[sargent toby]

my daughter keeps the side of her computer off, because she says that it keeps the computer from getting overheated. what can i get for her to stop the problem of getting hot?

[HalTrout]

You could put in an extra case fan and insure your cpu fan is adequate. All the dust from an open case could cause problems. Additionally, the system fans are helping cool outside air.

[n2gun]

one fan on back pulling out and one on front pulling air in will help dust the inside out and check cpu fan and heat sink for dust buildup

[ferrija1]

It might not be overheating, though you can make sure it isn't by cleaning out dust bunnies and making sure there is an open, unblocked air flow from the from to the back of the case.

[Knotbored]

The case is a manifold that directs air past hot parts and exhausts it. Removing the side makes any case fans useless. Its like opening car doors when air conditioning is on, folks inside don't get cooler.

[ferrija1]

I missed that, yes, you definitely want to put the side of the case back on.