Well...for the BEST readings...see if your motherboard has drivers provided--most seem to these days (if the computer is self-built).
And you don't need a full tower, but they sure are nice, space-wise! You just need to be tidy with the wires--tape them against the top, or better yet, get one of the newer PSU's that allow you to attach only what you need...!
I dunno...seems nice anyway.