modifying mobo tray

[Thekwango]

ok so 1st off please dont laugh at my almost non existent attempts at cable management

as you can see from the bottom pic i have next to no room to route cables out through the back of the motherboard tray. i was planning to make this hole bigger so i can take all the cables in use out through here and back in from the side as needed-tho i'll need to cut at the side too as there is a 'knuckle' (dunno the correct term!!) running the whole way down that will really only allow something thin like a sata cable to come out through between the tray and side panel. what i was wondering is this, is there a limit to how much you can cut out of a motherboard tray before you weaken it. and are there any pitfalls to watch out for other than the obvious (metal filings/dust gathering in the case)

any other advice mucho appreciatoed

p.s. ignore the time/date stamps on the pics

 

[Essexraptor]

Take your time and try several different routing plans first, I recently modded my Antec 1200 case and I'm glad I took a little time to think it through first!

Do this with the mobo etc still in the case.

Investigate if you have enough space behind the MB tray and the side panel to route cables, especially the thicker power cables etc.

remove all components, metal bits in fans and PSU's don't mix!!!! Use white masking tape over the area you intend to cut, mark out carefully and be brave and go for it. Remember to file down the edges after and use some rubberised edging to protect your cabling from cuts. As long as you are careful to note standoff hole positions you can cut quite a few access holes out around the side of the tray. Might be worth putting a access hole for CPU cooler mounts while your at it with drill etc in hand?

ATB

 

[Werewolf]

if you're cutting the motherboard tray three things to remember

1: Do it with nothing else on the tray.
2: Clean it very thoroughly afterwards
3: Line the edge of the hole with something to prevent cables from rubbing, or you risk a potentially expensive short if any vibration causes the cable insulation to wear away.

 

[Thekwango]

Use white masking tape over the area you intend to cut

cheers for the replies, and sorry for the next list of questions!!

is there a specific reason for using masking tape, does it reduce the amount of metal cast off or summat like that? or simply so i know where to cut

Might be worth putting a access hole for CPU cooler mounts while your at it with drill etc in hand?

is this to allow the cooler to be changed without taking the motherboard out?(something i'll be doing in the not too distant future) or should you always take the board out to change coolers?

i hadn't really intended to do any modding to the case but i'll be farked if i can figure out decent cable management without an ickle bit of cut and shunt!!

thanks all, especially re the lining the edges of any new cuts, hadn't even thought of that!!

 

[Audigex]

It'll also save your fingers some problems... that metal can be pretty sharp. You can get strips of rubber tubing-like stuff that'll line it nicely.