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Modding the Cooler Master Q500L

Joined
Jun 2, 2014
Messages
624 (0.15/day)
Location
Midwest USA
System Name Ferrari Evolv X
Processor Intel 14600k @ 5.7/4.5
Motherboard Asrock Steel Legend Z690 D4
Cooling Custom H20-XSPC Raystorm Pro, 2x 360mm rads with XSPC 120mm fans push/pull, Tube Res, Gen GPU block
Memory GSkill 32GB 3600 cas 14 b die Trident Z RGB
Video Card(s) EVGA 1660ti
Storage Sk Hynix p41 Pro for OS/Apps, Optane 900p x2 in R/0 scratch/temp, SK Hynix p31 Pro storage
Display(s) TCL 43" microled 4k HDR
Case Phanteks Evolv X in Rosso Red with all XSPC 120mm fans x 9 and 1x 140mm (x15mm), Few 92/80mm too
Audio Device(s) Schitt DAC, Presonus Studio Monitors and Subwoofer
Power Supply Corsair 1000w Plat, custom cables
Mouse Glorious Model O
Keyboard Havit mech
Software Win 11 Pro
I get bored with my rigs (and collect cases), so I swap cases pretty often on several of my pcs. I haven't changed my main workstation's case in two years, so it was time for something new. I have really modded a case in a while and wanted to do some real carbon fiber on it, so I wanted to start cheap with the case. In comes Cooler Master's Q500L Atx pc case. Its tiny for an atx case, which I like a lot. It will fit all of my hardware as I have gone air cooling for this update.

So I get the case and yeah, its cheap all right, but I do like it. I like that it uses a plexi window instead of glass, has movable I/O and has some nice flat surfaces that I can cover with carbon veneer sheets (the real stuff).

First thing I did was take a dremel to the top 140mm opening I need and also the rear 120mm opening. At this time, I should have cut the holes for the bottom fans as well, but I didn't, so when the carbon fiber comes, I will empty the case and do that.
I did add feet I stole from a Silverstone FT03 case which raises the pc another 3/4" off my desk.
IMG_4299.JPGIMG_4294.JPGIMG_4295.JPG

As I use this PC on a daily basis, it had to be thrown together before the case was done. Right now, I am using a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO with push pull Corsair fans. That is getting replaced with a Noctua U12S in black. When I order that, probably next week, I will order the carbon fiber sheets from Dragonplate Carbon too. Then I will spend the weekend finishing up this simple mod.
Here's a pic of the inside of the case atm.
IMG_4298.JPGIMG_4289.JPG
 
More holes!DSC00242.JPGDSC00272.JPGDSC00275.JPG

Final look.CM case mod 2020 120.jpg
 
Couple more pics, almost finished.DSC00309.JPGnewrig1.jpg
 
Simple but effective. Needs dust filters though
 
I've never really liked dust filters. They suffocate the intakes. I don't mind using some canned air once and a while to clean it anyway.
 
well thats your call. Ive always been a fan of demcifilter - extremely fine mesh and dont restrict airflow too much
 
Beautiful and functional mods you did there. The custom fan cut-outs are something I have personally wanted to do for a long time, as the small holes are very restrictive as anyone with this case knows. May I ask what your thermals are whilst gaming/ under load/@ idle, with these custom fan cut-outs?
 
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