Leaving case open

[Smee]

Is it ok to leave one side of the case open at all times? Even while running? Even if there's no animals to get in, and no feet to kick it, is it ok?

[prstudio]

It's not really recommended. While the motherboard is exposed to more cubic volume of air, the normal air current required for proper case cooling is lost and dissapated due to the "openess" of the environment.

Leaving the case closed with proper fan directions and placement, creates a "windtunnel" of sorts. This allows more air and more concentrated air to pass through quicker.

Leaving the case open, the heat dissapating around the processor and chipset tends to linger too much increasing temperatures anywhere from 2-3 degrees to 10 degrees.

I would not leave it open. Even if your residence is extremely cold, this would also lend the parts to have a greater risk of developing condensation.

Short answer: No.