Amatuer Case Mod or Fun with Power Tools

pest · **Amatuer Case Mod or Fun with Power Tools -** 01-17-2003, 10:22 AM

I have been slowly overclocking my pc. I started with my vid card and got an extra 500 on my 3D marks. Then I started on my processor. So far I have upped my XP2200 to XP2400 speeds and gotten an additional 1000 on my 3Dmark scores. Thats all nice but I had to turn my fnas up to the point that the noise was unacceptable. This bothered me as I spent extra on quiet fans, round IDE cables to promote better airflow and a nice big case.

When I took a better look, I saw that the front case fan (intake) was mounted to virtually a solid wall. The aluminum case had a nice fan grill, but the plastic front was almost solid and airflow sucked. It was blocked by the front panel usb, gameport and audio jacks (nice upgrade :rolleyes).

This left me with three choices - Quit overclocking (where is the fun in that?), buy a new case, or create my own airflow grill. Since option three meant I got to play with power tools, and if I did screw up my case, I could always fall back on option two, I went with option three. Fifteen minutes and 17 hidden holes later, I have a case that lets me run the fans 1000 rpms lower, the processor 5 degree C cooler, and still lots of room to crank up the processor.

cool:

What's my point? None. Just wanted to share. Anyone else do any amatuer case mods?

Bazooka_Joe · 01-17-2003, 12:00 PM

Well, I'm glad you're happy that you could overclock your puppy. I was just speaking to a friend about water cooling, dunno if I'm going to get it or not.

pest · 01-17-2003, 01:02 PM

It will give you some great cooling that is whisper quiet. The price tag is just a little too much for me. You could do some really cool lighting with the dyes and a black light.

Bleuachdu · 01-17-2003, 01:26 PM

Good work pest. I bought a Koolance case for my next project, however its on hold since I'm a little strapped for cash at the moment. As soon as it gets built I'll report on the water cooling efficiency.

Bazooka_Joe · 01-17-2003, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bleuachdu

Good work pest. I bought a Koolance case for my next project, however its on hold since I'm a little strapped for cash at the moment. As soon as it gets built I'll report on the water cooling efficiency.

That's what I was looking at. I think i'm too clumbsy to attempt to buy the parts seperate and install it myself. I wouldn't risk that with water on eletronics, man. hake:

1080jibber · 01-17-2003, 01:49 PM

pictures please, if you can get them

i want to do a mousepad mod, with led's and stuff

after seeing some mousepad mods on hardforums i fell in love

this is what i want to do ---->
[url:99503]http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?s=29b7209f177f7f95e7423b27f172e8b4& threadid=553911[/url:99503]

Innoxx · 01-17-2003, 01:51 PM

Some people have waaaay too much time on their hands.

Bazooka_Joe · 01-17-2003, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innoxx

Some people have waaaay too much time on their hands.

I for one don't see the point in making a PC look like a suped up Civic. oOo:

Innoxx · 01-17-2003, 01:54 PM

I agree, it doesn't improve the performance.

pest · 01-17-2003, 02:27 PM

Whatever floats your boat. I cant see myself spending big money to make it a big pretty box, but if that is what you like, go for it.

If you want to see some of the best stuff as far as case mods go, visit this site --> http://www.pimprig.com

The clear cases look very cool. My buddy saw one when he was at plycon - he said it was bad to the bone. Personally, I would buy the baddest video card on the planet before I spent that on a case and lights, but you gotta respect the work.

The water cooling and the pc air conditioning are both cool for the quietness alone. Let me know how it turns out.

pest · 01-17-2003, 02:30 PM

[quote="Bazooka_Joe":ed25d]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innoxx

Some people have waaaay too much time on their hands.

I for one don't see the point in making a PC look like a suped up Civic. oOo:[/quote:ed25d]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing about the Civil. biggrin:

Old Reliable · 01-17-2003, 07:01 PM

I only look at my computer to put a CD in, so it is not worth the extra money to do that to the case. I'm building my first PC and it will look pretty boring but on the inside she's gonna be up there with the best!

Xorcist [USA] · 01-17-2003, 08:17 PM

did u drill the holes in your case with the mobo still in it or is that a risky thing to do? i just wondered because i was considering doing that but wondered if the mobo had to be removed because of the magnetism caused by the drill.

pest · 01-17-2003, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelo

did u drill the holes in your case with the mobo still in it or is that a risky thing to do? i just wondered because i was considering doing that but wondered if the mobo had to be removed because of the magnetism caused by the drill.

I drilled holes in the plastic face on the front. I partially removed the face before drilling and checked the back side for wiring. The cordless drill never made contact with metal. Other than that, all I did was unplug the powersupply. Its probably a good idea to think about removing components if you are messing with the metal frame.

Xorcist [USA] · 01-18-2003, 08:18 AM

k, thnx pest i prob should just leave the thing alone because knowing me i would trash my system.