Open vs Closed PC Cases

[@DevonDoesTech]

Built an open air with the Thermaltake Core P3 a couple years ago and haven't gone back to a closed case since!

[@hardlinenexus]

Hell yeah. That's what I'm talking about fam!

[@robmasters3569]

love it when you release videos where you educate us as you always make a really good job of it and you always seem very sincere in what you say

[@hardlinenexus]

I appreciate you. I'm glad it was informative. Tbh, I always prefer not talking in my videos and just like to do cinematic timelapse builds, but I know that my talking videos typically do better it seems. People want to learn if they sit down and spend time. Makes sense. :)

[@senritsujumpsuit6021]

I find the idea of mixing open an closed into a build really interesting regardless of it working well or not in many instances

[@pishbot]

I love the industrial aesthetic of an open case. Looking jacked bro! 💪🥰

[@hardlinenexus]

Some PC builds can get really heavy, it's a workout ;)

[@fierybl4de400]

@@hardlinenexus not for me im stornger than you sir

[@hardlinenexus]

@@fierybl4de400 I'm weak

[@ELCrisler]

I actually use Open Air frames for two show rigs that I take to LAN events. I have an Xproto L and a Crows Bluff Elevation. I have used the Xproto at 5 events over the last 3 years with zero issues and the Crows Bluff for it's first event just two weeks ago. Both are super easy to transport, the Xproto fits in a Sewing Machine bag with ALL of the peripherals and cables for easy carry. The Elevation has an easy to use handle for easy transport. With only minimal care these have been safe and super easy to transport. Concerning the air flow for components, I like to use top down coolers for my open air build, SI-100 is a BEAST, and this throws direct air onto the VRM, NVME and RAM. Air flow is a none issue.

[@E.J.Addler]

I switched to open air the other month and don’t ever see going back. Unless someone has cats or reckless children, I’d recommend open air vs closed. I’m using a Noctua U12A on a 14900k for my open air build and I stay within 5°C of my closed build (same main components) that had 7 120mm case fans (including radiator fans for 360mm rad) and 2 140mm fans. GPU is about 5°C cooler in open air as opposed to the closed build mentioned. Open air, you don’t have to populate with a million case fans which could save you a ton of money if you would’ve populated a case with a bunch of high end fans such as noctua. Open air is much easier to clean. I’ve got a German shepherd that sheds a ton and fur made its way into the closed case when the pc was asleep. With open air, sure it gets more fur, but I can just use my electronic esd air duster for 10 seconds every few days and it’s good as new. Open builds *can* also be significantly smaller and often allow more customization or mounting/orientation options. Open air is typically not affected whatsoever by size limitations. Want the largest card? Go at it! Lastly, for travel, I think open air is easier and much safer (depending on how you travel).

[@hardlinenexus]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Curious about the last part, what situation and how do you see open air being safer during travels compared to closed cases?

[@ryananggoro493]

I have 9 cats and want open configuration So maybe I just put my PC on high place like wall😂

[@E.J.Addler]

@@ryananggoro493you’d want something like the termaltake p3 case that’s open but has a glass panel protecting the parts then yeah smack it on the wall. That specific case can be used with vesa mounts.

[@emiel255]

I have an open air case myself for almost 2 years and I could not be more happy. For me it is a case that I will be having for a long time I detail clean my PC every 5 months or so for approximately 5 minutes or so and everything is clean again. And even after those 5 months it is not like there is a pack of dust on it rather just a very very thin layer. And even then there are no drops in either performance nor higher temps

[@philippw.9696]

I build an open air case of my own and i love it. Temps are better. I put a Fan directed to Mobo to cool it. I just want to test whats possible. It's a mITX build. Much better Temps than in Corsair 2000D. But i have to cover it (when not used) cause of my todller. Thx for your video now i have an answere for my friends who don't like it 😁

[@JeffBourke]

regular case gets dusty and restricted air flow anyway so you always need to clean regardless.

