Unix user for 35 years, Linux for 30+ years ... my case fan died during the summer of last year ... just took the side panel off and kept things running.

So much for taking pride in my machine :)

An exception to prove the rule. You fixed it yourself and are here proud of your machine.

I did basically the same thing recently when I built an AI rig. I tried to put it in a sever rack case but the fan noise was too much. So I ditched the rack and put in an open mining frame.