electricity is much worse.

Sounds like the first thing to check is how tight the fans are fixed, or if they are simply becoming noisy themselves. An improperly fixed fan can add a lot of resonance to the case itself.

 

[Judge]

Ah, I didn't consider the possibility of static electricity. Thanks for the input. I'll try to look at it Saturday, if they don't try to force me to work.

It can potentially be fatal to your computer in all kinds of ways. Make sure you're properly grounded if you go anywhere near it when it's open.

Those funnels ? I never use them. Adequate air flow with at least two case fans and a massive heatsink on the CPU suffice just fine. Truth is those funnels can somewhat block airflow from the front to the back of a computer case. At least with a heatsink the air can flow through them rather than around them. Same reason I don't use "ribbon" connectors for all the hardware. They can restrict airflow as well.

 

[Keigan]

I thought bubbles were dust free.

 

[Judge]

Looks like air flow issues aren't really a problem inside your case. Though I can't help but notice you're using a "stock" CPU fan and heatsink from Intel. Those you should replace with a much larger fan and heatsink for optimal rather than nominal cooling, IMO. "Cooler Master" makes plenty of after-market fans like that.

As for whatever is making a lot of noise, I'd first try to tighten all the screws holding your case fans in place, as well as the ones holding the power supply against the back of the case as well. There's also the possibility that you simply need to replace a fan. Perhaps the 120mm one in the picture. Ideally if you do, try to find one that puts out less than 20 dBA for a much quieter operation.

(I had to replace a noisy fan not too long ago on my legacy computer. No amount of tightening helped as the issue was with the fan itself. Though in the meantime it sure began to make quite a racket.)

 

[Judge]

Here's a decent article on ten tips for coping with the BSOD.

One thing I can't help but look at with a somewhat "jaundiced eye" is running Windows 7 on only 2 gigs of RAM. (I think we've discussed this before some time ago.) Use the task manager to monitor the system resources used up during peak usage just to see how your system is allocating memory.

While technically you're able to run the OS nominally, that really doesn't say anything about certain memory-hungry apps such as web browsers, especially if you run them hours at a time with multiple tabs open. In other words your system may be eventually crashing due to insufficient memory based on the apps you're using and how long you keep them open.

Then again your RAM issues (if any) may be simply needing to reseat the chips into their slot, even if they appear to be snug. Of course one of those ten tips involves reseating all your major hardware components as well. Sometimes vibration over time can loosen components. And another tip involves running a memory diagnostics program which can expose whether your memory chips are defective in some way.

You should also access the BIOS when your computer boots up (usually involving keys like F2 or DEL). Your BIOS should tell you operating temperatures and fan RPMs. If you have the booklet for the original motherboard that may be of great assistance in determining proper operating conditions thermally speaking.

Though if you have something like a bad capacitor on the motherboard, that's something you likely can only detect through visual inspection, looking for any signs of charring around the capacitors themselves.

You may also be able to download the manual for whatever motherboard you have as well with a decent search on the Internet.


10 tips for coping with blue screen errors

 

[Judge]

I installed Chrome last month, but don't normally use it. Still defaulting to Firefox.

You might also consider removing the CPU fan and heatsink and carefully smear some thermal grease on the top of the CPU... so the heatsink continues to transfer heat properly.

 

[Judge]

Another good tip, thanks!!! This will be a stupid question, but where would one find that sort of thing since Radio Shack is no more?

Hint: Our favorite retailer.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arctic-S...olysynthetic-Silver-Thermal-Compound/20449158

Or Newegg.com:

Thermal Compound Paste and Grease - Newegg.com

Then again maybe your local Best Buy has it as well.

 

[Judge]

By the way, but is it me or is there something obscene looking about the applicator?

I suppose that depends on what you actually do with it.

Just be very gentle about removing a fan and heatsink from a CPU. Sometimes the thermal paste residue heated over time can make them stick together like glue.