Abstract: The frame has a reception area for receiving plug-in cards or circuit boards and a forced ventilation for the reception area. The forced ventilation is provided by a blower arrangement, as well as an air distributor and air collector, by which a vertical cooling air flow through the gaps of the plug-in cards is produced. The air distributor and air collector are juxtaposed in the depth of the frame and separated from one another by a cooling baffle passing diagonally from top to bottom. The outlet-side opening of the distirbutor is located in the frame cover. When several frames are stacked, this opening cooperates with an inlet arranged in the bottom of the frame for the reception area of the frame place at the top.