Antec SX-1040B - Cut 140mm fan in top panel? Advice..

[Compman55]

This case has 2 rear 80mm fans, and two front. 140mm is so much quiter and will move more air, however, I cannot modd the back or front. This leaves only the top.

I have cut a few fans into side panels of cheap cases back in the day and it looked like crap.

Need some advice on performing this, and also a recommendation on a nice grill that can certainly cover up the mess.

 

[Tweakin]

This case has 2 rear 80mm fans, and two front. 140mm is so much quiter and will move more air, however, I cannot modd the back or front. This leaves only the top.

I have cut a few fans into side panels of cheap cases back in the day and it looked like crap.

Need some advice on performing this, and also a recommendation on a nice grill that can certainly cover up the mess.

Considering that there is a multitude of new cases out there in the $75 range that have both front and rear 140's, is this mod worthy of your time? For me, I would get a new case that also has USB 3 capabilities. Time is money to me.

 

[Compman55]

I already have a brand new fresh Fractal Design Arc MIDI R2 sitting empty waiting for components to arrive.

However being I have two of these SX-1040B's and they were once and still are a top of the line case, I wanted to give this a try.

The contruction is of super high quality, and super thick metal.

 

[Tweakin]

Then I would make my own fan adapter out of fiberglass that mounts a 120 or 140 on one side to 2 80mm fans on the other. Inexpensive and no damage is done to the case.

I would only cut holes for a specific mod or last resort.

 

[Compman55]

I can't see how that would work. The top cover is the only place with room.

I am capable of sawing out the hole, than using a dremel to clean up the edges. Problem is there is little selection of fan grills on newegg. What is everyone using?

 

[WoodButcher]

http://www.performance-pcs.com/cata...=36_91&zenid=34d6ab723c0e665c4a0d3a816ac8f640

 

[mindless1]

How the hole you cut looks is going to be about the same whether it is in the side panel or top. If you have a gaming video card then put the fan in the side panel blowing across it.

You can use a plain chrome fan grill or filter panel if you like, and cover the edge of the hole with door edge molding available at any decent automotive parts store for $3 to $5. Cut it to length, install, and if there is heat set type glue in it then set it in place with a hair dryer.