MooseMan3000

Eh, so I think I'm going to do it. I built my own machine a year ago, and I was looking at case mods, but I didn't really have any money to spare, so I forgot it for a while. Now I'm thinking about starting modding, and I figure a window would be a good place to start.

What I'm trying to figure out is whether I should buy a window kit or try to do it myself, with the plexiglass cut and just buying some molding. I have an Antec server case, here:



I installed a new side panel with a fan, here:





What I would like to do is have a window cut around the handle, and have a hole in the window for the fan. I'd like the fan in the same place, if possible.

I've found a few window kits online, one for my side panel, here:


And a more generic one, but it HAS a fan hole, here:

(The description specifies it has an 80 mm fan slot, but it doesn't seem to be in the picture...)



So I'm looking for advice. If I get a kit, I'll probably get the first one. However, will I be able to cut a hole for the fan? And how difficult will it be?

If I don't get a kit, I'll probably go to Home Depot and have them cut the plexiglass for me, hopefully in the right shape, with the fan hole (I don't know if they'll do that). I'll also get some molding to go with it.

So which would be better?


And some more general questions... what will I need to cut through my case? The manual specifies that the material is 1.0mm SECC (I believe it's steel of some sort). I would rather not buy a Dremel, if I can avoid it, but I do have a jigsaw if I need it, though I imagine I'll need to buy another blade for it. Any suggestions on cutting my case or the plexiglass for the fan?

Um. I think that's it. Anything else I should know?

Destrox

well one thing you can do is to buy some scap sheet of metal similar to what you have. Goto a welding shop or where ever, it shouldnt be more then 3$ max.

Practice cutting on that if you really feel the need.


Other wise, on my window job i used a Black & Decker Jigsaw w/a Metal cutting blade. I honestly dont know how ppl can use them dremels, they break so easily, at least mine did.

As for buying a kit.. I figured hand made everything has more "novelty" to it. Here is how i did mine:

Measured out all the stuf fon the front of my case (yes the outside, so you cut INWARDS (less mess shown outside))

Cut it and stuff, BEVELED the edges with a portable grinder tool i have (like a dremel but way better) so it makes a nice edge. bought a 2x3' peice of plexi, cut it to be 1.5" bigger on all sides of my case window i cut, and just LOADED it up with silicon.

Slabbed it on there, and it LOOKS awesome. Sanded, painted the entire case GLOSS black (including all faceplates, buttons, and legs.)

I now have a machine that is badass on the inside and outside.

Total cost: like 7$ + fun labor ($Free)

http://www.disp0sable.org/case.htm

I just noticed you have a LOT of rounded corners, depending on the quality of Jig and blades you have, and the type of metal the case is this could be easy or hard.
At the very most you'll spend time with a hand file, or a mini grinder/dremel.

Also cut it out with thick paper, or cardboard first. Put it on ur case and see how it looks, play with the design for a while.

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Lasereth

I installed the window on my computer as well. It looks way better than store bought ones, but <B>only</B> if you do it right. I had my dad cut it with some kind of metal saw at his shop. I installed the rubber edges and the window myself...which took forever, but is definitely worth it. Make sure to get it really snug. It's a pain in the ass to get the window in, but it makes it look better. Here's my finished product:

<IMG SRC=http://www.appstate.edu/~bt52438/1.jpg>
<IMG SRC=http://www.appstate.edu/~bt52438/2.jpg>
<IMG SRC=http://www.appstate.edu/~bt52438/5.jpg>

-Lasereth

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Destrox

Nice case, thats the same one I have on my other computer. *thumbs up*

But I never was fond of the stripping mold, always felt it was tacky. But thats the whole point to designing your case, its done how you want it.

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ChrisJericho

Ah yes, I remember when I went through the whole "UV phase." Had all the cables, the UV spray paint, the UV cathodes... ahhh to be young again....... ok so that was only last year.

Anyway, If you want to take the easy way out you can just call Antec and they can send you a pre-made window. Not all of us have powertools handy.

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Redjake

I wouldn't call it a "phase" really. It's just how certain people want their computers to look I doubt Lasereth is going to "phase into" anything else. These are here to stay!

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bltzkriegmcanon

Damn, Las. That looks good.

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jvwgtr

I read a bunch of different window cutting tutorials, but when I did mine, I went with this easy way...

Use a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade to cut the shape of the window in your panel (use masking tape to protect the surface).

Next, line the edges of your window using auto door molding available at every auto parts store (comes in lots of colors, including chrome, gold). One strip probably won't go all the way around, so use two, and cut each one to cover half the hole. You really won't notice the seam.

Next, cut your plastic (you can use the jigsaw if you go slowly & lubricate with dish soap) -- or just score it and snap it to a size slightly larger than your window.

Grab some double-sided sticky foam tape, and line the inside of your window with it.

Press your plexi to the inside, and voila! It's done.
The 3M foam tape stuff is really strong, and it will hold, believe it or not.

If you want a fan connected to the window, you might want to attach the window with screws or rivets instead, but you may not need to.

MexicanOnABike

where will your computer be placed? mine is right beside my monitor and it's making it twitch(1 pixel shake). and it's because it's glass and not metal.

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MooseMan3000

Mexican: It's on the floor. I'm fine.

Update: I'm using a jigsaw with a metal blade to cut my case. I have a finish blade to cut the plexiglass. I'm using a two part epoxy I had lying around to fasten it to my case. I'm cutting the plexi an inch larger than the whole I'm cutting, and just slapping it on that way. For the edge, I'm either using a black caulking or some molding. I'm not sure which yet. I'll take a few pictures along the way.