Planning a big case modding session.

BigglesPiP · 21 Apr 2008 at 00:51

Had a thermal-take Armour Jr. (Black w/ window) for about a year.

This summer I'm doing a full rebuild, and taking the opportunity to trick out the case some.

So far I have:
- Matte black interior (what sort of paint would you recommend)?
- Rubber Fan mounts.
- Add a couple of USB ports and e-SATA to one of the the 3.5" drive bays (I'm sick of standing up to plug USB things in).
- I'm going to separate an area off for the spare PSU cables, maybe a mesh hammock. in the top 5.25" drive bay.

So does anyone have an suggestions (maybe you know of a neat feature in a case that I could try to emulate), or hints for me?

Edit: Almost forgot, how blue are blue cold cathodes?

Edit 2: External BIOS reset maybe?

Sukh · 21 Apr 2008 at 09:27

External BIOS is a really good mod, you need a power connector (the small the socket type from a power button) and a momentary switch, toggle switch with military style cover look cool, and then its just a case of plug and solder things

Theres a guide floating around on another forums, will have a look later at lunch and post it if I can

fobose · 21 Apr 2008 at 16:04

In your new build, you should consider a modular PSU. That way you just plug in the cables you need

Sukh · 21 Apr 2008 at 17:30

Here you go, a guide on the external BIOS switch, very useful when OCing

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=100514

stopstartstall · 21 Apr 2008 at 18:12

I painted the inside of my case black and it wasn't hard to do at all tbh You can read my log here. Basically, I used plastikote metal primer and then one of their matte blacks, really easy to do.

BigglesPiP · 23 Apr 2008 at 05:44

Sukh said:
Here you go, a guide on the external BIOS switch, very useful when OCing

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=100514

Same kind of switch I plan on using, I would have posted, but there are no competitor links allowed.

Sukh · 23 Apr 2008 at 10:47

I didn't post a competitor? Its a guide how to make one

BigglesPiP · 9 Jun 2008 at 15:45

I've bought some Hammerite matt black "High heat paint".

It's intended for fireplaces, but I was drawn to its immense strength. To prep the surface I have some Cellulose thinners, which claim to be 100% solvent, so it shouldn't leave a residue.

I'm going to do the hard drive cage 1st, possibly tonight when it's a bit cooler. Then if that turns out OK I'll do the whole inside of the case.

So did I screw up, or should I proceed?

BigglesPiP · 9 Jun 2008 at 21:30

I like this paint, it's sweary good!

Finish is a very fine matt, and very smooth/consistent. Finish is reasonably hard, any scratches due to installing bits are out of sight anyway.

Shall be proceeding with the rest of the case when I buy another can (about £6 :eek:

).

BigglesPiP · 17 Jun 2008 at 02:39

Looks even better in place, rest of the case to be done this week, now I have more paint.

BigglesPiP · 1 Jul 2008 at 19:59

Did it at last, bit late, but It's been raining all last week.

Case stripped of EVERYTHING

Parts Masked off and ready. Cleaning and masking was the longest part of the process.

Painted.

Peeled ready to re-construct the case.

Getting there.

Done!

Looks sooo much better.

So, rate my case mod.

Tomorrow if I have time I'm going to make a front panel USB.

Edit: And I think a blue cold cathode to bring the blue back up to where the blue fans had it.

Sukh · 1 Jul 2008 at 23:42

clean up those wires

and mount the HDs the other way round so the cables come from the back (mobo tray side) and it will look much better

BigglesPiP · 2 Jul 2008 at 14:33

A lot of people have said that, but I like looking at the SATA cables.

Tetsu · 2 Jul 2008 at 14:36

You could probably just mask a lot of those wires with some black material.
I would mount the hard drives thre other way though.

Tetsu · 2 Jul 2008 at 14:37

Nice srpay job though.

EdGey · 2 Jul 2008 at 18:27

Sukh said:
clean up those wires and mount the HDs the other way round so the cables come from the back (mobo tray side) and it will look much better

looks good other than that tho. nice job