can I turn my computer on it side

[papajoe]

I moved onto a sailboat and the computer wont fit upright and I was wondering if it could fit on its side

 

[InvalidError]

The only component which may have restrictions on orientation is the HDD - most HDDs are fine with being on their side but not with being upside-down.

If you have liquid cooling, you may need to change the radiator/reservoir/pump's orientation too.

 

[Mouldread]

Hello,

yes, you can. It won't affect it's performance. In a way it would be even better if you have some big dedicated GPU or a heavy aftermarket CPU cooler.

The only thing some people may be concerned would be the life span on the hard drive if mounted vertically rather than horizontally but this is not an issue at all.

Hitachi:

The drive will operate in all axes (6 directions). Performance and error rate will stay within specification limits if the drive is operated in the other orientations from which it was formatted.

Western Digital:

Physical mounting of the drive: WD drives will function normally whether they are mounted sideways or upside down (any X, Y, Z orientation).

Maxtor:

The hard drive can be mounted in any orientation.

Samsung:

As long as it is securely attached to the chassis, hard disk drives may be mounted either horizontally or vertically depending on how your computer’s case is constructed.

Just make sure when you place your PC case on its side that you don't block some vent openings that you may have and so to worsen the airflow.

 

[WyomingKnott]

Minor points
1) Don't turn it on it's side while it is running!
2) A sailboat! I thought you needed an engine to run the inverter. Keep the computer dry; they are enormously intolerant of salt water.

 

[Liereaper]

Yes you can turn it to the side and the hhd wont be affected unless it gets tilt in an angle.

 

[christopherjames]

Minor points
1) Don't turn it on it's side while it is running!
2) A sailboat! I thought you needed an engine to run the inverter. Keep the computer dry; they are enormously intolerant of salt water.

I live near the ocean. Salty air alone will corrode a motherboard in no time at all. It can't be good for a power supply either.

 

[Liereaper]

Minor points
1) Don't turn it on it's side while it is running!
2) A sailboat! I thought you needed an engine to run the inverter. Keep the computer dry; they are enormously intolerant of salt water.

I live near the ocean. Salty air alone will corrode a motherboard in no time at all. It can't be good for a power supply either.

I recommend if you will take it to a sail boat you will need a sdd because any movement can and will damage your harddrive or lose its data. also try adding filters to the fans or make your own with the same material

 

[InvalidError]

I recommend if you will take it to a sail boat you will need a sdd because any movement can and will damage your harddrive or lose its data.

Soft movements like the rolling of a boat will not damage hard drives - the coupled vibrations between HDDs in drive arrays are stronger and much faster than that.

 

[WyomingKnott]

I live near the ocean. Salty air alone will corrode a motherboard in no time at all. It can't be good for a power supply either.

How true. I lent my father an outstanding bicycle, a Frejus I got in 1977. He lives within a half-mile of the ocean. The frame was rusted out as a result. That was tragic.

OP, did you live near the ocean before this move?