why do we need case on computer

[BIG_1_]

what does case do on computer

 

[timeconsumer]

Hold stuff

 

[viewtyjoe]

The biggest reason we have cases is to keep stuff in the air we don't want out of the computer. Excessive dust isn't exactly conducive to keeping hot components cool, and there are a lot of places on computers that do a good job attracting them.

If you don't want a case, there are a number of bench setups available you could use, though they can run somewhat pricey.

 

[little_me]

As earlier posters said, Case is not required but it does following:
Supports separate components, away from each other. (GPU, MB, PSU, Disks/drives)
Prevents components that should not shortcircuit, from doing so by keeping them apart. ( PSU, MB, Disks/drives)
Prevents people from bumping said components and thus breaking the connectors. (Like accidentally kicking your GPU and breaking the PCI-E socket)

In essence, you could pretty much bolt all the components to a wall and they would work just as well, aestherically having them in nicer looking case appeases most more though.

Case does not really help in cooling though, since by nature, inside of case is 99.9% of the time warmer than the outside and thus needs extra fans to replace the air inside.
Unless all case fans have separate dust filters, Case doesn't really prevent dust build-up to great extent.

 

[timeconsumer]

Like accidentally kicking your GPU and breaking the PCI-E socket

Speaking from experience?

 

[little_me]

No, but considering the components listed, GPU is the most wobbly one of the lot without the support that case provides.
CPU and RAM while also possible kicking targets are more "sturdy" not that kicking them is advisable either.

I was just trying to give examples as to why said things MB/GPU actually need the case.

 

[maxwellmelon]

actually not having a case can hurt temps. even though the surrendering air is cooler you still need so have some form of air flow current over the board. just not as strong air flow.

 

[4745454b]

MERGED QUESTION
Question from BIG_1_ : "what does case do on computer"

what does case do on computer

Tells it when to start and holds parts (can aid in cooling) but it's not technically required at all for a computer. But the builds I see with a $120 case on an $800 build make me cry a bit