How quickly do computers cool down?

[Kavarer]

How quickly do computers cool down after they are switched off?

I put a cover over my computer when not in use, right after turning it off. I only recently thought this may not be a good idea, that maybe I should wait a few minutes to let the computer cool down before covering it up.

I put a cover over it because the case, HAF922, has lots of places for dust to get in!

Does anyone else here do the same or have any input? Thanks.

[Gamma-UT]

It won't make a huge difference, if at all. Once it's turned off there's no air being forced through the system unit, so you're not making a big difference to airflow. Dust is a bigger problem anyway, as dust will reduce the efficiency of the fans when it's on, and so they might not provide enough cooling when the processor is running at full pelt.

Then again, most of the dust gets sucked in by the fans in the first place.

[tehlord]

Unless the cover is adding more heat I can't see how it'd matter. It's only going to retain heat for longer rather than making anything hotter. It's even possible that an extended cooling period may be less stressful on components than them cooling down quickly, although that could be pure BS

[audiobot202]

The computer is off, so there is going to be less stress on the components because they are not being taxed through usage. A cover will make next to no difference to a computer that is already switched off and powered down. I would worry more if you were covering your motherboard with an electric blanket while you were using Diva or something
So, unless you're covering it with some sort of thick insulation material that is keeping heat in, I would not be concerned.
That's my opinion of course, based on information you've provided.

[camsr]

Most of the heat dissapates through conduction in the case itself. If the cover has very little insulative properties, it will not make any difference. IOW don't use asbestos to cover it

[Kavarer]

No, the cover is not super insulating or air tight. The cover is made from a light wood with a laminated side that faces to the inside of the computer case.

Thanks for all the replies, they all seems to make sense and make things clearer.

[Vintage73]

I don't know where you are, but I've purchased several custom covers here: CompuCover.

They're pretty cheap, and if you are worried about heat dissipation with a wood cover, their anti-static vinyl would help with that.

A cover that would cover my full tower PC would be $18.95 + shipping.

[Kavarer]

Thanks for the referral 4lb Kitty. The covers look handy, I'll check them out.