Is it safe to put my computer on its side?

[Nada190]

Can I lay my computer on its side and use it?

I'm currently building a new computer but I don't want to just throw the old one away so I was thinking of tucking it under my bed on its side and using it like that. I want to keep it for large downloads because of lower power use.

 

[skit75]

It should be as long as everything inside is secured with screws. Make sure to lay it on the non-component side which is usually on its right side, as you view it from the front.

 

[dish_moose]

many Dell systems, for instance, come with a base that screws on to give it more stability. All pieces of hardware in your computer should be fastened down and do not care if they are upside down, right side up.... As long as the cooling vents/fans are not covered and there is sufficient air for cooling, you will be fine.
-Bruce

 

[cklaubur]

The only thing I can see having trouble would be a CD/DVD drive, and even then, only when inserting or removing a disc.

Casey

 

[Nada190]

Thanks guys. It is a ancient dell but it works great still. Any ideas on how to cover the 5.25 drive bay? I'm going to put that into my new computer. Think of using good old duct tape to just cover it up.

 

[dish_moose]

Duct will work - not like it's in plain site.
-Bruce
BTW - will your new computer still have a connector for your 5.25?

 

[sora]

It should work as long as everything is stuck together.

 

[Nada190]

Duct will work - not like it's in plain site.
-Bruce
BTW - will your new computer still have a connector for your 5.25?

What do you mean by the connector?

 

[skit75]

Most of the older PCs had a parallel data cable interface and all of them are now SATA data cable interface. So if your new machine doesn't have a legacy 40-pin connector, your older CD/DVD ROM drive wont be use-able in the new system.