Cheap case front bezel mods suggestions

[LP]

I have this real el cheapo case with plastic front bezel, that would be an ideal case for a first time mod.
Since I really can't hurt it much, what would be an easy and cheap mod I can do on the front bezel and covers?

[web56n]

Originally Posted by LP

I have this real el cheapo case with plastic front bezel, that would be an ideal case for a first time mod.
Since I really can't hurt it much, what would be an easy and cheap mod I can do on the front bezel and covers?

is it flat?... it looks flat?...if it is flat!
you can get your self a piece of 1/8" acrylic or thinner and cut it to the same size as the very flat parts of front bezel. you can then piant it inside any color you want and even leave places where you might have lighting shine through. move power buttons or put intake fan right where power buttons are and leave power button dead center of fan. stealth the drives by cutting out only the tray of drives not the whole bay...

kinda like this....
( I changed the whole front bezel with acrylic mirror and black acrylic) it looked similar to yours before.....
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkP...5da42074&size=

[Daniel ~]

Good feed back web56n! What are the best tools to use?

[LP]

web56n, that is an awesome mod!

I could only wish mine could turn out so well.

Here's a better image of the same case.
The front is not flat, and I definately need ventilation.
This is the hottest case I have due to a lack of airflow.
At the moment I have the side panel off for that reason.

[web56n]

first off get one of these puppy's. you should be able to buy one at your local hardware store.
this here will cut acrylic up to 1/2" thick.
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkP...29ac553e&size=
if you've never used one be careful they like to eat your fingers...
OK this will cut a perfect straight line like this
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkP...79985b97&size=
to do this you set your mark and using a straight edge start at farthest end from you, then pull the knife back letting it dig into acrylic.
you have to make sure thart you keep it against the straight edge or you will score off line, repeat this a few times then just pick up acrylic and try to bend it. if you have scored it deep enough it will just snap on the line you just made.
usually it takes a couple of draw backs to get it right....
remember DO NOT get your fingers in the way....
here is what I just cut to show you's
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkP...82331bc6&size=
if you look close there is very little to clean, the deeper you score the better it turns out. if you don't like the look of the edge you just cut you can take a plumber's tourch and swiftly run the flame around the edge. it will make it like glass no sanding is needed... however you can not do it to much or you'll burn the edge.
try it on a test piece before you start cutting up the pieces that you want.
back to your case..
if it's not completely flat that's ok juat take bezel off and save only the edges. what I mean is cut out the farthest area even if you loose some front it will be easier to post a pic brb

[web56n]

you can do this or just around the same place
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkP...19b85b65&size=
if you don't want to cut it completely just cut out all the flat that is on the front,
then measure a new piece for the hole front you just cut out and from that piece mark out all you need, intake fan 3" dia. hole 1,2,3 bays what ever you want. you can get the mirrored acrylic or just clear and paint the inside.
if you cut off some of the front I'm sure you can mount your drives back far enough to compensate...

[Daniel ~]

Your becoming a front page regular web56n!
Many thanks!!

http://www.aoaforums.com/

[SteveI]

Hmmm...
A second side panel fan might do some good too..
It's one of the simplest mods to do. Get yourself a hole saw attachment, and and a power drill. Your bezel doesn't seem to have enough space to accomodate a fan hole in front. Make the front look good, and the side more functional.

[web56n]

not to disagree with steveI, however if there's more than 3" square on the flat of the front there's room for a intake fan...
the power and reset buttons can be moved very easily. especially if you are making a whole new front...
side and top blow holes are good idea's steveI. they will get air moving,
remember that it's always good to get positive air flow verses negitive.
(more air in, less air out) less dust build up in case... and wire management is good!


P.S. LP.... if you have less than the 4 drives filled, take off the bay covers for the time being that will create more efficient air flow through the case...
having the side panel off won't let ANY air move

[Mad old tory]

Hang on a minute... if u have more air goin in than out surely the extra air that is sucked in and not sucked out straight away will heat up and temps will rise...

[web56n]

Originally Posted by Mad old tory

Hang on a minute... if u have more air goin in than out surely the extra air that is sucked in and not sucked out straight away will heat up and temps will rise...

I don't mean that much difference, I 'm saying that it's better to have more not alot more going in than going out...

[LP]

Originally Posted by web56n

not to disagree with steveI, however if there's more than 3" square on the flat of the front there's room for a intake fan...
the power and reset buttons can be moved very easily. especially if you are making a whole new front...
side and top blow holes are good idea's steveI. they will get air moving,
remember that it's always good to get positive air flow verses negitive.
(more air in, less air out) less dust build up in case... and wire management is good!


P.S. LP.... if you have less than the 4 drives filled, take off the bay covers for the time being that will create more efficient air flow through the case...
having the side panel off won't let ANY air move

It does have a place for a front fan on the inside, but lacks any kind of vent holes on the bezel itself.
Right now I have the bezel plate below the floppy drive popped out for airflow.

I'll be getting a different case in a few days, so I'll be gutting this tower and then I play with modding it, and I'm a complete noob at modding, so I'll be sure to have questions.
I'll also try to remember to take pics, for better or worse. Lol
It can be a "what to do" or "what not to do".

Btw, the pic of that tower sitting on floor is the tower without a mobo, that's why cables are in disarray. (you believe that, right? )

[LkyOldSun]

found this pige via the front page :"Ever wondered how hard it might be to do your own case modding? web56n
shows us the sort and sweet way to cut and install a side window for your case!"

How does one go about attaching a window to the side panel once the holes are cut out of the side panel, and a sufficiently trimmed piece of acrylic is had. Silicone?

[web56n]

Originally Posted by LkyOldSun

found this pige via the front page :"Ever wondered how hard it might be to do your own case modding? web56n
shows us the sort and sweet way to cut and install a side window for your case!"

How does one go about attaching a window to the side panel once the holes are cut out of the side panel, and a sufficiently trimmed piece of acrylic is had. Silicone?

first off the tip was for cutting acrylic or plexi and didn't get into installing the pieces.
but to answer your question.
always cut the acrylic/plexi at leasts 1" larger than the hole size,
your then can simply attach piece with thin two sided tape.
if you use good tape you don't need anything else.
as for the molding you can pick any color 1/8" wire casing.
just cut or slice down one side of wire enough to grab wire from inide and just pull out wire.
you then are left with a small C shaped molding that can easily pushed on edge of cut out.
here's a pic of what I mean....
http://web56n.free-host.com/molding.JPG
you don't have to glue the new molding all the time depending on how curvey you window is
hope this helps....

[LkyOldSun]

helps alot. Thank you for educating us. The idea to use wire casing for moulding is a grand one, and seems to add a touch of profesionalism.

[Holst]

One option will be to cut an intake into the bottom of the case.

Most cases will fit at least a 92mm fan underneath, maybee even a 120. Then all you have to do is get some taller feet and you will increase your qirflow allot without having to go to any real trouble.

Good thing about a intake underneath is that you cant easily see it, so you can be more messy with your cutting.