computer side panel

Actually, from my experience, temperatures can actually increase when side panels are removed from the box. The reason is that air is not properly channeled through the box and across the components that need to get cooled. While there might be more air in the box, it might not be optimal for keeping things cool.

For example, with production servers that I have at work which are rack mounted.... The moment you open the top of the case, the fans pretty much go to 100% and cool at overdrive levels to try and compensate. You put the cover back on the case and the system detects it and slows down the fans.

Another example, I have nitro powered RC cars. Well, i put a Toyota Landcruiser body on my Tmaxx...and decided to cut out the back windows to allow the hot air to escape. All of a sudden, my engine temps increased and I couldn't keep the truck from overheating. Turns out the air was coming in the front and stayed high inside the back of the truck and went right out the back. With the windows in the back closed, the air came in the front of the truck, over the engine heatsink and out the back bumper area as this was the first opening for air to escape. So, the air got channeled across the heatsink and removed more heat. So, while there was an increase in airflow with everything opened...that didn't translate to cooler temperatures.

Just thought that I would share. I'm sure some will argue that I'm nuts

pparks1 said:

Just thought that I would share. I'm sure some will argue that I'm nuts

There are laws of nature that are hard to understand, and seem to defy logic.

There have also been studies on aerodynamics that can substantiate your examples.
One that comes to mind for me is when the mythbuster's tested gas mileage with two identical trucks; one with the tailgate on, and one with the tailgate off.

Suprisingly the one with the gate on had the better mileage.

As far as being nuts, well.....We all have our moments.

freaky88 said:

mine went down 6-8 C

Well, it's possible that you don't have good airflow through your particular case, or you have wiring and clutter which is interfering with proper airflow leaving your case and by popping off the sides, you got the hot air out. Everybody is likely going to have a different experience, but I still believe in most cases (no pun intended), leaving the sides on might be the better approach.

pparks1 said:

Actually, from my experience, temperatures can actually increase when side panels are removed from the box. The reason is that air is not properly channeled through the box and across the components that need to get cooled. While there might be more air in the box, it might not be optimal for keeping things cool.

For example, with production servers that I have at work which are rack mounted.... The moment you open the top of the case, the fans pretty much go to 100% and cool at overdrive levels to try and compensate. You put the cover back on the case and the system detects it and slows down the fans.

Another example, I have nitro powered RC cars. Well, i put a Toyota Landcruiser body on my Tmaxx...and decided to cut out the back windows to allow the hot air to escape. All of a sudden, my engine temps increased and I couldn't keep the truck from overheating. Turns out the air was coming in the front and stayed high inside the back of the truck and went right out the back. With the windows in the back closed, the air came in the front of the truck, over the engine heatsink and out the back bumper area as this was the first opening for air to escape. So, the air got channeled across the heatsink and removed more heat. So, while there was an increase in airflow with everything opened...that didn't translate to cooler temperatures.

Just thought that I would share. I'm sure some will argue that I'm nuts

I agree with you. If you take the side cover off, you should run a fan blowing it.

freaky88 said:

it looks awesome when i can see all of my stuff

Nah..it looks awesome when you remove a side panel to expose a super clean and neat wiring job. At least that's my opinion.

The only physical things I want to see are my monitor, keyboard and my mouse.