by Abby Way

Created on: June 14, 2009

A rack-mounted CPU is a happier CPU. It might seem strange, but there are some definite advantages to buying a rack to mount your computer tower, and they go beyond having more space on your desk.

1. Better cooling for the computer hardware
One of the biggest problems for a computer is overheating. Heat can kill several components of your CPU, including the motherboard and hard drive. An overheated hard drive might lose all its data, which means you'll be shelling out money to try and recover the data, and even then, it might be permanently lose. Besides that, it will cost money to replace your hard drive. A dead motherboard has similar consequences.

If you use your computer on a regular or constant basis, particularly if you leave it running for long periods of time, it can seriously affect the computer. The higher workload will cause heat to build up, and your computer won't have a chance to cool down. If it gets hot enough, even a fan will not help your computer that much. Computers are often shoved into small spaces where they don't get adequate ventilation and end up overheating. Then, the owners wonder why they're constantly replacing computer parts. Don't let this happen to you!

2. Less chance of damage
When your computer is mounted on a rack out of the way, it isn't in the way as much. This means it's less likely to be the victim of a spill. Users who spill every manner of liquid from orange juice to Windex into a computer and expect them to fix it have constantly frustrated computer technicians. This repair often ends up being length and expensive, sometimes ruining the entire computer.

If the computer is currently on top of your desk, it's an even bigger risk. If you play loud music that vibrates the desk or move things around often, it can be suddenly pushed off the desk. A drop of just a few feet can shatter the fragile components in a computer.

3. More space on your desk
The most obvious reason is still a big one. Particularly if you don't have a huge desk, the extra space freed up by having the CPU mounted in a rack will give you much more room to work. The CPU won't be constantly in the way, as it often is when placed on top of a desk.

These are just three reasons to mount your computer tower in a rack. If you consider them carefully, you might discover that a rack for your computer tower is a wise investment that will pay for itself when your computer lasts longer and you're more productive from having more space to work.

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