Lose the computer case or not?

[andrewonawall]

It occured to me that the computer would run MUCH cooler if I took it out of the case and mounted it into the cab itself. What do others think of removing everything from the ATX case and using something like the PCB holder from Happ or Wico?

[patrickl]

I have noticed PC components run much hotter when I took the outer cover off. The airflow in a (modern) computercase is designed to cool all components. If you ditch the case you better make sure nothing overheats.

There was a thread/poll about this a couple of weeks ago: Do you have your motherboard in a PC case or mounted inside the cab?

[andrewonawall]

Thanks I'll check out that thread. I did a search and don't know why I didn't run across it.

Oh, and regarding the airflow, you are absolutely right. BUT the computer I am using for my MAME cab is not exactly top of the line, and it is pretty old. The thing runs pretty hot already and there is no duct work to channel cool to specific points like in current cases. I should have been more specific in my original post.