building a computer with no case

[myspoontoobig]

im just curious to see how well a computer would run built with all of my old parts...only problem is i don't have a 2nd case so im wondering if you COULD put together a computer with no case or if that's going to cause any dramatic consequence apart from aesthetic appeal. i.e. just connect all the parts and let them sit on my carpet...

 

[Varun]

Just set them on something that doesn't conduct like a piece of wood. I don't think I would recommend the carpet since you could have a lot of static charge build up.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Don't have them on carpet. Static electricity isn't your friend.

Running computers without a case works just fine.

 

[ai42]

I once went by a friends house and he just "built" a second computer. Basically it was a motherboard flipped inverse to the "normal" computer (like where the PCI slots sit above the CPU) and it was hanging on the opposite side of the case, held in by some string. And second PSU laying on the floor near it. Not so good for PCI/Graphics cards (this second mobo had all integrated NIC/Graphics/Sound) but very curious. He even mounted the second hard drive in the "normal" place just diffrent cable. It was quite a mess.

 

[myspoontoobig]

so putting the mobo on top of those anti static bags would be a good precaution?

 

[RCflyer]

yes

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I'd try to get it off the floor if possible. I think only the inside of the bag is anti-static really. If you're putting any cards in it (videocard, soundcard, etc.), you're going to want to have it so that the ends of the cards can go below the level the motherboard is sitting on. (Does that make sense?) Normally in a case, the cards lock into the case on the bottom and go past the motherboard. If it's all on a level surface, the cards wouldn't be in all the way.

At the least, I'd say put it on the motherboard box with the foam pad underneath it and run it that way with the cards ends hanging off the end so they can be pushed in all the way.

 

[myspoontoobig]

ok maybe ill just make a really ghetto one out of cardboard

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: myspoontoobig
ok maybe ill just make a really ghetto one out of cardboard

That's the spirit!

EDIT: oh, if you want more ideas on how to set this up, head over to the distributed computing area. Those guys are experts on this sort of stuff.

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: myspoontoobig
ok maybe ill just make a really ghetto one out of cardboard

:thumbsup:

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

A computer with no case is a *very* bad idea. I speak from personal experience...

When I was younger, and still living with my parents, I had some spare computer parts but no case. So, I connected all the components in a 1980's style pressboard audio cabinet. It was completely enclosed, with a glass door and a flip-up top meant for a record player. In that sense, it was protected fairly well, from such enemies as dust and static electricity. However, the constant usage resulted in the death of two hard disks and a then-valuable CD burner. It simply couldn't handle being jostled around so much.

Live and learn.

 

[myspoontoobig]

haha o well they're old parts...if they bust wutever i can post pics in a lil bit if you guys want to see it

 

[n7]

As long as it's not on the carpet you should be okay.

Plus fans are a non-issue then (aside from a HSF)

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
A computer with no case is a *very* bad idea. I speak from personal experience...

When I was younger, and still living with my parents, I had some spare computer parts but no case. So, I connected all the components in a 1980's style pressboard audio cabinet. It was completely enclosed, with a glass door and a flip-up top meant for a record player. In that sense, it was protected fairly well, from such enemies as dust and static electricity. However, the constant usage resulted in the death of two hard disks and a then-valuable CD burner. It simply couldn't handle being jostled around so much.

Live and learn.

Are you sure it was jostling and not heat buildup?

 

[theMan]

try to avoid putting cards in anti static bags, it will heat up and fry like an egg.

 

[myspoontoobig]

one problem...how do i turn it on? haha

 

[theMan]

find the two pins in the mobo where the power switch goes in, and short them out with a HD jumper or something. just for the amount of time you would press the power button on a normal case.

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: myspoontoobig
one problem...how do i turn it on? haha

The truly ghetto way is to use a screwdriver to short the pins for the power switch to turn it on.

A slightly less ghetto way would be to wire a header to a momentary on/off switch from Radio Shack, an plug that on the power switch pins.

 

[CrispyFried]

Originally posted by: myspoontoobig
so putting the mobo on top of those anti static bags would be a good precaution?

No, dont use an antistatic bag, theyre conductive.

Cardboard or wood are good.

Pizza boxes work great too

To turn it on use a jumper or paper clip. Or hit Radio Shack and grab a momentary contact normally open switch and wire it in with an old fan plug or something that fits the pins on the mobo.

 

[feelingshorter]

Originally posted by: Concillian

Originally posted by: myspoontoobig
ok maybe ill just make a really ghetto one out of cardboard

:thumbsup:

then mind as well not make one at all and let it get fresh air, keeps computer cool, but your house will get hot either way.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello


Are you sure it was jostling and not heat buildup?

It was in a loose-fitting cabinet. It was cooler than an ordinary PC.

 

[l Xes l]

it will be fine.. in fact it will have better cooling... .. just watch out for static.. dont touch anything when power is on as well..

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: krnxpride83
it will be fine.. in fact it will have better cooling... .. just watch out for static.. dont touch anything when power is on as well..

How can you not touch anything? What about the optical drives?

 

[myspoontoobig]

screwdriver worked like a charm thanks!

but it's failing to boot from floppy...hmmm

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: myspoontoobig
but it's failing to boot from floppy...hmmm

WHY are you booting from a floppy? LOL. I can't remember the last time I booted from a floppy.

Wait, yes I can, I needed to boot from a floppy when my fiance's uncle asked me to help him with his 486 machine last year. OMG nothing is as aggrivating as working with a 486 running windows 95 with 16MB when you're used to an A64 and 1 gig.