Just a comment.

I have an older Cyrix based p-200 system which runs in a high-dust
environment. Every 6 months or so the cpu fan dies from an overdose of
contamination, which of course leads to erratic behaviour and random lock
ups due to overheating. Removing the case will usually allow the machine to
run for the rest of the day. Not necessarily good practice but there are
more
important things to consider than an overheated cpu.

Main point to this message - this specific computer will run longer, in fact
much longer, without the case than it will with it. Probably because the
"dead" space between the cpu location and the main fan is filled with flat
cables and cards which causes more interruption to the "specific" airflow
over the cpu than the proper installation of the case provides.

The "why" is not important. Keeping the machine working is. :)

btw: the cpu has been overheated to the point of shutdown at least 30 times.
For 6 days straight it ran 12 hours a day with the case off and a desk fan
pointed at the cpu to keep it going. No detectable permanent damage has
resulted.

Jim


> -----Original Message-----
> From: PCBUILD - Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Dave Gillett
> Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 1999 1:19 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] PIII processors
>
>
> On 7 Jun 99, at 8:42, Brad Boutwell wrote:
>
> > ....  Leaving the top/back off the casing increases airflow and
> cuts down
> > on heat...great for the longevity of the processor, or if you
> are an avid
> > overclocker...
>
>   This is rather poor advice.
>
>   Leaving the case off will increase *overall* airflow and lower *air*
> temperature inside the case.
>   But it also tends to decrease the specific airflow over hot
> components such
> as the CPU, and so some of that air temperature reduction may
> come at a cost
> of increased *component* temperature -- not good for longevity at all.
>
>
> David G
>
>                          PCBUILD's List Owner's:
>                       Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
>                         Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>
>

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