Shinobi XL Front Mod ?

[conoflex]

Has anyone cut front out on an XL beneath the badge to get more air flow, if so what did you use to cut it out and did you line it up with drive bays or just do it 120mm x 120mm ?
I will be using 1mm (hole) black mesh.

 

[setter]

I havent actually cut mine up, as i fear it would spoil the look of it. However ive used some Lian Li mesh 5.25 bay bezels to aid airflow, mounted a 120mm fan with sewing elastic. This along with an intake fan next to the psu really helps with airflow, as does replacing the rather poor stock 230mm front fan.

 

[Uncle Petey]

I pondered for a while about cutting out circles or a rectangle and placing mesh behind it, but eventually ended up doing the same thing as Setter. Lian Li mesh vents and a fan behind them mounted with a bit of packing foam.

I have got a fan tied to the 3.5" bay though... If there's clearance between the bays and gpu it's an option.

I reckon the mod could look great. Use a dremel and try not to melt the plastic
The drive bays are centered, so you'd just have to measure and mark the front panel.

 

[setter]

@Uncle Petey, the fan mounted in foam sounds like a good idea, more elegant than the knicker elastic that i use lol. Any chance of a pic of that.

 

[conoflex]

Thanks, but I can't do that 4 of the five bays are full plus I have a rad behind 2 x 120mm fans in the front where the 230mm was.
I will get a pic up later so you can see if you can suggest an alternative to cutting front.

 

[Uncle Petey]

@setter: It's really simple mate, just cut a few strips from some foam packaging (that may have come with your fan controller for example) and tape/glue/attach to your fan.
Wedge it in the bay and you're good to go

@conoflex: Cutting is pretty much your only option I think.
You could use a large circular drill to cut a couple of matching fan holes which you could line with U-channel and place a mesh and/or dust filter behind.

You could drill four holes and use a jigsaw/dremel/handsaw to cut out a rectangle which you could finish with U-channel and place mesh/filters behind.
You may need a dremel to clear those widthways ridges at the back of the panel to enable a mesh to sit flush against it.

 

[conoflex]

Here is some pictures as it is now this minute, be gentle with me i'm an old man now and my brain cells are on a go slow.

 

[Uncle Petey]

Ok, what I'd suggest if you don't want to mess about with the front panel, is simply cutting out the grills using a dremel or a nibbler tool. Perhaps a big circular drill.
That'd lower noise and noticeably improve airflow.

I used a nibbler to cut mine out.

 

[doyll]

There are 2 kinds of hand nibblers. One works like a shears and the other works like a punch cutter:

The latter cuts much cleaner and has less interference problems working in things like computer case.

I used to have a Klein nibbler and loved it.

The problem is I can't find Klein or any other of this design anywhere in the UK

 

[doyll]

I have seen some of the cheaper ones selling used but missed out on getting them.

 

[Uncle Petey]

Yeah, I use the shears type. Could cut cleaner, but it does the job.
Wouldn't mind trying the punch type although I've got nothing left to cut now...

 

[conoflex]

I was thinking something like this :

Only 120mm x 120mm

 

[doyll]

I think it looks better sized to match 5.25" bay width.. make it square. Can use a smaller fan behind if you want.

Edit: Or makeit all the way up to 5.25" bays with same width border between bays and vent as there is on sides.

 

[conoflex]

I think it looks better sized to match 5.25" bay width.. make it square. Can use a smaller fan behind if you want.

I would do that this isn't my pic it's one I found, he didn't leave it like this he did this which I think is too much ott.
Mine would be width 120mm x 133mm OR 133 x 133

 

[doyll]

I hear you. I just like the lines matching.. like last post.

I'm sure whatever you decide it will look good when you are done.

 

[Uncle Petey]

What he did was pretty easy tbh. Cut a rectangle, take some mesh and fold the edges. Presto.

 

[conoflex]

What he did was pretty easy tbh. Cut a rectangle, take some mesh and fold the edges. Presto.

Yer right and should be easier for me only doing a square, I'm just a bit worried i'll get the cut right his cut looks spot on.
I'll be there like a bloke with Parkinson's carrying a jelly

 

[Uncle Petey]

You'll be fine mate.
Any reason you don't want both fans exposed?

 

[conoflex]

Off track a bit but what colour are the 2 leds on the xl ? (power and hdd activity)

 

[doyll]

Yer right and should be easier for me only doing a square, I'm just a bit worried i'll get the cut right his cut looks spot on.
I'll be there like a bloke with Parkinson's carrying a jelly

Then you won't need a fancy saw or file to make the cut.. Just let your shakes do the work.