Probably the strangest question in the forum but can i....

[lord hircine]

Build a new computer WITHOUT a case lol? i'm being serious. I don't think the case is even needed, all it does is make your computer look cool and besides i think it would be a lot easier since i don't need to try and fit all the stuff in + no wiring problems. But i could be very wrong about this so that is why i got a few more questions.

What are the pros(if any) and cons of building a new 1000-1200 gaming pc without a case?

If i do need something to cover it, what could i use? cardboard? glass? plastic board? etc?

Anything else i should know about if i plan to build a computer without a case?

Thanks in advance.

 

[g-unit1111]

You need a case to build a PC. Unless you want to get creative and build your own but that would take a lot of effort. You could get an open air case but that leaves your components vulnerable and prone to static discharge. And that will lead to many warranties being voided.

 

[kingnoobe]

You should have some type of case. It doesn't have to be nothing special I don't think I would use straight cardboard though as some components can get pretty hot and it should wouldn't seem safe to me..

Really just depends on how creative you want to be with it. You could use a simple work bench and leave your components out in the open and that's fine you'd just have to be careful around them.

 

[g-unit1111]

You should have some type of case. It doesn't have to be nothing special I don't think I would use straight cardboard though as some components can get pretty hot and it should wouldn't seem safe to me..

Really just depends on how creative you want to be with it. You could use a simple work bench and leave your components out in the open and that's fine you'd just have to be careful around them.

It has to be metal because cardboard would conduct static and fry your components. This isn't a good idea no matter which way you look at it.

 

[Geef]

If you check out the Hardocp.com forums there is an area that is specific to what you would be looking for:
A forum called CASES & CASE MODDING.
There is also a CASE MOD GALLERY forum so you can check out what others have been doing.
I've seen some cool ones made of all kinds of different things in the past.

 

[rene13cross]

I'm not sure why people are slating you so much for wanting to do this. It's a great idea, you can simply make a sort of testbench and just use it as you're main computer. I agree with people in that I probably wouldn't recommend anyone doing it due to the risks. Imagine bumping against the graphics card and you broke the PCI slot, you'd be screwed. But tbh, I'm sure you have taken that into consideration already, you don't sound completely clueless

 

[g-unit1111]

I'm not sure why people are slating you so much for wanting to do this. It's a great idea, you can simply make a sort of testbench and just use it as you're main computer. I agree with people in that I probably wouldn't recommend anyone doing it due to the risks. Imagine bumping against the graphics card and you broke the PCI slot, you'd be screwed. But tbh, I'm sure you have taken that into consideration already, you don't sound completely clueless

Where this would be a huge problem is if there's any chance the PC could come into contact with static electricity. You don't want to risk frying your components by being careless. There's a few open air cases on the market that you could buy like this that would be somewhat safe: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112287

 

[inzone]

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=103_1067&products_id=33813

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=103_467&products_id=33105

These are some of the open air cases that you can get and use instead of a closed case. The thing with using a case is that the case is set up to have everything in a compact area and not be spread out over your desk or table. If you notice a case is closed and filters covering the fan openings to help prevent dust buildup. If you make a computer without a case and all the parts are open and laying about then they will accumulate a layer of dust on them. The other thing is cooling and the purpose of a case is to have a good air flow going over the components to cool them.
An option you can consider is to have a case and keep the sides off or do a custom job where you remove a lot of the case and have a skeleton case.

http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/guru3d_rig_of_the_month_december_2012,1.html

http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/guru3d_rig_of_the_month_june_2012,1.html

If you really want to get creative you can build the computer into your desk.

http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/guru3d_rig_of_the_month_may_2012,1.html

 

[thdarkshadow]

nah you don't need a case. just get a screw driver and touch the two power button pens at the same time to start it and youre good to go! but like some others have said i would be kinda careful what materials they are layed on. the reasons I have a case is it looks sporty and clean and also protects the parts from my dogs

 

[inzone]

A lot of motherboards now come with start and reset buttons on the board itself.