Modding an Antec 300

[Pob255]

I know it's not the easiest of things but try to mark the holes on the back of the motherboard tray.
I'll be much simplier to cut from the back than trying to reach inside the case.

Also remove the brass motherboard stand offs. if you cannot unscrew them by hand, try losening them with a pair of pliers.

[nibbler]

Thanks pob I really value your input. I was of course planning on removing the standoffs, I am still awaiting the appropriate tools for the job! As for marking on back, It should be possible and it's a damn fine idea because it was looking awkward

[nibbler]

Ok. So this morning my reinforced cutting discs arrived and I used up three of them
The butting went well considering it was my first time and I then finished the job with a professional touch: electrical tape. This is mainly to protect the wires from sharp edges as the filing seemed to have little to no effect other than removing metal - it didn't smooth it off. I then proceeded to install the components I have so far and I am pretty damn pleased with the cable management. The EPS 12v cable and the 24-pin atx connector are hidden right away. I have a few problems with the case though. Firstly the front panel connectors for the power LED is 3-pin for some reason which means it just isn't compatible with the motherboard. Not a huge problem as I know when the computer is on tbh. Secondly The HDaudio - again from front panel isn't long enough, it's a good 4" too short to reach the port beneath the PCI slots. I don't really care but would have been nice. Other than that I think the case looks great. I have a scythe gentle typhoon on order from Scan for the rad of the H50. Then I'll get an i5 750 and graphics soon.

Pics to follow.

[Biscuit]

Firstly the front panel connectors for the power LED is 3-pin for some reason which means it just isn't compatible with the motherboard. Not a huge problem as I know when the computer is on tbh.

The middle pin isnt cabled i dont think so just break it in half and trim the edges off.

[nibbler]

Look at the sparks the dremel throws up



Before I cleaned it up:



With motherboard installed:



Will update again when more components arrive

[nibbler]

The middle pin isnt cabled i dont think so just break it in half and trim the edges off.

I'm all tuckered out for today
Thanks though, I'll check it out tomorrow.

[Pob255]

The 3pin led is for sleep/suspend mode if I remember correctly, you don't much see it any more.
The LED will ether change colour or pulse when the pc is put into sleep/suspend mode.

If you look on page 2-15 of the manual (that is a p55-gd65 isn't it?) the "Front Panel Connectors: JFP1, JFP2" section you'll see that instead of putting the power LED connector on JFP1 you put it on JFP2, pins 1+3+5, instead.

Nice jobs on the cableing there You may be able to run sound cable diagonally directly inbetween the motherboard and tray (this shouldn't cause any issues) that may give you just enough length.
Can you dissconnect the audio cable from the front socket? (ie does it plug in at that end as well or is it wired in directly?)
If so then try contacting Antec (on our handy Antec section) to ask if they can give you a longer cable.

[nibbler]

it's wired in. I really don't think I'll get enough length, but I'm not too bothered. The central pin isn't wired but i'll just have a look at the other connector.

[nibbler]

Ok I wired in the Power LED. the arrow always indicates the positive line doesn't it?
I can't test anything yet because of not having a cpu (it tends to help )
Getting DVD-drive and a 120mm fan tomorrow from Scan.

[nibbler]

My matt black paint arrived today but I won't be painting for a bit - far too cold outside (no, seriously it's too cold for the paint to actually work ). Ordered 1 metre of u-channel from chilledpc for the holes in the mobo tray.

[nibbler]

Ok, I just applied 3 quick coats of primer. Can says it's touch dry in 20 mins so would it be ok to wet sand after 1 hour? How about 3 hours? Or can I actually just shove the black stuff on, I'm nto massively bothered about the quality of finish so long as it stays on for a coulpe of years

[no_numb]

Basicly the longer the better not 100% sure but I leave stuff overnight usually

An hour or so will probably be fine. how about some pics while you're waiting?

[nibbler]

I just went ahead and put the black on, it's gloss not matt but no big loss. I'll get some piccies up later. I'll wet sand and put a fine coat on after dinner. As a final coat that is.

[Pob255]

You should of left the primer over night to fully dry.

If the paint is touch dry in 20min then you should leave it at least that long between coats.

Pic's!! we need Pic's!!

[nibbler]

I'll go get some pics after dinner though it's dimly lit down there and it's gloss (grr....) so they may come out crap. In all honesty I'm not even getting a window or anything but I just fancied it black inside, the finish don't bother me

It looks decent though from what I've seen so far, a little bit of pooling if you use a magnifying glass but nothing major

[nibbler]

If the paint is touch dry in 20min then you should leave it at least that long between coats.

It said [on primer can] "apply 4-5 coats within a couple of minutes. recoat within an hour. So I left it for an hour til it felt dry and gave it the black treatment.

Also I have uchannel on order from chilled pc for the cable management holes which should tidy things up.