Open Expansion Slots?

I am almost done building my own computer but while I was installing the various PCI cards, I opened some expansion slots that I will not end up using. Can these open spaces damage my computer? If I do need to cover them up, what should I use?

Thanks

Use the metal things that you removed, just screw them back into place.

If you threw them away (which is not a good idea) then you will have to either buy some or beg/borrow/steal some from somewhere else.

I dont think it will damage your computer if they are not covered up but it is always better just to be safe.

There are really only two reasons you would want to replace the slot covers:
1) It keeps the dust out
2) It improves airflow - in some cases this is vitally important as the case was designed with specific intake/outake vents, and having them open could cause problems if your case generates excessive heat.

(also the case just looks better when you're working on it if you have them in...)

I almost never have those metal tabs left on the back of my case, and I've never once heard of some sort of problem being 'confirmed' that "not having slot tabs" was the cause of any kind of problem.

I myself have a card in, then remove it, etc, etc... and in time there are empty slots were a card once was... it won't hurt anything. If you're uber worried, go buy a "PCI Slot Fan" and use that in its place. Added cooling, and no more hole!

Nu