If you have a Thermaltake Armor I need your opinion

[ThunderRd]

The factory blowhole at the top of the Armor needs a lot of improvement if you ask me, although the case is magnificent otherwise.

For those familiar with it, you know that there is a metal grille under a plastic grille both covering a 120mm fan. Almost no air can get through there with the two grilles overlaid the way they are. It's simply poor design. The combination of the above elements really restricts airflow out the top of the case where it is really needed. Unscrewing the plastic top panel allows access to the metal grille.

I removed the metal grille and cut a hole in it to accommodate the fan, and the airflow was clearly increased. Modding the plastic grille is another matter, though. It's 1/8" thick with 3/16" round holes in a grid pattern. Does anyone know a way to open this area up for more flow? It has to be cosmetically clean, though, as the top is completely visible. I have thought of the possibility of drilling the holes bigger, or cutting the webbing out somehow, but I have little experience working with plastics.

On a side note, the bottom front grille that pulls in air over the drive cage is also extremely restrictive. The solution for this is quite easy though, since the metal grille is quite soft. A quick Dremel cut will remove the 140mm hole. In the absence of a Dremel I'm sure that a sharp pair of wire cutters would also do an adequate job since the grille isn't visible from the outside of the case.

I've done this already as well, and it also made a significant increase in the incoming airflow.

If you have one of these boxes let me know what you think about the top. There are a boatload of model variations but mine looks like this:

http://www.computerdirectcorp.com/cd...rmor_MX_02.jpg

[ThunderRd]

Gotta bump this one as I'm stuck for ideas how to get this done. Any Armor owners out there, let me know what you think.

[PorPorMe]

It's hard for me to decide on a path I would take from just a picture but will say that working with plastics is tricky business-especially if you need it cosmetically good. Only drill out the holes if you can use a drill press or better yet-take it to a plastics fabricator. He can identify the type of plastic [important!] and advise you on methods or pay them to do it. I think I would go that road, easiest and then you know you are getting it done right.
Good Luck

[danrok]

There's a big difference between plastic and wood.

Drill bits for wood are no good for plastics, especially for bigger holes. Wood bits and cutters have a positive rake angle, which snags on plastic and causes it to split and tear.

A hand drill can be better for plastics, for slow and controlled drilling. Fast drilling will melt the plastic.

[raphael2040]

I used to have a Thermaltake Armor, though not the MX version. I suspect the MX is a little different though.

[Rondog]

Never modded one, though what if, you completely removed the plastic grill from the top and put in small mesh or something similar?

[ThunderRd]

That's what I'd like to do: remove the plastic grille. The problem is, it has to be a cosmetically pleasing job, and I don't know what the right tools would be for working with plastics for a good finish. I'm leaning toward drilling out the individual holes slowly with a variable speed drill, but I'm still contemplating. I really don't want to ruin a $200 case visually.

Give me metals anytime.

[PorPorMe]

If you are going to drill yourself, Danrock is on the right page. The hardware store will have bits specifcly for glass or plastics-don't use wood or metal bits.

[dsio]

I've got a similar problem with the Kandalf LCS (also thermaltake) mine's even worse though, the fan blows through a plastic moulding piece with like 1cm spaced pin-holes in it.

[PorPorMe]

I just picked up a Thermaltake V9 Black Edition. Whan you said magnificent you were'nt exagerating. With2 230mm fans and 2 120mm fans the only way I know it's working is the front intake is red!
I couldn't dream of a better case than this one!

[dsio]

I'm on my second TT case atm after the Xaser II 6000Al and I've been very pleased with both. Well made, well thought out. Tip though: The "Key 3 Spirit" stickers belong in the bin. Whichever marketing guy thought up "Key 3 Spirit" wasn't too smart.

[ThunderRd]

Asian Marketing strategy is, well, err..."different".

I thought exactly the same thing when Tt started including those badges.

Glad you like the case, though. It truly is a work of art. I especially like the toolless drive bays and all the things that you can remove from the bottom of the box if you want to. It's almost too roomy, if that's possible .

[PorPorMe]

Originally Posted by dsio

I'm on my second TT case atm after the Xaser II 6000Al and I've been very pleased with both. Well made, well thought out. Tip though: The "Key 3 Spirit" stickers belong in the bin. Whichever marketing guy thought up "Key 3 Spirit" wasn't too smart.

I saw that sticker and all I saw was "cheese"! not a chance!
The only sticker on this case says........AOA.....and it looks good!

[PorPorMe]

Originally Posted by ThunderRd

Asian Marketing strategy is, well, err..."different".

I thought exactly the same thing when Tt started including those badges.

Glad you like the case, though. It truly is a work of art. I especially like the toolless drive bays and all the things that you can remove from the bottom of the box if you want to. It's almost too roomy, if that's possible .

I put a m-atx board in and if it wasn't for the CPU cooler-I could grow a crop in there! asit is, through a vent, I see where my needle nose pliers are at! I've been looking for those.

[dsio]

Originally Posted by ThunderRd

Asian Marketing strategy is, well, err..."different".

I thought exactly the same thing when Tt started including those badges.

Glad you like the case, though. It truly is a work of art. I especially like the toolless drive bays and all the things that you can remove from the bottom of the box if you want to. It's almost too roomy, if that's possible .

My ASUS Rampage Formula came with one of those "ROCK SOLID, HEART TOUCHING" stickers too. $600 for a heart touching motherboard.

[PorPorMe]

TR, or others!
In your travels with the Amour, have you seen any site that has the 23cm fans? One of mine on the V9 case threw a blade and I'm having difficulty finding a replacement. Even Thermaltake doesn't have it on there web site.

[MUff1N]

Originally Posted by PorPorMe

I just picked up a Thermaltake V9 Black Edition. Whan you said magnificent you were'nt exagerating. With2 230mm fans and 2 120mm fans the only way I know it's working is the front intake is red!
I couldn't dream of a better case than this one!

About time you finally got a case that your HW parts fit into with extra room.
That's one thing I like about my big midtower, is the room inside to work on it.
No need to do "special" orientation why installing parts to make them fit.

You'll also notice that everything will run cooler too now that they have room to breath.

[PorPorMe]

Originally Posted by MUff1N

About time you finally got a case that your HW parts fit into with extra room.
That's one thing I like about my big midtower, is the room inside to work on it.
No need to do "special" orientation why installing parts to make them fit.

You'll also notice that everything will run cooler too now that they have room to breath.

Ive got another mid-tower comming in on Monday, a RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WU Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case from Newegg. This will be for an Athlon 64 X2 build. $40.

[ThunderRd]

Originally Posted by PorPorMe

TR, or others!
In your travels with the Amour, have you seen any site that has the 23cm fans? One of mine on the V9 case threw a blade and I'm having difficulty finding a replacement. Even Thermaltake doesn't have it on there web site.

I haven't had the need to look for one, but tbh I've never seen one before I got this case.

Those Raidmax cases are pretty good for the money. I built a machine for my daughter in a Raidmax gaming case, quite solid and not bad looking. Tool-less install for HDs and drive bays, too. It was about 65US.

[Daniel ~]

I've personally completely screwed up to many cases to even comment...beyond wishing you better luck! Why oh why do they block the ventilation they create!!??