8mm Forum: COMPUTER QUESTION

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Topic: COMPUTER QUESTION

Chip Gelmini
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1733
From: Brooksville, FL
Registered: Jun 2003

posted May 07, 2009 07:19 PM

I'm going to ask this question even though it might be a dumb one. Because I'd like to be safe rather than sorry.

I have a small Tower based computer similiar to the E Machines model EL-1210-09 (google that for picture). Although it is designed as a smaller sized tower, it would actually be better at my setup if it was horizontal, rather than vertical.

My question is, would this be safe for the pc, motherboard, and other interior pieces.

We know a Tower is designed to be vertical likewise. But is it safe to lay it down. I've considered that it only has rubber feet on the bottom, and not on the side. But really, ins't that because it's supposed to stand up? I can build something to hold it laying down. I just want to know I won't kill the pc if I do this.

Thanks for any support.

CG

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Osi Osgood
Film God

Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005

posted May 07, 2009 09:39 PM

Thats a good question, Chip.

On one side of the argument, as long as the any air-holes (for ventilation, as all PC's kick up a lot of heat) are not blocked, it may be safe.

However, Laying it sideways could interfere with the performance of the CD, DVD drives.

As you said, if they design it to sit straight up, its probably best that it stays that way.

--------------------
"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "

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Christopher Way
Film Handler

Posts: 51
From: Bournemouth, England
Registered: Oct 2008

posted May 09, 2009 11:45 AM

I have tried this in the past for reasons of space. Although the PC itself works fine, ie, motherboards, cards etc, and as long as you keep fan and ventilation holes open. However, it does cause problems for the DVD drives etc as pointed out, such as drag, or slip.

The newer smaller desktops which have side on drivers are designed for this with more stabilisers etc.

Regards, Chris

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Martin Jones
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1269
From: Thetford , Norfolk,England
Registered: May 2008

posted May 09, 2009 12:29 PM

Chip,
If you need to reduce the height by turning a "tower" on it's side, have you considered re-casing it into a "desktop" case?
"Desktop" cases are not expensive, and accept most motherboards etc. The internal components have standard dimensions, so either style of case can be used.
Talk to your local "real" computer shop, or your local "Nerd". I built my own recently and horizontal layout was a requirement.

Martin

--------------------
Retired TV Service Engineer
Ongoing interest in Telecine....

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