First time case modder....
First time case modder....
Ok I have a case thats just been sitting around for about 5 or 6 months. Its a generic case, and I really want to see if I can possibly mod it alittle bit. I really dont want to spend much money so I think a side window will be too much, What else can I do to it ? And what kind of paints can be used for the inside? Im not looking to spend much money (acually I dont want to spend more than $10 - $15 on this junk case). Whats everyone recommend ??
you can do a window for that price easly enough. go to an auto parts store and buy some chromb molding. and then head to a home depot and buy some plexi glass. make the hole you want, but the molding around it, and then just glue the plexi in behind it. wlrks great, looks great, and is cheap.
Greg
Greg
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.... can plexi glass be cut with a sharp razor or knive ?? and what tools would I use to cut hole in side panel ?Jig saw or dremel/clone.
As long as the plexi fits on the side panle it doesnt have to be cut to size or anything...but yea a knife/raserblade should do the trick.
Greg
As long as the plexi fits on the side panle it doesnt have to be cut to size or anything...but yea a knife/raserblade should do the trick.
Greg
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Cutting it can be a pain....
bsr:
I recently modded my Inwin tower case by adding a red top window (on sale at PC Mods for $10), and then I put in a small clear side window, cutting the plexiglass myself. I used a small hand saw, and held it in a vice with cardboard on each side to prevent scratches. You must prevent it from flexing too much, or you will get cracks and chips. You can use a wood file to smooth out the edge after you make the cuts. Be careful to avoid sharp turns in your window, as the rubber molding typically won't conform to sharp turns. Getting the window into the opening (after putting in the molding) can be a pain too.
Regarding other tools you might use for cutting it, I have a Dremel tool, but most of the bits have been worn out trying to cut the steel in the side of the case. I eventually decided to use metal cutters (they look like heavy-duty shears), and those work great. My Dremel tool seemed to take forever, and it used up the bits at an alarming rate. I'm gonna stick with the saws, files, and metal cutters from now on.
My recommendation? Buy a pre-made window kit on sale, and cut the case with metal shears. Spend some money on a fancy light - neon or cold cathode. You could save some bucks with a string of Xmas tree lights, but they produce some heat. Paint the inside of the case a semi-gloss black. Make sure you get all the parts by taking the case apart as far as you can. I did this to one case, and it looks real nice.
I recently modded my Inwin tower case by adding a red top window (on sale at PC Mods for $10), and then I put in a small clear side window, cutting the plexiglass myself. I used a small hand saw, and held it in a vice with cardboard on each side to prevent scratches. You must prevent it from flexing too much, or you will get cracks and chips. You can use a wood file to smooth out the edge after you make the cuts. Be careful to avoid sharp turns in your window, as the rubber molding typically won't conform to sharp turns. Getting the window into the opening (after putting in the molding) can be a pain too.
Regarding other tools you might use for cutting it, I have a Dremel tool, but most of the bits have been worn out trying to cut the steel in the side of the case. I eventually decided to use metal cutters (they look like heavy-duty shears), and those work great. My Dremel tool seemed to take forever, and it used up the bits at an alarming rate. I'm gonna stick with the saws, files, and metal cutters from now on.
My recommendation? Buy a pre-made window kit on sale, and cut the case with metal shears. Spend some money on a fancy light - neon or cold cathode. You could save some bucks with a string of Xmas tree lights, but they produce some heat. Paint the inside of the case a semi-gloss black. Make sure you get all the parts by taking the case apart as far as you can. I did this to one case, and it looks real nice.
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Lots of hand-built and modded AMD systems.
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Lots of hand-built and modded AMD systems.