Is it safe to run a desktop on its side?

[shaolin95]

My AC vent is really high and doesnt reach my PC the way it use to plus the carpet seems to make dust a big issue so I was wondering if I could place the Desktop on its side (correcting any fan orientation for better airflow of course) and that way it will get much cooler air.
My main concern is having HDs on its side...no idea how that works.
Regards

[TouGe]

If your harddrives have been running in a given configuration for a certain time it can decrease their life span if they are then run in a different configruration. How long that time is and by how much it decreases their life span, I don't know.

[shaolin95]

Thats not good then...I guess I will need a different solution.

[Serra]

Originally Posted by TouGe

If your harddrives have been running in a given configuration for a certain time it can decrease their life span if they are then run in a different configruration. How long that time is and by how much it decreases their life span, I don't know.

I don't think there is a single shred of proof for this myth. IMO it's complete bunk - I've seen plenty of setups where the harddrives are run perpendicularly to the ground with no ill effect, and I can't even think of a single reason for this to be true.

You're fine to run you case any which way you want.

[deathman20]

I've run with harddrives on there side for a long time. No issues at all with them and think it cools them better actually.

[TouGe]

Okay, my bad.

http://www.storagereview.com/guide20...ientation.html

I knew that hard drives can be mounted flat or vertical but I was under the impression that once the hard drive had been used for a given time in a certain position that changing its position put stress on the bearing/spindle assembly.

misinformation was not intentional.

[shaolin95]

Cool, then I will try it and create my air duct to take colder air and direct it closer to my PC.

Regards