Running computer without case - possible?

[ThomasReck]

I recently bought a motherboard for my computer, unfortunently it's too big for the case. The case is ridiculously shaped, and hardly any motherboards will be able to fit in it. I don't have any money at the moment, so I was wondering if it's possible for me to assemble & use my computer without a computer case, or will that damage it? My computer room is quite clean, there's not really any more dust than in any other normal room.

 

[bloc97]

It won't damage it per se, but the motherboard is designed to have a good cooling inside a case, not outside. If you can have a fan blowing on the motherboard while it is running, everything should be able to stay cool.

So keep a temperature sensor open and don't overclock.

-Bloc97

 

[ThomasReck]

There's almost always really footcold in the room, so if that's good enough, that'd be great! 😛 Also, should I be placing it on a towel or something like that? I'm just thinking about the small metal dots on the downside of the motherboard

 

[bloc97]

Use hard wood or multiple stacks of paper. Don't use pastic, towels and metal. Those either accumulate static electricity or conducts.

If your table is made of wood, you can put on it directly, though any spill will damage the motherboard.
Best to elevate it somewhere you can't reach it easily. There's this rule that says "where you can't reach easily, the hazards can't either".

-Bloc97

 

[ThomasReck]

I have a wooden shelf that I could place on the floor, with paint on it. I'll try placing it on that, thanks so much!

 

[smorizio]

if your in high school walk into metal shop class see if they have a scap piece of plate. if they do print the atx screw placement sheet and drill the scrap for atx standoff screws. then screw in the standoffs and then place the mb on the standoffs so it wont short out. also if your town has some welders/metal works shops also see if they have a small scrap that can be reused.
http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php/218645-ATX-Mounting-holes-Pattern

 

[ohenryy]

case keeps your system quiet and protects all your parts especially from dust. So to answer your question, itd still work