Side Panel for My Case

[bigmck]

I just have a "Plain Jane" black Mid-Tower case. I would like to get a little "pizazz" into my computer. Is it possible to buy a "See-Through Side Panel" so I can put some lights inside?

 

[Lordbob75]

It might be easier to buy a piece of lexan slightly smaller than the side of your case (so it will fit inside without hitting anything), and cut out the inside of the side panel, then rivet the lexan to it. Instant (fairly nice) clear side panel.

~Lordbob

 

[bigmck]

It might be easier to buy a piece of lexan slightly smaller than the side of your case (so it will fit inside without hitting anything), and cut out the inside of the side panel, then rivet the lexan to it. Instant (fairly nice) clear side panel.

~Lordbob

That is an idea. == I was trying to find the make and model of my case. Are they generally on the case somewhere?

 

[Lordbob75]

Depends on the case. If you have a cheap one (or one from a prebuilt), then I doubt it.

It might be a OEM only case. I.e, one you can't even buy from a store.

~Lordbob

 

[bigmck]

Depends on the case. If you have a cheap one (or one from a prebuilt), then I doubt it.

It might be a OEM only case. I.e, one you can't even buy from a store.

~Lordbob

I had my PC custom built and it is a fairly cheap case. I might drop by the place I bought it and see if they can help. == Thanks for your help.

 

[Lordbob75]

I still like the idea of cutting out a side hole and putting your own piece in.

The best part is that you could laser cut a design in it

~Lordbob

 

[bigmck]

I still like the idea of cutting out a side hole and putting your own piece in.

The best part is that you could laser cut a design in it

~Lordbob

I can tell that you have never seen me work Mr Fixit, I am not.

 

[Lordbob75]

I still like the idea of cutting out a side hole and putting your own piece in.

The best part is that you could laser cut a design in it

~Lordbob

I can tell that you have never seen me work Mr Fixit, I am not.

Fair enough.

~Lordbob

 

[linnemeyerhere]

You can purchase a nice new case with this feature for not a ton of money and then just transfer the system over, it may also give you a chance to get other features built in like a multi-card reader, usb and sata on the front. I too like the idea of the plexiglass but for you to cut that thin steel case accurately .....not so much! I would shop for a new case and be done with it !

 

[Catswold]

You can purchase a nice new case with this feature for not a ton of money and then just transfer the system over, it may also give you a chance to get other features built in like a multi-card reader, usb and sata on the front. I too like the idea of the plexiglass but for you to cut that thin steel case accurately .....not so much! I would shop for a new case and be done with it !

This.

Buy a good quality case like a CoolMaster or Antec and expect to pay $100 or more. It is well worth it. I built my current rig in a CoolMaster Storm Scout I got for about $90. It was the first high quality case I bought since the early 90's and I love it.

NewEgg has them on sale right now for $80

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

There are others some larger, some with other colors or variations in board placement and arrangement. Shop carefully and get a good quality.

You won't regret it.

 

[xarden]

CoolerMaster are great.
Apparently, Newegg.com dont ship internationally which makes me SOL.
But I did find a sidepanel with a window for my CM690 at PBTech.co.nz
Cost about NZ$45, which is about US$33. Just under half the price for the rest of the case!
Considering investing in a dremil instead...

 

[LiquidSnak]

You can even use an old DVD drive laser to etch lexan. Built by computers for computers

 

[Kipper]

This case mod is really very simple, I have done a few and it takes little time and little money.

You can get everything you need from here.

Here is a short video of how to do it yourself.

 

[kodi]

I'd like to go the other way.
My Antec 900 has lost it's novelty effect and i will not be getting a Clear side panel on my next case

 

[Catswold]

CoolerMaster are great.
Apparently, Newegg.com dont ship internationally which makes me SOL.
But I did find a sidepanel with a window for my CM690 at PBTech.co.nz
Cost about NZ$45, which is about US$33. Just under half the price for the rest of the case!
Considering investing in a dremil instead...

Sorry mate, I failed to notice the flag.


Hey! Maybe you can use the laser to etch a wattle on your side panel.

 

[LiquidSnak]

I'd like to go the other way.
My Antec 900 has lost it's novelty effect and i will not be getting a Clear side panel on my next case

What are the dimensions of the window?

Or, if you want it to look like a bang up job, the entire dimensions of the side panel?

 

[thefabe]

If you had a Dremel and the know how this would be a really easy mod.
You could cut the side panel in about any shape or size you wanted to, then purchase some Lexan and I would suggest instead of rivets cutting the Lexan larger than the opening enough to use some quality clear silicone or epoxy to attach it.

A Dremel is a great tool to have and extremely easy to use with the proper cutting wheel, you could also then place an additional 120mm fan in the side of the Lexan by simply tracing it with a grease pencil, mark the holes to be drilled and a circle for he intake then just cut straight ribs inside the circle for intake and erase the grease pencil marks.

But as you've stated your not Mr Fix it. So the cost of the tool and the material would offset just buying a new case with the features your looking for.
Yet still a bit of work to transfer everything to the new case.

I haven't personally come across a case company that sells a windowed side cover as a replacement but my NZXT Apollo came with both one closed and one windowed.
Fabe

 

[bigmck]

Hey! Maybe you can use the laser to etch a wattle on your side panel.

Wattle????? Isn't that the skin hanggy down part near your adams apple?

 

[kodi]

Australian Wattle Tree (acacia)