[@JeffBourke]

I always end up leaving my case open no matter how hard i try anyway so im taking the pllunge!!!

[@marcosimone5500]

If you have sensitive hearing to electronics, then a closed case is a good solution. Or if you have a cat or small children ;-) I have a wooden ear, so I consider an open case to be the best solution. The best cooling, the quietest if the graphics card does not sing with coils. Easier to clean. Over the years of playing with computers, I have had various cases. Closed, half-open, test benches. I always come back to an open case. I think it is also because I have space on my desk. If I had to put the computer on the floor, it is obvious that I would have to use a closed case. I will also add that I personally do not see the point in keeping a closed case so that additional fans grind the air inside, through half of the empty case. And this is the case with a typical gaming PC, without a herd of HDDs. Again, a smaller case means a smaller thermal surface, the fans have to rotate faster so that it does not heat up. That is why I do not understand the SFF hype, because these are stoves. For air cooling, small open case and peace. Just like in one of your videos with a fancy bench table. I love your open case projects. I currently use Kompcase Magnus II. Best regards to the Author, Marcin 🙂

[@quademasters249]

I think open air looks pretty neat but, I don't much see the point of it for daily usage. I reminds me of people who used to remove the plastic covers on the timing belts for their ricer cars. It certainly looks neat but they're one dropped screwdriver away from disaster. I believe in personal expression. If you like open air that's great. I found this solid aluminum full tower case at a rummage sale. You could use it as a step ladder it's so strong. That's the kind of case I prefer.

[@arlissyoung8899]

First time watching this channel. Well done and a great job laying out the difference in the two. I like Open air system even not having one. I would like to have a Open Air system but I find my house my be to dusty for one.

[@hardlinenexus]

If you guys ever run into the conversation with someone regarding open vs closed cases, just link them this video. :)

[@YuProducciones]

great video, calm and clear as water... as always, video quality its crysp bro! thanks !!

[@hardlinenexus]

Awesome glad you liked it :)

[@asmrzerattos]

What is the name and brand of this open case? Thank you

[@hardlinenexus]

That is the A45 from Monster Studio

[@asmrzerattos]

@@hardlinenexus thank you

[@hardlinenexus]

@@asmrzerattos I am working on a full build and review of it as well. Another video for it soon

[@Sabakoe737]

@@hardlinenexus when the video is ready?

[@hardlinenexus]

@@Sabakoe737 Probably in a couple weeks, because I have to wait for CableMod to deliver the custom cables for this build.

[@Dantestoussaint]

Great video man. The general vibe with open cases always seems to be about dust. TBH after building a few, and having two young men who game hard, the open case is SO much easier to clean. Can't afford a Sinister case just yet... but I'm trying!

[@hardlinenexus]

Thank you for sharing your experience with it. Yeah the whole dust thing I feel like is very exaggerated in general. Tbh, even if you have a year's worth of dust piled up on your case, it wouldn't really affect your system's performance. I personally have ran almost 1.5 years at a time with some systems before cleaning. But then again, everyone's "dust" situation and environment will vary haha

[@ajo.5476]

Love the video. Can you tell me the name of the cases at 4:23?

[@hardlinenexus]

That's my personal design called the Valkyrie. I did a very small batch run that sold last year.

[@johntipeti4597]

i run open case with half close. my cpu fan air cooled blows up unobstructed (case horizontal) my chassis fan blows in not out drawing the air outside & the half lid covers it (to create a cooling pocket for pch mainboard components etc even though they expel minute heat my chassis fan cools them by simply overpowering their small heat expel). my psu blows out to vent the psu compents heat generation. any other heat expels to atmosphere. my temps work better that way than when i had closed case.

[@eldenfuerst69]

Which cases are these at 4:14 and 4:23?

