Is it bad to leave the side panel off?

[FluffyMyNameIs]

It's been really hot outside lately and my AC is out so I've been taking the side panel off of my case and using a desk fan to blow air through it when I play games. I'm working on getting a new case that pushes more air but for now I have to make this work. I've looked around and most people say dust would be the only issue.

 

[Alec Mowat]

Did you check the temperatures? Actually check the temps and see if it's even hot.

 

[FluffyMyNameIs]

Did you check the temperatures? Actually check the temps and see if it's even hot.

It's waaaay too hot.

 

[InvalidError]

Other potential issues is stuff falling inside your case if you have pets, kids or anything else that might knock things in. If you have strong interference sources or equipment sensitive to interference, the open case might cause some problems too.

If neither of those are a problem for you then the next biggest problem would be dust.

 

[FluffyMyNameIs]

Other potential issues is stuff falling inside your case if you have pets, kids or anything else that might knock things in. If you have strong interference sources or equipment sensitive to interference, the open case might cause some problems too.

If neither of those are a problem for you then the next biggest problem would be dust.

Does a cell phone count as strong interference?

 

[Alec Mowat]

Did you check the temperatures? Actually check the temps and see if it's even hot.

It's waaaay too hot.

What is hot? What's the number?

 

[FluffyMyNameIs]

Did you check the temperatures? Actually check the temps and see if it's even hot.

It's waaaay too hot.

What is hot? What's the number?

forgot to mention it's the gpu temp and it idles around 45-55 EDIT sorry meant Celsius

 

[Alec Mowat]

What's the work load temp?

 

[FluffyMyNameIs]

What's the work load temp?

Under load it can get past 80c

 

[Alec Mowat]

What's the work load temp?

Under load it can get past 80c

What videocard?

They are normally rated between 95 and 110, it's normal for a videocard to run pretty hot.

Taking the side panel off may not make any real difference, unless you are blowing air directly on the GPU. Keeping the environment closed improves airflow and forces hot air out of the case, assuming you have decent case fans.

 

[FluffyMyNameIs]

What's the work load temp?

Under load it can get past 80c

What videocard?

They are normally rated between 95 and 110, it's normal for a videocard to run pretty hot.

Taking the side panel off may not make any real difference, unless you are blowing air directly on the GPU. Keeping the environment closed improves airflow and forces hot air out of the case, assuming you have decent case fans.

Nvidia 550ti

 

[Alec Mowat]

Does it go much about 80?

I wouldn't worry too-too much about it... I hit 80 on my 670, and I live in Canada.

 

[FluffyMyNameIs]

Does it go much about 80?

I wouldn't worry too-too much about it... I hit 80 on my 670, and I live in Canada.

I've had it go to 90 when playing SWTOR on medium settings.

 

[Alec Mowat]

Does it go much about 80?

I wouldn't worry too-too much about it... I hit 80 on my 670, and I live in Canada.

I've had it go to 90 when playing SWTOR on medium settings.

Your fine. You can adjust the cards fan profile with MSI after burner to 100%, but it will be loud. Otherwise; it will probably throttle itself.
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-550ti/specifications

Thermal and Power Specs
Maximum GPU Temperature (in C)
100 C
Maximum Graphics Card Power (W)
116 W
Minimum System Power Requirement (W)4
400W
Supplementary Power Connectors5
One 6-pin

Make sure your cable management inside the tower is good so that air is flowing nicely.