New case!

[blacktruckryder]

Got me a new (to me) case. Cooler Master Centurion 5. I paid $20 for that case, 2 54x cd rom drives, 1 40/12/48x CDRW drive and a Antec 350w PSU.
The first thing i did was add a side window. I'm thinking of adding a window to the top also.

 

[bruins004]

Nice Side window mod.
Looks very nice and clean.
It would be nice to add a fan or air duct within the window so you can get some fresh air on your GPU or CPU.
Maybe a fan on the top or some nice lights in the top window would be kewl.

How hard is it to make a window for a case?

 

[blacktruckryder]

Thanks. Its not too hard to do, if you have the right tools. I just went to the local computer shop and picked up a window kit for $10. About a half hour worth of work with a Dremel, cutting and sanding and thats it.

 

[ATIonion]

looks good and clean....nice job on the self install with the window kit..its not easy to cut a fan in and have it look good...i have had problems finding hole saws that can cut a circle out the right size of the fan...usually they are just a little too small or too big...so good luck if you choose to add a fan to the plexi...jig saws dont usually work well depending on the plexi type, it melts the plastic as it cuts it and the cut melted plastic hardens right back onto the plexi....so your cut circle is stuck where it was to begin with..lol....nice case and for $20 woooohoooo!

 

[blacktruckryder]

I don't even bother trying to cut up the plexi glass, i mess it every time. I might try and find a window kit that has a fan hole in it already.

 

[Protius]

very nice window

 

[wtf8269]

usually they are just a little too small or too big...so good luck if you choose to add a fan to the plexi...jig saws dont usually work well depending on the plexi type, it melts the plastic as it cuts it and the cut melted plastic hardens right back onto the plexi....so your cut circle is stuck where it was to begin with..lol....nice case and for $20 woooohoooo!

A 3" holesaw did just fine for adding another rear fan and two side fans to my case.

I agree though, nice case. Go for the top window, that'd be badass! Ghost those drives too!

 

[Namslas90]

Cutting large holes in plexiglass is a ruff task, but not impossible with the corect tools. Before you peel of the protective paper drill a 5/8" hole in the center with a paddle bit. Set your drill transmission(if avail) to the lowest speed possible and/or preset trigger to no more than 500 to 800 RPm(low or slow). Drill hole just untill point cuts through other side, reverse glass and slowly drill thru being carefull towards the end of cut to ensure/reduce cracking/spliting. Using blocks to raise the glass above the worksurface and clamp down tight. Using a router wuth a 1/4" fluted cuting bit(New). Set the speed to slow and depth to no more than 3/16 bolow base + thickness of plexiglass.. Slowley cut away plexi in small arcs from 5/8" hole untill diameter is reached, be carefull not to take to "big a bite" and move slowley holding the router firmly. This should get you a good clean hole. Duburr edges with dowel wrapped in 800 grit sandpaper. You can polish the cut edge using a butane torch or heatgun, be carefull to start far away and move in carefully being carefull not to burn or melt it.

Lexan is easier to use than plexiglass but cost more, its also stronger but scratches easily. available at most larger home improvemant centers.