[@panterona]

I actually was JUST looking into this, I live in a really hot and humid climate avg above 30 degrees celsius daily, my windows are always open so lots of dust accumulation and as a result and I run a lot of editing software and games. I routinely have problems with overheating on every laptop I have had. So in your opinion would this be be a case for more direct airflow to components and therefore a closed case?

[@hardlinenexus]

I would definitely recommend a closed case in your situation. The Phanteks NV5 shown in this video would be a good choice, one of my favorite mid tower ATXs. You could also go with something like a NV7 if you wanted to go bigger, depends on your space and what you like of course. Mini ITX cases like the Fractal Terra has been popular too. The Cooler Master NR200 is also a great small form factor closed case.

[@panterona]

@@hardlinenexus just googled the phanteks look nice, i jus wish there were more stylish closed cases haha like the jOnsbo mod 5 type ones hehe

[@Ren4rd_o7]

@@panterona The NZXT H6 flow is maybe something you wish to consider

[@louis-8225]

Very nice and clear video thx

[@jacobwonder6735]

Soooo, what's the name of the open case name?... Edit: Saw it in another comment, please add to description

[@reallycome1]

Thank you. I found this video very informative as I am in the process of deciding on my next build. I am going with the Granzon G20 Open Frame Chassis Distro Plate Water Cooling Computer Case.

[@hardlinenexus]

Sweet! That's an art piece build for sure, I haven't played with any Granzon cases but you had me look it up. I'll put one of those on my list, G10 caught my eye too!

[@reallycome1]

@@hardlinenexus please do the G20!!!! I would love to see how your OCD gets it done!!!!

[@vongdong10]

I used a Core P3 in the past and my GPU was cool and dead silent. I tried the meshify c then the torrent and now have an Ncase M1 Evo. Not happy with the Evo so I've ordered the Monster A45.

[@monkeyking2079]

Closed case is good, I recently bought an open case - Thermaltake Core P3 TG and gonna put my custom loop pc in there. This will be my first open case

[@hardlinenexus]

Awesome, thanks for sharing! I haven't played with TT case before but I've seen it around a lot.

[@exquisitemarkk1878]

what is that open mini itx case?

[@hardlinenexus]

A45 by Monster Studio

[@minibotpc]

I find it completely the opposite, all my open builds, i have 3 right now accumulate less dust than my closed case builds simply because there's no fans blowing over the components forcing a layer of dust to settle onto them. I can look at the dust ontop of my open frame and the dust where the fan has been blowing over a component and its significantly more.

[@hardlinenexus]

Yo this is VERY valuable insight to share. Thank you!

[@pierce2001]

or try the no case build. The "XQC" build just connect everything and have flop on the floor

[@hardlinenexus]

I'd be down to do the No Case build, I'll hit up EK and see if they would send me one

[@sophieedel6324]

I just throw my side panel off every PC. Closed cases seem to make little sense to me, you have no idea what the temperature inside a closed case is, it's a PITA to clean or access components, and you need to pay and eventually replace fans which are not exactly cheap. In an open case you know the air arround the components is never higher than room temperature, you have immediate access to all components, and you don't need to buy fans. Dust accumulation seems to be actually less when I throw the side panel off, since you don't have multiple case fans sucking in tons of air like in a closed case. The more air you are moving around, the more dust will accumulate.

[@eduardobenassi3072]

I've a pretty clean environment, my desk is pretty high. I've no reason to have a closed case, it can increase the GPU temp by 4-8°

[@protato911]

I really love to do an open air case, but I have a cat and she love to stick her hand into stuff so I avoid it for now.

[@not.an.operator]

I think the biggest answer to this question is if you own dogs or cats or not. My lab shepherd mix would destroy an open air system 😂

[@MarigoldAW]

Is that a Pc case or is that just a display piece? Is it custom made by you? I looooooooove the way it looks

[@hardlinenexus]

A45 by Monster Studio. I can see you saw my comment response from another person :)

[@laststand2023]

planning to switch to open air case, what are the design criteria to look for a good open air case?

