Cut the bottom off your case?

Calo · 12 Mar 2016 at 00:43

Has anyone ever done or seen this? As a DIY job, im thinking to place my plain black Micro ATX case on its side, cutting a section of the bottom off and add a clear plastic window to show off the (soon to be purchased) golden Palit GTX 970 Jetstream card.

The PC will then slide into my AV cabinet with the protruding wires hidden by a WiiU

Could work right?

Digital X · 12 Mar 2016 at 11:58

Don't see why not, where does the PSU sit? Are there any fans that sit on the bottom at all? I've seen some pretty unique mods in my time so anything is possible

Calo · 12 Mar 2016 at 12:43

PSU is at the top back end. No fans at the bottom. I looked around and saw just this case that does something simmilar ie, having the Mobo on its arse: Thermaltake V21

Calo · 12 Mar 2016 at 14:06

Has anyone used a Dremel or other cutting tools on their cases and can offer some advice?

Also, If you know of any other cases that have the mobo lying flat I'd be interested to consider it before putting the saftey goggles on!

murah · 13 Mar 2016 at 01:37

Masking tape, measure, try to find something crappy to practise on first then just follow your lines and file down your cuts after

Calo · 16 Mar 2016 at 00:26

murah said:
Masking tape, measure, try to find something crappy to practise on first then just follow your lines and file down your cuts after

Cheers buddy. I guess the masking tape is to keep my lines straight when cutting

WantoN · 16 Mar 2016 at 10:30

The masking tape will also help to protect the finish of the case, it's useful.

For cutting metal I use the speedclik system on my dremel, and make sure it's a metal cutting disk. Lines are relatively good. Make sure you wear eye protection and suitable clothing, and ventilate the area.

The question is how are you going to fit the acrylic? I would probably trace some lugs into the case and cut around them, drilling a hole first. Then fold them over when the cut is made for a flush finish. You can fix them using rivets or something like hex head bolts with a nut and shakeproof washer.

The chances of getting a perfectly flush fit with this however are slim.

Calo · 16 Mar 2016 at 19:29

WantoN said:
The question is how are you going to fit the acrylic?

The acrylic would be bigger than the hole and simply fixed onto the inside of the case for that flush finish. My first thought was actually to use some of those 3M command self-adhesive strips. They can be used up to 51 degrees C (enough for inside a well ventillated mATX case?). I saw some youtubers use a big polyfiler type glue gun which, while looking efficient, im worried the glue would melt after a long time.

not sure what some 'lugs' are im afraid! sounds more professional than my idea however