Probably the 100th time you've heard this-

Deltaforce · 14-July-05, 11:17 PM

I have an Acousitcase C6607B (mid steel tower) and want to install a clear side panel.

A) Can I buy a ready made panel -with window- that will fit my exact case specs? Where would I find/buy?

B) If not, how hard is it to cut the panel and install a window?

C) If that is sucessful, what is the easiest way to light the interior of the case with non-colored lighting. Is flouresent the way to go? This is the first computer I built so that is my experience level.

Any help would be appreciated
Thanks,
Deltaforce

subdismal · 14-July-05, 11:38 PM

Welcome to PR, Deltaforce!

A. A quick Google search for a window kit for your case yielded no results.

B. Windows are not hard to make yourself, as long as you have the proper tools and a small bit ability to operate those tools. Most likely a drill and a jigsaw would do the trick nicely, but a Dremel would help, too. You can find numerous guides for this around the Internet.

C. The easiest lighting I know if is cold cathodes. They're reasonably cheap and do not radiate heat.

GrandpaNoob72 · 15-July-05, 12:17 AM

Call up a local glass store and ask them how much it would cost for a piece of plexi or acrylic, 1/8"~1/4" thick. You can get them in different colors, PLUS you can have the store do the cutting for you, so all you might have to do is smooth down the edges a little.

Once you have the window material, figure out if it's going to be a custom-shaped window (or whatever), and start making your cuts. The window is already big enough to cover the area you're planning to cut out, so... Just slap it up in there and enjoy...

FunkyFresh · 15-July-05, 10:53 AM

You might look through the Project Worklog section of the site to see how other people cut their windows.

By the way, Home Depot or Lowes usually sells 1/8" acrylic plexi or Lexan (a.k.a. polycarbonate). Acrylic cracks or shatters more easily if you try to cut/drill/etch it, while Lexan won't. But Lexan scratches more easily. You can attach it to the case side with silicone glue, foam or velcro tape, edge molding, or rivets. You can even buy Window Kits, though they're really pretty boring compared to a custom cut. I'll probably get slapped just for mentioning them.

For lighting, most mod stores sell white cold cathodes. SVC has a pair for $5.99 (plus shipping).

fauxpaux · 15-July-05, 11:48 AM

Being a Noob like you, I can say you've come to the right place for info! From experience, cutting a window in your case is rather easy.. just measure twelve times and cut once, but make sure you cut smaller than what you need, then file/grind/sand/chew off the remaining so that you wind up with a finished cut. Most importantly, take your time.. enjoy the journey. Grab a dremel and have at it.. you'll be surprised by what you can do! Later!

14-July-05, 11:17 PM		#1 (permalink)
Deltaforce Apex Techie Wannabe	Probably the 100th time you've heard this- I have an Acousitcase C6607B (mid steel tower) and want to install a clear side panel. A) Can I buy a ready made panel -with window- that will fit my exact case specs? Where would I find/buy? B) If not, how hard is it to cut the panel and install a window? C) If that is sucessful, what is the easiest way to light the interior of the case with non-colored lighting. Is flouresent the way to go? This is the first computer I built so that is my experience level. Any help would be appreciated Thanks, Deltaforce

15-July-05, 11:48 AM		#5 (permalink)
fauxpaux Apex Techie II	It's easier than you think... Being a Noob like you, I can say you've come to the right place for info! From experience, cutting a window in your case is rather easy.. just measure twelve times and cut once, but make sure you cut smaller than what you need, then file/grind/sand/chew off the remaining so that you wind up with a finished cut. Most importantly, take your time.. enjoy the journey. Grab a dremel and have at it.. you'll be surprised by what you can do! Later!

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14-July-05, 11:38 PM		#2 (permalink)
subdismal Apex Tech Demi-God	Welcome to PR, Deltaforce! A. A quick Google search for a window kit for your case yielded no results. B. Windows are not hard to make yourself, as long as you have the proper tools and a small bit ability to operate those tools. Most likely a drill and a jigsaw would do the trick nicely, but a Dremel would help, too. You can find numerous guides for this around the Internet. C. The easiest lighting I know if is cold cathodes. They're reasonably cheap and do not radiate heat.

15-July-05, 12:17 AM		#3 (permalink)
GrandpaNoob72 Eleven-Bravo Sitrep Writer	Call up a local glass store and ask them how much it would cost for a piece of plexi or acrylic, 1/8"~1/4" thick. You can get them in different colors, PLUS you can have the store do the cutting for you, so all you might have to do is smooth down the edges a little. Once you have the window material, figure out if it's going to be a custom-shaped window (or whatever), and start making your cuts. The window is already big enough to cover the area you're planning to cut out, so... Just slap it up in there and enjoy...

15-July-05, 10:53 AM		#4 (permalink)
FunkyFresh 'Da Doctor of Funk	You might look through the Project Worklog section of the site to see how other people cut their windows. By the way, Home Depot or Lowes usually sells 1/8" acrylic plexi or Lexan (a.k.a. polycarbonate). Acrylic cracks or shatters more easily if you try to cut/drill/etch it, while Lexan won't. But Lexan scratches more easily. You can attach it to the case side with silicone glue, foam or velcro tape, edge molding, or rivets. You can even buy Window Kits, though they're really pretty boring compared to a custom cut. I'll probably get slapped just for mentioning them. For lighting, most mod stores sell white cold cathodes. SVC has a pair for $5.99 (plus shipping).