Computer + stereo = ?

[Thyroid Girl]

I want to put my stereo (just the console, not the speakers) next to my computer tower. But I'm concerned about EMI and/or RFI damage to my computer. I remember reading back in A+ class about how putting certain electronics next to your computer tower can damage your computer or corrupt data. Should I be worried about this with my stereo?

I read that you should 'physically isolate the PC from radios, televisions, appliances, fluorescent lights, and stereo speakers that have not been shielded.' My stereo should be shielded and therefore safe to put next to my computer tower, shouldn't it? But then, my stereo has vents on the sides, so does that mean that it's not suitably shielded?

Some clarification would be greatly appreciated. :)

[david eaton]

If the computer is in a normal case, then you should have no problems.

[saphalline]

I remember reading back in A+ class about how putting certain electronics next to your computer tower can damage your computer or corrupt data.

I read that you should 'physically isolate the PC from radios, televisions, appliances, fluorescent lights, and stereo speakers that have not been shielded.'Woah! :eek: Some really paranoid freaks have been scaring you, huh? :D

I wouldn't put a PC next to a radio station's transceiver assembly, but you don't need to totally isolate your PC, either. Microwaves can sometimes cause funky CRT monitor operation and wouldn't be the best neighbor for your computer and a wireless phone wouldn't be a good idea, but other than that, standard home electronics shouldn't be a problem. A computer's case itself actually provides most of the EMI shielding required for a home PC, and a home stereo is less of a danger to a spinning hard drive than a power brown-out. In fact, your computer poses more of a danger to stereo speakers (in terms of distortion) than your stereo speakers pose to your computer.

So yeah, don't worry about it.