Modding a Coolmaster CM690 II to have a window

hugobosslives · 5 Jan 2013 at 15:01

So as in the title. I want a side window on a cm690 II case.

Currently it looks stock which is like this:

However I want it to resemble something like this guy has:

I have never modded a case before in this way. Only made dirty hacks for things like radiators and fans.

Presumably I would do it with some 3mm acrylic or something?

Has anyone got any advice on how to do it? I want this to look pretty clean so am looking for a nice guide instead of me just hacking away at a beautiful case.

Any thoughts would be most welcome

PhilleH · 5 Jan 2013 at 21:02

You may still want to do the mod for the "did it myself feeling" but if you were unaware this case does come with a windowed variety and it is possible to pick up the side panel on its own

Roalith · 5 Jan 2013 at 21:56

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-244-CM&groupid=2362&catid=29&subcat= for the windowed case, unfortunately it doesn't appear that OCUK sell the windowed panel alone but I have certainly seen them on other sites. Been considering this case myself.

hugobosslives · 5 Jan 2013 at 22:24

Thanks. I am aware of this. It's just I already have the non-windowed panel and feels a shame to buy another panel. The cm panel also has a weird fan slot in the clear window which ruins the look. Lastly, it seems no reputable retailers sell it here in the UK the only place I can really find it is at popular auction sites. EDIT: plus they seem to cost half the price of the case!

Also I love the whole DIY thing these days and would love to start doing it with my rig. Maybe this is my first step into a world of modding haha.

But back to the point. Do you have any advice on how I could do it? What materials/tools etc?

If i had to guess I would buy some 3mm acrylic. Then mark out the window on the case. Then drill a pilot hole to slot maybe a jigsaw in and then cut round the markings? This I guess could be finished by sandpaper?

Please tell me any better options. Would hate to ruin this case.

King Damager · 6 Jan 2013 at 10:09

Dremel 300-30 is what you want to do the cutting. Although often people will recommend a jigsaw instead?

Alternatively, your local garage, or DIY place might have some kind of water/laser cutting that you could use.

kd

Nightglow · 6 Jan 2013 at 10:20

I remember last year OcUK having the CM690 II window side panels in stock.

hugobosslives · 6 Jan 2013 at 11:39

hmmm. debating weather to splash out 45 quid on a dremel having never had one so unsure of its uses. Would it be useful for other modding stuff I might get into and general DIY modding? (i.e. not on rigs).

Seems a lot to cut a square hole once :/

Nightglow · 7 Jan 2013 at 21:24

hugobosslives said:
hmmm. debating weather to splash out 45 quid on a dremel having never had one so unsure of its uses. Would it be useful for other modding stuff I might get into and general DIY modding? (i.e. not on rigs).

Seems a lot to cut a square hole once :/

If your going to spend that, then just buy a new window side panel about £30 inc p&p, probably cheaper in the long run.

maj · 7 Jan 2013 at 21:47

You can buy one from coolermaster's store. Not sure if that would be classed as a competitor or not though.

On Holiday · 8 Jan 2013 at 07:56

maj said:
You can buy one from coolermaster's store. Not sure if that would be classed as a competitor or not though.

Hmm that's a tricky one!

hugobosslives · 8 Jan 2013 at 10:02

maj said:
You can buy one from coolermaster's store. Not sure if that would be classed as a competitor or not though.

really? As far as I can see one the European site the windowed one is out of stock mate? and has been for ages so I presume they have discontinued selling these?

Kidge · 9 Jan 2013 at 12:59

Agree on the pre-made side panel, don't really like the fan grills on the window either myself .Plus I have the black & white version and can't find a white panel w/ window.

If you do end up DIY let us know how you got on. Just an idea on fixing the window....after cutting the hole are you planning on putting a rubber seal around the edge and then a clear silicone to fix the window?. Not sure how they are done?.

hugobosslives · 9 Jan 2013 at 22:36

Yer was thinking of U-bend rubber strips after filling a smooth edge. You can buy them really cheap online.

Then either just glue/sticky pad the acrylic panel on from the inside. Not really much point drilling holes as the screws would look pretty crap me thinks.

Yer will do. But might not happen for a while. Lots of work atm.