Leaving the case open is _not_ the best method for cooling a CPU, because 
even tho the case is open to the cooler outside air, there is very little 
airflow over the CPU.  Keeping the case closed (as long as you have some 
fans in the case) will keep the CPU cooler.  Adding case fans helps this 
even more.
         -Erik

At 02:39 PM 2/10/2002 -0600, you wrote:
>I have heard that this is not the best thing to do, as it dosnt control the
>flow of air as well, dose anyone have any thoughts on that?
>
>Also, what should be the average running temp of an Athlon system? The bios
>tells me the temp, and I can let it set there for a while to get a better
>reading.
>
>Jay
>
>On Sunday 10 February 2002 10:49 am, you wrote:
> > I had a lot of bizzare CPU problems as well.  Turned out to be heat.   I
> > would try to simply pull your case off and let it run free.  Maybe point a
> > fan at the cpu.
> >
> > My system would just up and lock no oops or panics or anything
> >