alphase7en

Just PC Case

do you think you could mod that case with a side panel window? and if so, do you know of any sites that I could maybe mail the case to and have them do it? I wouldnt trust myself with a dremel...

after googling for about 15 minutes I could only find 1 review on this case, anyone have better luck than me?

also...

the space for the power supply looks a bit small, think I would have trouble putting my Aspire PSU in there?

Graaille

Quote: Originally Posted by alphase7en Just PC Case 1. do you think you could mod that case with a side panel window? and if so, do you know of any sites that I could maybe mail the case to and have them do it? I wouldnt trust myself with a dremel... 2. the space for the power supply looks a bit small, think I would have trouble putting my Aspire PSU in there?

I added the numbers for ease of answers.
1. Yes, it looks like the side is plastic, so slightly more challenging, but can be done. As far as sites/businesses that would do it.... I imagine that there are more than a few represented here that might take a whack at it.

2. Specs said that it would handle a 450W psu, should handle an Aspire w/little problem.

3. Welcome to PR, Thrasher will be by later w/your welcome wagon gift.

alphase7en

reading around about the case, it seems as if there is a standard metal panel with that plastic mounted on it.... could make cutting a window into it interesting...

and for the PSU thing... its not that it wont fit in the case, its that the space given out the back looks to be quite cramped. The back of the aspire is kind of spread out, plus it has a rheostat knob to control fan speed. think I might have to do some cutting back there to get it to fit in right.

Graaille

Quote: Originally Posted by alphase7en reading around about the case, it seems as if there is a standard metal panel with that plastic mounted on it.... could make cutting a window into it interesting... and for the PSU thing... its not that it wont fit in the case, its that the space given out the back looks to be quite cramped. The back of the aspire is kind of spread out, plus it has a rheostat knob to control fan speed. think I might have to do some cutting back there to get it to fit in right.

depending on bravery, those plastic/metal sides can make some interesting 3d windows, could do a shadowbox or recessed type of window.

As long as you don't actually change any of the screw mounting holes, you can probably remove 50% of the metal on the upper side, depending on if you want to keep that grill or not. If you open that option up, then you definately would not have a problem. If the rheostat knob is the only thing you're worried about, you could (with some work) relocate it slightly.

alphase7en

I havent bought the case yet, so I dont really know exactly how its gonna go.

It depends I think on how much physical space there is between the metal and the plastic. you cant really tell from the pictures... I'm not really interested in doing anything crazy, just want a nice sleek lookin case with a simple window, maybe an 80mm over the CPU, maybe not.

This project has really been brought on because I cant seem to find a case for less than $100 that has good airflow that doesnt look like a Decepticon or an alien.

I've got an NZXT Nemesis right now, and for 2 reasons I want to go with a new case. 1) because the design of the case is still a little too much for me, and 2) the 120mm fan on the window is great for airflow, but takes up a large amount of the window, blocking most of the view.

I really liked the side panel concept of this case, but everything else is not done very well (I.E. theres nowhere for the front fans to get air from, only 60mm rear exhaust, etc). I thought about buying it and then opening up a space in front or on the bottom for intake, and cutting up the back to fit 2 80mms, but that is a lot more work than that particular case is worth.

THRASHER2

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Kick back and enjoy the show....its gona have sweeet modding in it.....

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alphase7en

haha, thanks

Graaille

Don't know if full tower is your thing, but this would seem to fill most of the requirements that you mentioned. It isn't slick looking initially, but for the price it could be the base for a very creative undertaking.

However, in that same vein, if you don't need the room up top, this may be better, due to it being a bit more cavernous in the lower half.

alphase7en

I'm trying to stay away from the full tower cases, I really dont have the room or the need for that much space. I appreciate your suggestions though.

fate

Quote: Originally Posted by Graaille depending on bravery, those plastic/metal sides can make some interesting 3d windows, could do a shadowbox or recessed type of window. As long as you don't actually change any of the screw mounting holes, you can probably remove 50% of the metal on the upper side, depending on if you want to keep that grill or not. If you open that option up, then you definately would not have a problem. If the rheostat knob is the only thing you're worried about, you could (with some work) relocate it slightly.

omg if that side is like double panel i think the recessed thing would like totally badass. kind of like a showcase thing maybe, especially with lights in between.

alphase7en

Quote: Originally Posted by fate omg if that side is like double panel i think the recessed thing would like totally badass. kind of like a showcase thing maybe, especially with lights in between.

yeah, the only problem with that is, this would be my first time putting in a window of my own, so I would butcher a potentially great mod.
Like I said in the original post, if anyone knows of a site where I could mail them the case to be modded for a fair price, I would be interested in that.

