Like the title says, what is the importance of a metal case (faraday cage, EMI) to a computer system? Granted, a PSU needs a metal casing due to the extreme EMI it produces (very noisy circuit), but for the other components?
With so many people putting entire systems in wooden, plexiglas and other non-conductive (shielding) cases, or even without anything resembling a case, apparently without any issues, what is the value in having the system encased in metal? This even ignoring the huge gaps at the front, back and other spots in those metal cases.
I've done some research, but I can't find any material which seems to give any clues. Seeing how many other consumer electronics are put in plastic cases, EMI shielding doesn't seem to be a high-priority anyway.
Any insights are welcome.
With so many people putting entire systems in wooden, plexiglas and other non-conductive (shielding) cases, or even without anything resembling a case, apparently without any issues, what is the value in having the system encased in metal? This even ignoring the huge gaps at the front, back and other spots in those metal cases.
I've done some research, but I can't find any material which seems to give any clues. Seeing how many other consumer electronics are put in plastic cases, EMI shielding doesn't seem to be a high-priority anyway.
Any insights are welcome.