Open PC in Cabinet?

[Sky Zero]

I got my arcade PC w/ J-PAC running in my Super Neo Candy Cab just fine. Problem is the computer shutdown for no apparent reason today. Took it out, removed the cover, and let it sit for a minute or two, and it came right up.

I had to got to work so I didn't get a chance to troubleshoot, but I'm thinking it started to overheat or a fan isn't working right. I'm curious though, if I leave the side panel off and stick the PC back in the cabinet could there be a chance of damage from other components in the cabinet like the monitor or anything? I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to electrical components so any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Beretta]

definitely find out if it's shutting down from the thermal fail safe.

also check make sure all fans are running smoothly.

you can run it just fine without the side panel.. infact you dont even need the case..

the monitor should'nt harm the computer assuming it's not mounted to it's tube or something.

[Turnarcades]

definitely find out if it's shutting down from the thermal fail safe.

also check make sure all fans are running smoothly.

you can run it just fine without the side panel.. infact you dont even need the case..

the monitor should'nt harm the computer assuming it's not mounted to it's tube or something.

Seconded. Dust will be no more or no less of an issue, and as long as your PC components aren't too near to other un-shielded or un-cooled components you'll be ok. If in doubt about the heat but you are wary of problems caused by settling dust or falling debris damaging your mobo, mount it to a piece of MDF with a little space underneath for airflow, then add a top 'layer' of MDF a few inches above it to protect it, thus creating a mobo sandwich, but with space on all four sides for heat dispersal and airflow.

[Ginsu Victim]

Get rid of the case and mount everything on wood. I've not had a single heat problem since ditching the case.

[DashRendar]

Could be a failing CPU fan.

Having your motherboard and CPU mounted to the interior side of the cab (like a Jamma board) should keep it cooler than keeping it in the case inside the cab.  Just make sure to keep wires clear of the fans.

You can always buy some chassis fans to keep it cooled and the air circulating.

[chazbeenhad]

I run the PC in my MAME cab in a case that doesn't have the covers on. Basicaly its just a frame to hole the mobo power supply and HDD. I secured that to a shelf in the cabinet.

I did have heat troubles the 1st summer I built the cab. I had to add a nice quiet 120mm fan to the back of the cab blowing the hot air out. Never had a trouble again.

[Sky Zero]

Great! Thanks for all the replies, I'll give it a shot over the weekend without the panel to see how it works. Will probably mount it on wood when I get a chance to.

[daywane]

my problem turned out to be thermal grease dried up.
watch you CPU fan, if  it runs fine for 3 to 5 min try cleaning off old thermal grease and add new.