TiZakit

I know of one, I dr00l everytime I visit the site..
www.mnpctech.com

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fate

Quote: Originally Posted by TiZakit I know of one, I dr00l everytime I visit the site.. www.mnpctech.com

yep i know mnpctech will do it, it'll cost ya though

alphase7en

What the hell, I might as well try it myself...



Thats the best pic online I could find of the construction of the side panel. Looks like most of the plastic panel mounting points are around the edges, with a few scattered in the middle.

I dont think cutting a window in there would harm the structure too bad. The only thing I think might happen is the plastic will bow a bit inward under pressure, depending on how thick it is (but there shouldnt be any pressure on it anyways).

I cant decide if I want an 80mm over the cpu or not. As you can see in that pic they have one with a fan duct stock. If I wanted the 80mm there, what would you do:

1) cut around the stock fan, using it as one of the corners? or,
2) make the window larger, removing the stock hole/fan, and add a fan into the window?

also, how should I go about cutting through the plastic?

PS: I just noticed a minor problem. this is my power supply. It has 3 fans. Long story short, I would have to mount it with the fan facing the top of the case (and the cables closer to the panel that opens), or cut out most of the cases rear PSU grill-type assembly to make it fit properly. I could just use the stock PSU, but the 12v is only 18a.... *sigh*

This is starting to sound like a lot of work, heh

Graaille

Quote: Originally Posted by fate yep i know mnpctech will do it, it'll cost ya though

Anyone who does quality like mnpctech does can charge whatever they like, because what they deliver is exactly what they promise. -- you get what you pay for. That also might be why he wants to keep initial costs of the case down, cause he will not only have to pay for shipping to his doorstep from newegg, but will have to pay shipping both ways from whoever he gets to do the window, plus whatever they charge for their work itself. Talk to him, if what you want is relatively easy, he might cut you a break. Doesn't hurt to ask.

EDIT: also, if you ship him the case and power supply , he might be able to work a way for there to be a power supply blowhole out the top of the case.

alphase7en

Quote: Originally Posted by Graaille Talk to him, if what you want is relatively easy, he might cut you a break. Doesn't hurt to ask. EDIT: also, if you ship him the case and power supply , he might be able to work a way for there to be a power supply blowhole out the top of the case.

Yeah, I'm gonna send him an email later today asking some questions and also for a quote. That PSU top blowhole isnt a bad idea, thanks for that suggestion. It might be cheaper to just tell him to hack out all the plastic in between the PSU mounting holes and leave it as an open space like most cases.

We'll see...

z0mbi3

Nice find alphase7en. I think the case is a winner in white (mac reminiscent - roundish and clean i guess). It's probsjust be me but the black one kind of reminded me of this case...........

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fate

Quote: Originally Posted by Graaille Anyone who does quality like mnpctech does can charge whatever they like, because what they deliver is exactly what they promise. -- you get what you pay for. That also might be why he wants to keep initial costs of the case down, cause he will not only have to pay for shipping to his doorstep from newegg, but will have to pay shipping both ways from whoever he gets to do the window, plus whatever they charge for their work itself. Talk to him, if what you want is relatively easy, he might cut you a break. Doesn't hurt to ask. EDIT: also, if you ship him the case and power supply , he might be able to work a way for there to be a power supply blowhole out the top of the case.

Oh Graaille I know the quality coming out of there is rediculous, but depending of the difficulty of what all he was planning he may not need that high$. However, I don't know what the policies are, but it would cut down on shipping if he had it shipped right to them to work on. It would be a nice thing, however if the product arrives damaged then you get into problems. But I agree, better to ask first and get it right.

alphase7en