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Thread: A couple of questions before my first ever mod

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    A couple of questions before my first ever mod

    Iv a coolermaster CM690 I've had for 4 years now I'm planning on modding, there are 3 tasks I'll be doing which I'll explain later. Once I start working I'll start a thread with pics as it goes so you can all see.
    This is the case for those that don't know it (mine is an older edition but for all intensive purposes they are the same):
    http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coole...e-sata-w-o-psu

    These tasks I've planned aren't in any particular order, I'll be doing them in whatever order best suits me at the time & depending on the tools available to me at the time.

    Task 1:
    Cut out the side panel & install a window, then install a blue LED strip & a switch for them on the exterior of the case so I can turn them off when required.

    Task 2:
    The case has plastic edges (I'm 99% sure they are plastic but I won't be able to check for definite till next weekend when I'm home again, anyone else with the case care to confirm this for me?) between the mesh front & the sides & also between the top & the sides (you will see on the link the bits I mean) that I want to paint white. There is also a small area on the top of the case with some connectors (USB, headphone, mic, etc...) which I'll be painting white as well.

    Task 3:
    Remove my CD drive's front panel & replace it with the original mesh bay cover the case came with so the CD tray front sits flush with the mesh (I've not explained that brilliantly but I've seen it on another mod & I can post links to it for clarification if anyone wants)


    And now the questions I have associated with each task...

    Task 1:
    What does everyone recommend cutting the panel with, jigsaw or a dremel rotary cutter? (I have a jigsaw available but would need to borrow a dremel)
    The switch for the LEDs I'll be putting into the +12V (yellow) molex cable, just want to check that's right & also if the wires would need soldering in or if they could just be twisted together & covered with insulating tape?

    Task 2:
    I've found lots about preparing metal to paint but nothing about plastic, can I just paint straight on it & which would give the better result, spray or brush?

    Task 3:
    Since I've seen this on another mod I know almost exactly what I'm doing so haven't any questions about this one


    Any help or thoughts on anything would be much appreciated!
    Thanks very much!

    Douglas

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    Re: A couple of questions before my first ever mod

    Quote Originally Posted by douglasb View Post
    Task 1:
    What does everyone recommend cutting the panel with, jigsaw or a dremel rotary cutter? (I have a jigsaw available but would need to borrow a dremel)
    The switch for the LEDs I'll be putting into the +12V (yellow) molex cable, just want to check that's right & also if the wires would need soldering in or if they could just be twisted together & covered with insulating tape?
    I would cut the panel with the jigsaw.
    Put some masking tape on the panel & mark out where you want to cut.
    Drill a hole in the corners to fit the jigsaw blade in (its hard to go around the corners)
    Cut out just inside the line you have marked.
    To finish off, use a metal file and remove the last little bit of material up to the line.

    http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5090

    As for the switch, you can brake into either the yellow or black cable.
    I would twist the wires and solder any joints.
    If you can put some heat shrink over the joint.
    Thus will ensure you have no bear cables inside the case.


    Quote Originally Posted by douglasb View Post
    Task 2:
    I've found lots about preparing metal to paint but nothing about plastic, can I just paint straight on it & which would give the better result, spray or brush?
    Spray paint will give to a better finish.
    You have to 'key' the surface before painting.
    This is done with very fine wet and dry paper. This scratches the surface & lets the paint adhere to the base surface.
    More information can be found in these quides.

    http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1039

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    douglasb (09-07-2012)

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    Re: A couple of questions before my first ever mod

    Thanks for the quick reply, you have been very helpfull!

    Quote Originally Posted by piggin23 View Post
    As for the switch, you can brake into either the yellow or black cable.
    I would twist the wires and solder any joints.
    If you can put some heat shrink over the joint.
    Thus will ensure you have no bear cables inside the case.
    I'v found an LED kit with a built in swich/controler in a PCI-E slot (by NZXT) so making my own switch is now no longer neccessary. I was looking forward to wiring & soldering a switch in since it's been an age since I soldered anything however since I would have had to buy a soldering iron, switch & wire it works out cheaper going with the complete kit

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    Re: A couple of questions before my first ever mod

    Bah I lost my post.

    piggin has it pretty much.
    I would like to add make sure you've got the correct type of blade, you want a metal cutting blade, 18-24 teeth per inch (if I remember correctly) not a multi-purpose blade, 12-16 teeth per inch.

    And turn off pendulum action, it's good for keeping your cuts straight on soft material like wood but not a hard material like steel.

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    Re: A couple of questions before my first ever mod

    I'v found suitable blades, they give the number of mm per teeth rather than teeth per inch which is a bit odd but it works out at about 25 per inch and thanks for the tip about pendulum action.
    I think I'm just going to file the edges of the metal like crazy then sandpaper them to get a really smooth finish rather than using U chanel because I think that will look better.

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    Re: A couple of questions before my first ever mod

    U-channel can look very good also being rubber means you get a seal around the edge, this can help against possible vibrations.
    But I'd say the best thing is it helps conceal wobbly cuts

    The problem I've always had is trying to find small U-channel, I've had to get it from the US
    the stuff chilledpc sell isn't great, it's not normal U-channel, it's the right size but instead of being a U shaped strip of rubber it's more like a rubber cord with a slit cut along it.
    This makes it rather wide and chunky esp for a window.

    Another shameless plug for Bill, http://www.mnpctech.com/UChannel.html (that page also has Bill's great window case mod tutorial video on it) this stuff is great, I'm just so annoyed I cannot find a good source here in the UK.
    The only place I've found is a wholesaler who'll not sell to individuals and only sells it in 50m reels.
    Bill is also a good source for 3M Scotch 4010 tape, again another great thing that seems to be near impossible to find in the UK

    At the same time not using U-channel can also look good, one tip is after you've cut and filed your edges smooth go round the inside with a black marker to hide the exposed metal

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