[@hardlinenexus]

If it supports the hardware you want to use, mainly size is typically the first thing I think about. Can it support ATX or ITX? Does it support SFX or ATX PSU? And if so, what would it look like? Does it support big long GPUs?

[@miscetc-tm2yt]

But which performs better, a case with fans/AIO or an open air with fans/AIO? And by how much? Would be nice to see some comparative testing of performance and cost.

[@hardlinenexus]

Case with fans and AIO would just cost you more. Open air with just AIO and no case fans would perform about the same if not better. Because as I said in the video, you only need to worry about getting enough airflow through your radiator. With open air, your fans on the AIO radiator has nothing but fresh air to pull with no impedance

[@miscetc-tm2yt]

@@hardlinenexus Thank you, I am concerned about "hot spots" on the motherboard, too. For example, the NVMe SSDs I think can run hot, even DDR5 RAM as well. For that reason, it would be nice to have active air flowing over the motherboard, too, no? Or maybe in your experience that's not much of a concern either? I'm completely new to building a PC and I'm leaning toward M-ATX for the motherboard and case (Fractal Torrent)... but potentially spending less because I wouldn't have to buy as many fans (or maybe spending about the same overall) by choosing open air, and also achieving comparable cooling with comparable cost compared to using a case is tempting. Thank you.

[@hardlinenexus]

@@miscetc-tm2yt I also mentioned in the video too about directed airflow from case fans over components such as RAM and VRMs, that also includes SSD heatsink as well. No I've never had a problem with SSDs overheating and shutting down.

[@miscetc-tm2yt]

@@hardlinenexus Thank you! ❤️

[@theshadow6273]

I'm designing the build for my render farm and decided open air was the way to go since it's the only way I can fit 6-12 gpus on a chassis without buying a server chassis/motherboard and still have the gpus air cooled. This will allow me to save money since I wont have to buy waterblocks for 6-12 gpus

[@hardlinenexus]

Usually render farms and mining farms are all open air. Purely for space and ease of access to hardware during maintenance

[@theshadow6273]

@@hardlinenexus it makes the most sense honestly. I do see a lot of rack gpu server designs as well though. Im just looking forward to stepping away from watercooling for the most part and having my render farm be noisy in a well ventilated, insulated closet where I wont be able to hear the fans lolol

[@theshadow6273]

@@hardlinenexus also do you think you could recommend a mining frame that supports an E-ATX motherboard? I cant seem to find one. They all seem to be ATX

[@hardlinenexus]

@@theshadow6273 I am no expert on mining to be honest, never done it haha

[@1king1god]

What open air frame is that

[@hardlinenexus]

A45 by Monster Studio

[@GeekShhh]

2:44 So true, but question....which open air case is that?

[@hardlinenexus]

A45 by Monster Studio. I'm working on a review and build video for it, coming soon.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

What is the open "case" in this video?

[@hardlinenexus]

Monster Studio A45

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@hardlinenexus Thanks!

[@jacobwonder6735]

@@hardlinenexus Please add that to the description!

[@RomanFedVO]

What is the name of the open air case showed in this video?

[@hardlinenexus]

Monster Studio A45

[@RomanFedVO]

@@hardlinenexus Thank you

[@Gamingcs11692]

It really all depends on the environment that you're in.

[@kotztotz3530]

I have an air purifier so dust accumulation is pretty low. I would love to do an open air build but don't know what case to get. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[@hardlinenexus]

Are you going ATX or ITX?

[@kotztotz3530]

@@hardlinenexus Preferably ATX, but ITX would still be on the table. Thanks :)

[@93ksj]

Too bad that case isn’t in stock to buy it, I’ve been looking at open air because I am tired of every single PC out there looking the same pretty much

[@hardlinenexus]

Yeah, the downside is they are a small group of enthusiast just making limited runs. They're not a big tech giant with unlimited resources.

