Graphics card too big, cutting drive bays to fit.

iFrag

iFrag

iFrag

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18 Nov 2008
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Location
Ashford, Kent
Hey Folks,

I've been an idiot and purchased a graphics card that is too big for my case.

Now, without buying a new case I am determined to make this card fit, I think I'm going to have to cut some space out for the card to fit, I've never undertaken a project like this before so I need advice.

I'm going to be using a dremel to make the cuts as I've heard thats the best way.

In the below image you can see the cuts I'll make in green, I've coloured in the approx size of the card in red.
1389238834.jpg


Main questions:

What is the best way to finish the cuts off (smoothing the edges etc.) and what tools should I use?
I'm cutting through a join between the optical drive bays and the HDD bays, do I need to put any supports in place or should I just mount my HDD in the top bay?
Should I cut through the HDD bays sides that are in front of the case fan on the right hand side or should I leave them for protection? (I heard removing the grills can increase airflow)

Thanks in advance.

(Cable management will be much improved after the new GFX card is installed ;))
 
You'll probably be fine to just sand down the edges or use a file. I tend to put a neoprene seal on my cuts to hide any rough edges and to make sure any cables (or fingers) don't get cut!

*EDIT* (I should probably read the post properly before answering!)

I wouldn't really worry about supports, you've only got 1 5.25" device up there. Alternatively, see if you can remove the hard drive cage completely by removing the rivets at the bottom of the case (or wherever they might be) and then just cut away the lower drive space. That'll free up the bottom of your case nicely, and you can pick up adapters pretty cheaply that will allow you to whack your hard drive in the top bays.
 
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@ts316 - sounds like a plan, I've just ordered the mounting bracket, your method makes much more sense than what I was going to do!

@Zombiedude101 - It's a Zalman Z11 Plus, it can only cater up to a 290mm gfx card, the 290 tri-x is 305mm hence the modifications. My 5850s sit in there quite nicely though.
 
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