More fan! (the continuing saga)

[kbronski]

I had previously accidentally purchased and then installed a 200mm fan in my case for intake, (as seen in THIS THREAD, and was told to get some sort of exhaust fan. Well, not knowing my Cooler Master 500W power supply has an exhaust fan built in, I went and ordered a 120mm Cooler Master sickleflow fan to use as exhaust.

My 120mm fan came. Now, it's time to mount it.

Being that my case is annoying as heck, I decided to just gut it out completely to make it easier to remove the top. So, everything you see here (and some things you don't see) was removed.

This was the only thing left in the case, and that was only because I couldn't figure out how to get it out. The multi-card reader.

Turning the case upside-down, I put the PSU and DVD drive back in, so I can mark out where the fan will fit. I have 1.5mm of free space on either side of the fan, so this will be a brutally tight fit.
Can't afford to make any mistakes in measuring here.

After removing the front cover, I remove the upper plate (case is upside-down here)

After tapping out where the four mounting holes will be with a hammer and nail (improvised center punch, for the win) I take my case top in my basement to mark out where to drill.

And the drilling begins...

My pattern didn't turn out exactly as I hoped. There were a couple small gaps in the end, so I did my best to accommodate by drilling out the gaps with a smaller bit.
Now, to file off those burrs.

Test-mounting the fan. I won't be able to do the actual mounting until everything else is back in the case. It's the only way to get it to fit.

I actually used rubber washers between the fan and the case, to reduce vibration and noise. I got all the hardware from a local shop, since the screws that came with the fan are junk. Always use stainless when working with a computer, too. Or, if you're made of money, use chrome plated parts. I settled for stainless.

These were the only bolts I could find that weren't too short. I might cut them off later, but I doubt it, seeing as they don't get in the way of anything, and I want to be able to remove the fan eventually, and if I cut them off I might not be able to get the nuts off.

Everything is back in the case, and the fan is then mounted.

And, here's what it looks like now. The airflow is incredible too, so I'm glad I did this one. This is proving to be great cooling for my mid-size case.

 

[TheReaper]

Nice case modification.

 

[DustSailor]

There aren't pre-made, inexpesive cases that have all of that already?

If the world were like me, the world would be short, fat, and lazy

I like it. Your a pro dude, lookin good

 

[JaidynM]

Nice.

 

[kbronski]

There aren't pre-made, inexpesive cases that have all of that already?

If the world were like me, the world would be short, fat, and lazy

I like it. Your a pro dude, lookin good

I'm sure there are, but why buy a new case when I can just mutilate this one? It's much more fun this way, especially when I'm bored.
And thank you, I appreciate the compliments.

 

[smarteyeball]

I'm sure there are, but why buy a new case when I can just mutilate this one?

That's the spirit

Nicely done mod

 

[LiquidSnak]

Looks pretty good

 

[linnemeyerhere]

One of these and a hole saw could have been a touch easier.
Bgears 120mm Steel Chrome Finished Fan Grill - 120 x 120 x 2mm FAN GRILL 120MM at TigerDirect

 

[kbronski]

Funny thing is, I actually have a hole saw too... But, I don't think I have one quite that big. The largest I have is about the width of a soda can. It's okay though, I like the look of a mutilated case. As my art teacher friend would say, "It adds character." I'm looking at getting a stainless mesh screen for a filter on the side, though, because I like the way the brighter light of the side fan would reflect through it.
I might be cutting a hole through the front cover of the case at some point, on the bottom where it says, "Acer" because there is a mounting bracket there on the case for another intake fan. If I do, however, it will not be until after a new motherboard.

 

[DaGooN]

cool. this site might help you if you ain't see it already?
Computer Fan Hole Grill Templates 80, 90, 120, 140mm

 

[tw33k]

Good job