[@SC87Returns]

Dear Haurjie I would like to ask, is it possible for close cases to cool the CPU & GPU without case fans? i.e just using CPU cooler & GPU Fans. if yes, can this be done with: - GPU 4090, CPU 7800X3D? or - GPU 4090, CPU 14900K? - GPU 4090, CPU 13900K? - GPU 7900XTX, 7800X3D?

[@hardlinenexus]

Yeah of course all of the above can be cooled without case fans. Because GPU already has its own cooler and the CPU also has it's own cooler.

[@SC87Returns]

@@hardlinenexus That cool to know :) , but depending on the Close Case, would that not choke the GPU & CPU, due to the fact, it does not get the open fresh air that you do with open cases? Is there any chance you can to a video showing GPU & CPU without Thermal throttling in a close case, without case fans, As I could not hardly find any videos on that subject. Again thank you for your reply :)

[@hardlinenexus]

@@SC87Returns In closed case it is generally recommended to use case fans. My first comment about not using case fans is for open cases

[@SC87Returns]

@@hardlinenexus Thank You, I am going open case, when I build my first ever gaming pc next year in 2025. Plan on going for the Streacom BC1 V2 :)

[@JeffBourke]

hmmm. safety is a concern though. damage etc.

[@hardlinenexus]

Yeah that's why I mentioned it depends on your lifestyle and what happens normally around your PC

[@Sabakoe737]

What is the name off the open air case? And where can i buy it.

[@hardlinenexus]

It's the A45 on Monster Studio

[@Sabakoe737]

@@hardlinenexus thanks mate. Witch colour do you have there ? The grey or the black ?

[@hardlinenexus]

@@Sabakoe737 I have both, the silver and black.

[@naifalsaeedan5413]

I go with open air because there is no perfect case .. open is the ultimate solution for cooling after liquid nitrogen of course 😅 . The only downside side fir me with open case is my kid I’m afraid he might crush it or spill water on it

[@hardlinenexus]

I wouldn't say LN is a solution due to practicality lol

[@naifalsaeedan5413]

@ 😅 its the ultimate solution humans discovered hope to see it sold like aio water coolers someday

[@Sui_666]

Whats the name of your open pc case ?

[@hardlinenexus]

A45 by Monster Studio

[@Sui_666]

@@hardlinenexus i mean this case on your video, it looks very different ? :)

[@yunehsn2725]

when i buy a new pc i always open ma case and hide that case glass for years till i sell the pc 😂

[@hardlinenexus]

[@ifondleducks6970]

Open air looks nice but because I’m clumsy sometimes LOL and have pets Closed PC may work better for me

[@TechnicaX]

Im going open air. I look at my parts all day anyways.

[@christopherwood2290]

I don't consider open air stuff an actual case. It is like calling your deck a house.

[@hardlinenexus]

I can see what you mean by that. Thinking the word "case" as something that surrounds a system for sure. I suppose the other way to think of it is a case is just a frame to mount hardware on.

[@weaszy_21]

So there is no problem with open case because i want one because i cant find any pc case that i liked and they are so damn boring looking and i dont want to spend my money on 10 or 7 fans i now you guys would say you can buy Cheap ones but i really dont trust the tech so much and my mind will blow cause of These ugly cables and plugging them in a hub cause my motherboard only has 3 fan connections or so

[@burnerburner4074]

My man getting more swole 😂

[@Fleshlight_Reviewer]

Open air cases. Also jesus that arm is huge

[@christopherjames9843]

Dude, you pump up your arms before doing uploads? Dumbell curls and some skullcrushers? You look ready for a pose down!

[@hardlinenexus]

One day, I will get my pro card so I can have the title IFBB Pro PC Builder

[@jacobwonder6735]

A BIG issue with this video (and why I am downvoting) is you never once showed the actual open aircase with cables.... That's a HUGE decision driver. If it's main selling point for being twice the price is aesthetics, why not show the actual aesthetics of it fully setup? Big miss.