Open case

[Beall]

I'm thinking about getting the HSPC tech station for my next build (
http://www.highspeedpc.com ). I'm tired of all the fan noise, so I thought
I might water cool this system. I haven't actually planned the system, yet,
but is anyone using this case? I really like the idea of not having to open
the case when I need to check something (or swap something out). And, I
really like the prospect of water cooling such a system and not having ANY
fan noise...

 

[adsci]

I'm thinking about getting the HSPC tech station for my next build (
http://www.highspeedpc.com ). I'm tired of all the fan noise, so I thought
I might water cool this system. I haven't actually planned the system, yet,
but is anyone using this case? I really like the idea of not having to open
the case when I need to check something (or swap something out). And, I
really like the prospect of water cooling such a system and not having ANY
fan noise...

imagine your feet, coffee, food, paper clip, or something else falling
or kicking accidently into your computer. imagine the extra dust sitting
on your components. imagine the extra noise.

i would not recommed a completely open system. if you want some you can
still let you ordinary case open.

better: buy a transparent case.

 

[Ed Medlin]

I'm thinking about getting the HSPC tech station for my next build (
http://www.highspeedpc.com ). I'm tired of all the fan noise, so I
thought I might water cool this system. I haven't actually planned the
system, yet, but is anyone using this case? I really like the idea of not
having to open the case when I need to check something (or swap something
out). And, I really like the prospect of water cooling such a system and
not having ANY fan noise...

I don't have that particular case, but built one for my workbench that is
similar. It is not really meant for use as a day-to-day computer case. The
one I built has easier access to the MB than that particular case, but mine
is used exclusively as a test bed. There are a lot of good PC cases with
side panels that pop off or use thumb screws that can be accessed in seconds
and have plenty of working room. The only real upside of an open case is if
you do a LOT of individual component testing. There are a lot of downsides
if you have kids, pets or live in a dusty area. Have a good one........

Ed

 

[ModeratelyConfused]

I'm thinking about getting the HSPC tech station for my next build (
http://www.highspeedpc.com ). I'm tired of all the fan noise, so I
thought I might water cool this system. I haven't actually planned the
system, yet, but is anyone using this case? I really like the idea of not
having to open the case when I need to check something (or swap something
out). And, I really like the prospect of water cooling such a system and
not having ANY fan noise...

You're forgetting that there is a) noise from the fan on the radiator, and
b) there will be noise from the pump. So a completely open case may not be
the best idea if you want to tone down to noise level.

MC

 

[David Maynard]

I'm thinking about getting the HSPC tech station for my next build (
http://www.highspeedpc.com ). I'm tired of all the fan noise, so I thought
I might water cool this system. I haven't actually planned the system, yet,
but is anyone using this case? I really like the idea of not having to open
the case when I need to check something (or swap something out). And, I
really like the prospect of water cooling such a system and not having ANY
fan noise...

A water cooling system still has a pump to move the fliud and fan(s) to
cool the radiator, and then there's the PSU fan as well unless you try for
one of the 'fanless' PSUs but most of those depend on internal case airflow
and that's going to be problematic with no case fan, unless you have a fan
for that too.

Also note that any fans you might end up with, of necessity, are then in
the open and do not benefit from the sound baffling a closed case provides.

Not saying it can't be done but that an open mounting style doesn't just
'poof' solve it all on it's own and it might make things more difficult
rather than easier.

I'd also wonder a bit about the EMI radiated with no shielding to speak of.

It's a great idea for someone testing and swapping things by the minute but
for those who 'use' the computer for any length of time as, er, a computer
the tradeoffs probably don't justify the potential problems.

 

[No One]

I'm thinking about getting the HSPC tech station for my next build (
http://www.highspeedpc.com ). I'm tired of all the fan noise, so I thought
I might water cool this system. I haven't actually planned the system, yet,
but is anyone using this case? I really like the idea of not having to open
the case when I need to check something (or swap something out). And, I
really like the prospect of water cooling such a system and not having ANY
fan noise...

What about dust in such a case?

 

[Beall]

What about dust in such a case?

LOL, if you could only see the dust in my current computer case... I blow
that mess out weekly. Sometimes I'm even surprised it hasn't caused a fire
Seriously, I'm not too worried about dust or kids or cats. It's just
something new that caught my eye. I think I may wait until I upgrade my
whole computer in another year, and then buy this station to have a place to
really experiment with my old system...

kev