Solved PC with side panel removed?

KAAMO

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Hey Guys,

I have a Dell Optiplex 745 and it is an ugly machine. I have stripped the tower down to its basic metal frame and sprayed it black as I like the industrial/raw look. I was just wandering if I run the PC like this, without any side panel, will it cause me any problems? The internal temperature dropped from 41 degrees C to 36 degrees C which is good I guess, but im mainly talking about any parts getting damaged.

Thanks in advance
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Optiplex
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel E6400 2.13 GHz
Memory
8GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
1GB NVIDIA GEForce 8400
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 201
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250GB SATA
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Custom
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AVAST Pro and Avast Grimefighter
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The metal case also serves as RFI interference suppression. Whether it will hurt it??? Dell tended to use proprietary cases and motherboards (and front panel connections). Although it could be moved to a different case it will take quite a bit of work.
 

My Computer My Computer

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My Own Build
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Windows 10 64 bit
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Intel i7 6700K
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ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
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16GB Corsair Dominator
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Intel CPU Graphics
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RealTek
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27" Dell S2719dgf
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2560X1440
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1 TB Samsung 850 EVO SSD for Win 10 Pro
500GB Samsung 850 EVO SSD for Win 10 Insider
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EVGA Supernova 750G2
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BeQuiet Silent Base 600
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Deepcool Captain 120EX
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Microsoft Wireless 2000
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Microsoft wireless
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100 MB/sec (Cable)
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Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes
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Cakewalk (Sonar) by BandLab and Studio One 4.1 Pro recording studio software. MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface, Frontier Tranzport wireless control unit, Behringer X-Touch Control Surface.
Five USB connected optical drives for CD Audio production using Nero BurningROM
I have run several cases with the side panel off. They just get more dust inside quicker.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
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AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
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Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
I strongly advise keeping your Case closed ... One reason is dirt and dust .. Then another small animals can cause problems .. I know sounds unlikely but has happened to me in the past .. Though i live in the country side near Farms ..
 

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Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
W530-3630QM1
OS
windows 7 home 64bit
CPU
INTEL-CORE I7
Memory
16GB
Hard Drives
750GB
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Chrome
Hey,

I would constantly worry about something getting dropped or kicked inside and causing damage. The build up of dust and dirt would increase a lot and would require frequent cleaning. I'm not sure the benefits are worth the hassle of frequent cleaning but thats just my opinion ;)

Phill3990:cool:
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Build
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4670k CPU @ 3.40 GHz, 4 Cores
Motherboard
MSI Z87 - G45 Gaming ATX Motherboard
Memory
Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz
Graphics Card(s)
GeForce GTX 660
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio, Sound Blaster Cinema
Monitor(s) Displays
ACER S236HL 23" HDMI Monitor
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
2TB HDD
PSU
Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W Modular 80 PLUS ATX/EPS PSU
Case
Zalman Z11 PLUS Midi Tower Case
Cooling
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO (120mm) CPU Cooling, 5x Case Fan
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Saitek Cyborg V.5 USB Gaming Keyboard
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Sharkoon Drakonia Gaming Mouse
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16.96 MB
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Avast (Free Version), MalwareBytes, SuperantiSpyware
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Google Chrome
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Samsung 24x Retail SATA DVD Writer, Creative Inspire T10 Multimedia Speakers, Also have a: Toshiba CT30 Chromebook
Thanks for your advice guys. I'm not too worried about the dust build up as I clean my PC internals weekly. Also I don't live with any children or animals and the tower itself, out of reach.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Optiplex
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel E6400 2.13 GHz
Memory
8GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
1GB NVIDIA GEForce 8400
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 201
Hard Drives
250GB SATA
Case
Custom
Antivirus
AVAST Pro and Avast Grimefighter
Browser
Chrome
Post some pictures, we`d love to see it :D
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Skylake Special #666
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 6700K
Motherboard
Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
Memory
GSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition
Monitor(s) Displays
AOC G2460PG
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 144Hz
Hard Drives
Samsung 860 Pro 256GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
PSU
EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
Case
Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
Cooling
Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Keyboard
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
Antivirus
Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Free 3.8.3
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp, Corsair H2100 Wireless 7.1 Headset
Here ya go !
 

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My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
Antivirus
AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
Other Info
Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
I was talking to Kaamo Jack, come on now :confused:
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Skylake Special #666
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 6700K
Motherboard
Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
Memory
GSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition
Monitor(s) Displays
AOC G2460PG
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 144Hz
Hard Drives
Samsung 860 Pro 256GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
PSU
EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
Case
Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
Cooling
Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Keyboard
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
Antivirus
Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Free 3.8.3
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp, Corsair H2100 Wireless 7.1 Headset
Just waiting for some more paint to arrive as the original stuff I used wasn't very good to say the least, so once i've resprayed ill definitely upload some pics.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Optiplex
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel E6400 2.13 GHz
Memory
8GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
1GB NVIDIA GEForce 8400
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 201
Hard Drives
250GB SATA
Case
Custom
Antivirus
AVAST Pro and Avast Grimefighter
Browser
Chrome
I'm not too worried about the dust build up as I clean my PC internals weekly. Also I don't live with any children or animals and the tower itself, out of reach.

Since dust or intrusion is not an issue - there is absolutely nothing to worry about running without a side panel.

