Two Computer Towers Side by Side?

[Brandonh1091]

Hey, what's up guys? Quick question for you all:



I recently picked up an older Gateway PC (2000-ish) with Windows XP at a yard sale for 25 bucks and I figured it'd be awesome to use as an older end DOS/Windows 95/98 machine. I was able to consolidate my desk to hold both my modern monitor and the older monitor, but I was a little concerned about the two towers:



They fit perfectly side by side, with very little room on either side. There's a good 3-4 inches behind each of them, so ventilation in the back is fine. My question is, how close is too close? I've seen some sites say they can be directly against each other with no issues, while others say the exact opposite.

[Lashek]

They fit perfectly side by side, with very little room on either side. There's a good 3-4 inches behind each of them, so ventilation in the back is fine. My question is, how close is too close? I've seen some sites say they can be directly against each other with no issues, while others say the exact opposite.

You're fine so long as the sides weren't used as ventilation for airflow.

[wiggy]

Cut the back out of that desk and make sure it's not mashed against the wall.  That should take care of the need for some airflow IMO.

[Thom Grayson]

Even if the fans are blowing out the back, most computers I've owned have pulled in the air from grilles in the sides, so something like this could have some bad effects on airflow.

I wouldn't have a setup like that with my stuff, honestly. Even putting one directly on top of the other might be better.

[Dr.Agon]

is there room to install a fan in the front of the older one?

again, as long as neither uses the sides for ventilation, my old dell doesn't, you should be fine...

[wiggy]

I've got at least 6-7 PCs between the home and office and none vent from the side, all from the front.  Don't think side vent is very common.