5/6     If I run an old Pentium2 without a case, what will happen?
        (motherboard with stand-off's, CPU,RAM, video card, nic,
         power-supply, hard disk,  all sitting on desk.)
        \_ It likely won't get proper cooling, since cases are designed
           to blow air over the hot parts.
           \_ If it's out in the open, it can get good convection all on its
              own.  If it's in a closed metal box, then you need a case fan.
              \_ convection is not the same as circulation.
        \_ Don't spill your coffee on it, and make sure the dust doesn't get
           *too* thick, and you should be fine.  You'll need to keep it
           isolated from static shock, and don't touch it without your own
           anti-static protection.
           \_ What is "static shock"?
              \_ Do you know what static electricity is?  Amounts of it far
                 too small for you to feel can fry computer parts.  You need to
                 put the parts on a surface where they won't build up a static
                 charge.  And if you want to touch the parts, you'll need to
                 make sure *you* don't have a static charge.
                 \_ That's not true. Most solid state devices have EMS
                    protection built around the pads, so small amounts of
                    EMS will not likely destroy a device. Modern day CMOS
                    devices fail more due to age which may cause SCR latchup
                    and EMS problems. The point of an anti-static environment
                    is to prevent large EMS from building up, not to prevent
                    EMS from happening at all, which would be impossible.
                    -williamc
                 \_ Will a grounded power supply dissipate static?
                    \_ If you have a grounded PS and place everything on an
                       anti-static surface (such as those anti-static parts
                       bags, or cotton or felt cloth) you should be OK.
                       \_ What about cardboard for an anti-static surface?
                          \_ If unpainted, OK.
                 \_ Is that why they call it "Fry's Electronics"?
        \_ If you already have a PS, you can probably pick up a bare case for
           free or $5 off craigslist.  Also, the co-op houses have free piles
           that often have junker cases in them.  Hell, I see stripped cases
           on the curb around town every week or two.