Covering for the honeycomb rear pci holes

[scruffypup]

I don't want to do duct tape on this build,...

For rear honeycomb pci holes, has anyone created a plastic strip to slide on the metal punch outs that look like intentional clips,...

For instance I was thinking of cutting out a strip of plastic from mabe a DVD case, cutting four small slits to hook onto the metal punch outs, and having some silicon bead along the edges, so when I slide it on, there should be a nice airtight situation with no vibration due to silicon bead, yet this would be removable if I wanted to at some point,... which would create a quieter solution with directing airflow better.

Anyone ever have experience or come across a review where they did something like this?

 

[balloonshark]

I used a thin piece of cardboard cut to fit and fixed it in place with electrical tape on the outside of the case. It's not pretty but it works well, nobody can see it and the tape is easy to remove. The cardboard I used was from in between a 30 pack of beverages.

They also sell thin, flexible plastic sheets that are used for cutting boards that could be cut to fit nicely. I think the set I have came with 3 sheets in different colors. I bought them at wally world. Edit: They are called flexible cutting mats.

Also, what case do you have so we can get a better idea of what your pci holes look like. Mine look like the rear view in this set of pics. http://www.antec.com/us/produc...ails.php?ProdID=81820# You will need to click the pic to see the other views and the pci slots are the ones with the 4 horizontal holes.

 

[scruffypup]

I have the Antec Sonata III that I am currently working on. I found a link to a pic showing exactly the holes I mean:

http://techgage.com/viewimg/?i..._iii_09.jpg&desc=Antec Sonata III

I want these covered since it is a quiet case, but you can hear noise with air moving through these holes,... I want to quiet this case even more, but also be able to direct the airflow overall the way I want. I can do tape, cardboard, etc, but want something that in the end will be "professional looking".

I am thinking about a couple more builds for people other than myself in which overall noise is important as well as looks. That is why I am going beyond quick fix that I would sometimes do for myself and looking for that look.

There are metal punch outs that have a hook,... makes you wonder if they had in mind a commercial covering,... but have never come across one for a case. However a solid piece of plastic to hook on those with some beading to reduce air "leakage" and vibration noise would seem to work well, and possibly look very nice if the edges are even, sanded, etc.

In addition a black paint job on the inside, black plastic, black beading and it would look professional,.... if I wanted to further mod and but LEDs there I could drill some small holes in the plastic,...

Of course this is all just a thought as of now,... which is why I was wondering if anyone came across this personally via doing it or seeing a review so I might see something prior to just jumping on initial thoughts! 🙂

 

[balloonshark]

I see what you mean. I would almost be tempted to use thin sheet metal or aluminum the same thickness as the metal to the right of the holes that's riveted to the case. Of course I have experience working with sheet metal and aluminum. It would really look good and professional though 😉.

Good luck

 

[scruffypup]

The problem I see with metal is more chance of vibrations, as well as, harder to drill and sand just right for little mods,... though I thought that way a bit,...

I really like the thought of plastic in various ways,.. a couple credit card sized pieces (I have two little freebies that are magnifying cards) fit well,... but I want that pro look with additional future mods available,...

I just have never come across anything like what I am thinking,... of course that happens a lot when I think (good or bad)

 

[Spicedaddy]

cardboard taped on the inside of the case, problem solved in 15 seconds. 😀

 

[scruffypup]

Wonderful reply by someone who didn't read any of the thread obviously. I don't want your quick fix,.. heck a quicker fix is just tape, which I started off saying I don't want,.. further went on to say some builds will be for other people and I want a professional look, cardboard and tape is not a professional look.

Why do people not even read the question or thread, and then reply? I mean how can you have an answer if you don't review the question? It must be to get their post count up to get that status of "must know something" due to posts!!!

 

[Injury]

If you use two pieces of plexi glass (one on each side) and put screws or rivets through the corner holes of the honeycomb then you won't even make a scratch on the case while keeping it covered up. As long as the screws are nice and tight you really won't have noticable vibrations. If you are that uptight about the inaudible amount of noise then you could put some sort of cloth or thin sheet of rubber on the sides facing the case. A quick spray painting to the color of the chassis or a neutral color will make it just as professional as the rest of the case.

Judging by the holes on the outside of the pattern though, it looks like some plastic piece was designed to go there in the first place.

 

[Zepper]

I usually use two or more layers of colored Reynolds Plastic Wrap (comes in at least blue, green and red) to cover large areas of superfluous venting and tape it in place with clear plastic tape (Scotch Transparent tape #600). Looks good, is effective and no chance of vibes.

.bh.