
{> i am interested in getting the pulse of this group regarding
{> extended operation of my G2K 486-33V with the cover removed 
{> from the enclosure.  there are a # of reasons i am considering 
{> this, including quick access to jumpers during complex i/o card 
{> setups.
{> 
{> my concern is that without a complete enclosure to direct the
{> cooling flow of air from the fan, "hot spots" may develop on my
{> motherboard or elsewhere.  my G2K has intake air vents in the 
{> front of the enclosure right at MB level.  These vents would be 
{> removed along with the top cover in this scenario, rendering
{> airflow from the fan pretty useless.  
{> 
{> however, short periods in this mode don't seem to heat things up
{> too much, but my conclusions are far from scientific...
{> 
{> -- tim

I ran a 386-33 out of a cardboard box for more than a year with no
major effects (yeah, no case at all, MB sitting on a static bag)
other than the noise from the Poersupply it ran pretty good.
as for cooling problems I bought a 12-14 inch fan and  turned
it on full and set the output directly on the motherboard.

I did finally get a case though and I am still running the parts
with no ill effects.

I also had no kids to spill things on the MB> I had no cat leaving
hair on the MB etc. etc. on and on....

the two major concerns are keeping static away and keeping the MB cool
enjoy

                                                       -David

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