Okay, I got my new comp and It runs damn good. But I cut some corners to save some dollars and nooow im stuck with a severly limited case, my antec sonata II. Looked nice and the psu is 450 watts.

Basically. I want to put a window on the side panel, but I dont ruin the beautiful paint job, not to mention the lack of room makes it pretty much useless for a window.

What tool can I get a really clean neat cut with? A dremel?

Also, what type of lighting is better leds or a cold cathode.

Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by invalidname22 Okay, I got my new comp and It runs damn good. But I cut some corners to save some dollars and nooow im stuck with a severly limited case, my antec sonata II. Looked nice and the psu is 450 watts. Basically. I want to put a window on the side panel, but I dont ruin the beautiful paint job, not to mention the lack of room makes it pretty much useless for a window. What tool can I get a really clean neat cut with? A dremel? Also, what type of lighting is better leds or a cold cathode. Thanks!

To get the best smoothest cut would be to use a jigsaw. Pick yourself one up they are pretty cheap. I got a black and decker on sale for $23. Pick up a couple of metal cutting saw blades and your good to go.

You could use a dremel but it will take you a considerable amount of time to cut the window than using a jigsaw. Plus the jigsaw wont jump out of the cutting groove and make a nasty groove in your side panel.

Unless your window mod has really tight turns. Id go with the jigsaw.

As for lighting its really depends on what you want do it with it?
If you want to light up the whole inside of the case. CCL's are your best option. If you want to accent certain area's then led's would be a good choice but, like i said before its up to you......

AND USE TAPE!!!! Masking tape that is..or duck tape (I dont know if that will ruin the paint job or not). Mask off the areas you dont want to cut and put MANY layers of masking tape on, so that if you do use the dremel and you slip it wont mark the paint. Also you may want to get a file for deburring a little bit.

Also if your cuts arent straight use molding to hide them:
http://www.mnpctech.com/UChannel.html

OH and if you go the jigsaw rute, get a blade that has 27teeth per inch or More. (abbrv. TPI)

I repeat do not use duct tape!
Just go buy some painters masking tape. It's wider than regular masking tape. So you wont need to use a ton of it to cover your case. When you tape it cover the hole side panel. You certainly dont want any metal chips or dust scratching your paintjob.

As for the duct tape thing.....I think after you cut out your window. Since duct tape has a pretty damn good bond to it. When you go to pull it off. I think its going to remove more than just the tape.

Definately a crazy idea nerdz.......

Actually i just installed this window in yesterday. Here's a pic....

Overall, just take your time and go slow.....Cutting the window out is the easiest part. Dont worry if you cut out of the line. That's what the rubber trim is for it hides your mistakes. If you have a dremel you can use a sanding drum, grinding stone, or a file to deburr the edges. Sandpaper could take off more paint than you really want to remove. It's a so so use it if you really have too.

As for installing the window well that's another story. I should have been struck by lightning. Since, i probably said every cuss word in the book. Just go by the instructions they gave you when you bought the window. Unless if your going to glue it to the backside of the case. Then disregard the kit instructions.

I hope this helps.....
Good luck
TC
rockin'male

Attached Thumbnails