Cutting in Side panel fan??

[Jeradln82]

ok.. I've seen kits so you can put a window in your side panel of your case, but do they make a kit to add a side case fan?

What kind of tool do you use to cut a hole in the side panel for a 80mm fan? If anyone has a link that shows how to add the fan, could you please post it.

I have 4 case fans. 2 intake fans in the front and 2 exhaust fans in the back. What I want to do is move one of the rear exhaust fans and add a side exhaust fan. Do ya'll think it will make any difference? Also I just kinda want a side fan w/a blue LED lol

[mjkovis]

From what I have heard. On a regular ATX case you cannot add anymore fans other than what the case already had cut into it. Now you can possibly buy a different side panel for your case with the hole for a new fan, but you cannot cut the original panel. Just wont work. Besides, what are you temps? Are you running too hot? Also your setup is just about the same as mine.

[Jeradln82]

No.. my temps are fine.. I just wanted to try something different and add a side fan.

[Cricket]

Originally posted by Jeradln82 ok.. I've seen kits so you can put a window in your side panel of your case, but do they make a kit to add a side case fan?

I've never seen kits for that, you would just buy the fan and grill, cut the hole in the case where you want it and then bolt the fan and grill to the case.

Originally posted by Jeradln82 What kind of tool do you use to cut a hole in the side panel for a 80mm fan? If anyone has a link that shows how to add the fan, could you please post it.

Typical tools are a jigsaw (or sabresaw), Dremel Tool or a hole saw attachment for a standard drill. I prefer the Dremel Tool.

Here's a link to some instructions: HardOCP: Blowhole. And here's a link to some templates: Fan Templates

Originally posted by Jeradln82 I have 4 case fans. 2 intake fans in the front and 2 exhaust fans in the back. What I want to do is move one of the rear exhaust fans and add a side exhaust fan. Do ya'll think it will make any difference? Also I just kinda want a side fan w/a blue LED lol

Actually, I would leave the 2 fans on the rear and move one of the front fans to the side of the case.

Cricket

[Jeradln82]

Yeah cricket, CompUSA has the kits..lol. Thanks for the links.

[Fuze]

Originally posted by Acid-Klutch From what I have heard. On a regular ATX case you cannot add anymore fans other than what the case already had cut into it. Now you can possibly buy a different side panel for your case with the hole for a new fan, but you cannot cut the original panel. Just wont work. Besides, what are you temps? Are you running too hot? Also your setup is just about the same as mine.

What do you mean it just won't work? You cut a hole in it and screw it in. Unless you guys are talkin about somethin' else...

[bigandy]

You can do it I believe. My case came with a hole for a side fan so all I had to do was screw in the fan and hook it up to the power. Check out the pic I attached.

[Blue_Gundam2002]

Originally posted by Fuze What do you mean it just won't work? You cut a hole in it and screw it in. Unless you guys are talkin about somethin' else...

Maybe he means you can't because it will void the waranty. I've havn't read anywere that you can't cut an ATX case, or any case. Maybe he's just confused.

[BUGNUT]

The cleanest way to make a hole in your case is to use a hole saw. Make sure that you buy a hole saw for metal not wood!!
If possible use a drill press turning the saw at lowest speed. Use a piece of 2x4 as backing under the case where you are cutting the hole. This way the hole will be perfectly round and the saw won't catch when it breaks through the panel. Deburr the edge of the hole with a half round file. Don't use sand paper as you will scratch the case paint. When using a Dremel the results depend entirely on the "artist" using it.

Regards

Bugnut