You could run all components laid out on an exposed bench and be perfectly fine.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Systems by SmartEyeball
OS
8 Pro x64
CPU
i7 3770K 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Memory
16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhz
Graphics Card(s)
x2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Sound Card
SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB / ATH-AD900 Headphones
Monitor(s) Displays
x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung
Screen Resolution
5760*1200/ 1920*1200
Hard Drives
2x Intel 520 240GB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0) * 2TB WD Caviar Black * Sony Optirac DVD
PSU
Silverstone Strider Evolution 1200W
Case
Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
Mouse
Thermaltake Theron (Highly Recommended) + Razer Imperator
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE, FF, WaterFox
Other Info
GT Extreme V2 Sim Racing Cockpit + 40" LCD and K/B Mouse stand ▼
Fanatec CSR Elite Wheel + Clubsport V1 Pedals + CSR shifter/7G-H ▼Saitek X52 Pro ▼ TrackIR 5 Pro
Buttkicker v2 Seat Rumbler with Dedicated 5.1 and Sub Woofer attached to frame ▼
=
Bloody Big Grin
Thank you, that was the answer I was hoping I'd get haha.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Optiplex
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel E6400 2.13 GHz
Memory
8GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
1GB NVIDIA GEForce 8400
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 201
Hard Drives
250GB SATA
Case
Custom
Antivirus
AVAST Pro and Avast Grimefighter
Browser
Chrome
Picture of my build for AddRAM
 

Attachments

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My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Optiplex
OS
Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Intel E6400 2.13 GHz
Memory
8GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
1GB NVIDIA GEForce 8400
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 201
Hard Drives
250GB SATA
Case
Custom
Antivirus
AVAST Pro and Avast Grimefighter
Browser
Chrome
Hey Guys,

I have a Dell Optiplex 745 and it is an ugly machine. I have stripped the tower down to its basic metal frame and sprayed it black as I like the industrial/raw look. I was just wandering if I run the PC like this, without any side panel, will it cause me any problems? The internal temperature dropped from 41 degrees C to 36 degrees C which is good I guess, but im mainly talking about any parts getting damaged.

Thanks in advance

It's fine, but there will be HUGE dust build-up, dirt and risk of damage e.g. water and animulz
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
RandomPC
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 4820K at 4.60GHz
Motherboard
ASUS Rampage IV Black Edition
Memory
Corsair 8GB DDR3 1600MHz
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GTX 750
Hard Drives
Seagate 4TB
Browser
Google Chrome

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Own build
OS
Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
CPU
Intel i7 2600k
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe
Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws (DDR3-1600) 2x4GB
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GeForce GTS 450; Intel HD Graphics 3000(GT2+)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp IPS panel U2311H, Samsung SyncMaster P2350
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro SSD 256GB, Samsung SSD 840 120GB, Seagates 1TB Barracuda ST31000528AS x2
PSU
Seasonic M12II 520W
Case
Lian Li Lancool PC-K60
Cooling
Case: 1x120mm, 3x140mm CPU: Hyper 212+
Keyboard
Logitech MK520 (wireless)
Mouse
Logitech MK520
Internet Speed
6-7 Mbps
Antivirus
Norton Security Premium, Malwarebytes on 2 (MSE on 3rd PC)
Browser
FireFox
Other Info
Audio: Logitech Z523 2.1
Unless you have your computer in a hospital operating room you have dust, pollen, and many other things in the air.

You one needs to take off the side panels and use a fan blowing air in the case you need a new case with proper filtered air circulation.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home made Desktop
OS
Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
CPU
Intel i7-6800K @ 4.3
Motherboard
ASUS X-99 Deluxe II
Memory
Corsair Platinum 16 gig @2400
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 1070 OC
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus 27" LED LCD/VE278Q
Screen Resolution
1920-1080 or 1280-720 HDMI
Hard Drives
INTEL SSD 730-240 Gb Sata 3.0/
PSU
EVGA Platium 1200W
Case
Phanteks Luxe Tempered Glass 8 fans/ one radiator
Cooling
XSPC/ Water Cooled CPU
Keyboard
Das 4 Professional
Mouse
Logitech M705/MX Anywhere 2-S
Internet Speed
100 mbits
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials/ Malwarebytes Premium 3.0/ SAS
Browser
I.E. 11 default/Firefox/ ISP Time Warner Cable/Spectrum
Other Info
LG BluRay Burner/
Sound system-KLipsch-THX/
Icy Dock ssd Hot Swap bays.
You one needs to take off the side panels and use a fan blowing air in the case you need a new case with proper filtered air circulation.
And that's what I did - reasonable case +PSU cost $79 at the time.

The new integrated PSU allowed a better graphics card and someone has used the PC a lot for the last 3 years with good temperature control.
I bet ACER sold heaps of these poorly designed PCs.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Own build
OS
Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
CPU
Intel i7 2600k
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe
Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws (DDR3-1600) 2x4GB
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GeForce GTS 450; Intel HD Graphics 3000(GT2+)
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Ultrasharp IPS panel U2311H, Samsung SyncMaster P2350
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro SSD 256GB, Samsung SSD 840 120GB, Seagates 1TB Barracuda ST31000528AS x2
PSU
Seasonic M12II 520W
Case
Lian Li Lancool PC-K60
Cooling
Case: 1x120mm, 3x140mm CPU: Hyper 212+
Keyboard
Logitech MK520 (wireless)
Mouse
Logitech MK520
Internet Speed
6-7 Mbps
Antivirus
Norton Security Premium, Malwarebytes on 2 (MSE on 3rd PC)
Browser
FireFox
Other Info
Audio: Logitech Z523 2.1
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