Testing a system outside its case

[lunadesign]

This may be really silly question but here goes....

When I build a system, I usually build the mobo and run it off an anti-static mat for a few days for testing. When everything looks good, I mount it in the case. However, I'm currently building a system with a fanless northbridge and video card and they seem awfully hot. Should I:

(a) Get that puppy in the case immediately
(b) Rig up some 120mm fans to point at them while they're on the bench
(c) Don't worry about it - a few days won't kill anything
(d) Something else

[andyb]

I would go with choice C, and also add choice E - If it can handle no cooling for a few days then you know that your system can handle being hotter than it ever will be again.

Also knowing your entire system might help with my descision.


Andy

[Rusty075]

If I'm stressing a bench-built system, as opposed to just sitting it there long enough to make sure it all works, I will usually plug in a 120 and let it blow across the board. Doesn't have to be anything complicated in terms of rigging, just plug it in and set it on it the table blowing towards the rest of the bits. That seems to do the trick well enough...


Although I have forgotten that it's running more than once, and stuck my finger into it.