Modding a new case.

[Hitokiri]

I just ordered the parts for my first build.

The case I ordered:

AMS gmono white steel case.

The back of the case.

You'll notice the two spots for fans on the back of the case, I would like to cut these out and place a standard wire fan grill over the holes instead.

I realize that airflow will not be drastically different, but I think it would drop a degree or two, and plus look much better. I would also like to experiment with case modding, and I think this will be a good start.

The only thing is that it will be brand-new, and should I wait to make sure all my parts work before hand? If I do this little mod after I assemble, than I will have to disassemble, do the metal work, and than reassemble. This would be a pain, and mabye it would be best to cut out the stock fan grills first thing.

What should I do?

[rspassey]

I would go ahead and cut them out first. If you assemble it properly the case will work fine; and you could go ahead and mod it before time. Really up to what you are comfortable doing - I would mod before time.

[Cricket]

As long as you're sure you're going to keep that case, go ahead and do the mod before you do the assembly.

Cricket

[Hitokiri]

Thanks for the replies, I think I will go ahead and mod the case first.

I am not exsactly new to a dremel either, I have worked with them for years now.

[Hitokiri]

Also, I figured I could save some money by making my own HDD isolation strips from 4-5 layers of duck tape. Would these work alright? Or would it be worth searching around town for a store that carries the real thing?

I was also thinking of making duck tape gaskets for my fans to keep vibration and fan noise down.

Sorry for the double post.

[BeigeBoxUser]

Hitokiri, by HDD isolation do you mean decoupling/suspension? If so, duct tape isn't ideal. Try to find something elastic.

[Hitokiri]

Originally Posted by BeigeBoxUser Hitokiri, by HDD isolation do you mean decoupling/suspension? If so, duct tape isn't ideal. Try to find something elastic.

They are thin strips of rubber that you place inbetween the HDD and metal on the HDD rack. Sorta acting as rubber washers.

Here is what they look like.

This is a fan gasket.

[BeigeBoxUser]

Don't try using duct tape to stop vibrations. It won't work well. If you're set on making your own HDD/fan isolation, use sorbothane or some other polyurethane. Otherwise, pre-made rubber/silicon ones like those you linked to will work well.

[Hitokiri]

How about something like rubber washers?

http://www.directron.com/grommet.html

[QuickSilver]

Why use isolators at all? As long as the HDD fits tightly in the drive bay, and the screws holding it are tight and secure, you shouldn't have to worry about vibrations.

[BeigeBoxUser]

Different people have their own tolerances, but as long as a Drive is hard mounted to the case it transmits vibrations. These create a low frequency drone, which can be irritating.

Hitokiri, the rubber washers will help, but try finding rubber/silicon screws to go with them, or you won't notice much diffference. They shouldn't cost more than a dollar or so.

[MaxRat]

RED handled tin snips will cut those out alot faster with out the mess...They're sided aviation snips....work good too..