Is leaving the cover off your computer case a bad idea?

I had trouble putting it on while it was on my desk because there's a little rounded plastic piece that makes it difficult to fit without being off-balance on the desk. I'm worried about the buildup of dust, and I'm pretty sure its supposed to be on at all times anyway. It hasn't been off for long by the way.Is leaving the cover off your computer case a bad idea?
A computer case is built to maximize air flow while the case is on.





Leaving the case off is NOT good for airflow efficiency or for general hygiene of the computer.





Anyway, just do whatever you want. I find that people who ask questions like this have already decided what they are going to do anyway...they just want people to back up their own POV.Is leaving the cover off your computer case a bad idea?
We have often left case covers off computers (for ease of use when changing out parts, concern about overheating, etc), but I worry about dust, too, and I read (I don't remember where) that leaving them off can cause the fans to burn out more quickly, probably because when the cover is off the air flow is not directed the way it was designed to.
A very bad idea.





The case works to regulate the air flow through the components cooling them. Leaving it off will not help the air flow or cooling (as suggested by one answerer), in fact it will reduce the effect of the fans, leading to possible overheating and failure.





Put it back on ASAP.
No it won't affect the performance of your machine, nor is it essential to put it back on.





Regardless of covers, computers are prone to attract dust and need regular cleaning out to ensure moving parts don't get clogged up/worn out. Dust also acts as insulation so can cause overheating.





Just keep an eye on it mate.





Hope this helps :)
i do not believe so, i have had this computer for 9 years (its a dell) and have had no problem with dust. i clean it about every 6 months and only get minute dust accumulation 1
I wouldn't worry so much about the dust as the risk of spilling some coke or coffee or whatever, which would probably be the end of the computer.
cover is essential. its good as you won't need to worry about overheating.. but ned regular cleaning to clear the dust away..
good for air flow bad for a pc number one enemy dust
yes if you constantly clean the interior for dust and specs