DIY Mod Guide: Modify Corsair bezel to improve airflow

[Mnpctech]

This is DIY Case Mod Guide for modifying your Corsair 900D / 750D / 350D, but technique can be adopted to any case bezel to help improve airflow to your Liquid or Aircooled PC system

Tools & Supplies:

Modder's Mesh, Round Sheet, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...n-slotted-diamond-round-hex/modders-mesh.html

In Order of Usage

1. Ruler or Measuring Combination Square,
http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Level-E250-Professional-Combination/dp/B000ETUNEU/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371561237&sr=1-2&keywords=measuring+square

*2. Pen & Black Marker,
http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-30001EA-Permanent-Marker-Black-SAN30001EA/dp/B00584PWWO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371565029&sr=1-2&keywords=sharpie+black

3. Phillips Screw Driver,
http://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-TOOLS-68-012-All-in-One-Screwdriver/dp/B00009V431/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371561308&sr=1-1&keywords=phillips+screwdriver

4. 3" Painter's Masking Tape,
http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...-233-performance-green-masking-tape-roll.html

5. Safety Glasses,
http://www.mnpctech.com/Safetyglasses.html

6. Rotary Tool,
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RTX-6-3-Speed-Accessories/dp/B0001GUDRI

7. Rotary*1.5" Cutting Wheel,http://www.mnpctech.com/DremelDisc.html

8. Jigsaw Power Tool,
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D552934&field-keywords=jigsaw

9. 18 TPI bi-metal Jigsaw blade,
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-T118EF-Bi-Metal-Shank-Jigsaw/dp/B000628CZ2/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558431&sr=1-2&keywords=jigsaw+18+tpi+blade

10. Hand File,
http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-06601-8-Inch-Handy-File/dp/B00002N7RN/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558465&sr=1-6&keywords=hand+file

11. Blue Painter's Tape, 1" wide,
http://www.amazon.com/ScotchBlue-Painters-Multi-Surface-70-Inch-60-Yard/dp/B00004Z4BB/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371561766&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+painters+tape

12. ScotchWeld DP-190,
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Weld-Adhesive-DP190-Translucent/dp/B0074N8N3W/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558594&sr=1-1&keywords=scotchweld+dp190

(Optional) 3M Applicator Gun EPX Plus II and mixing tip, for ScotchWeld,
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Weld-EPX-Plus-Applicator/dp/B001ANXYF4/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558713&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=scotchweld+dp190+applicator

13. Disposable Latex Rubber Glove, (for applying DP190 into mesh)*http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Helpers-Disposable-Lightly-Powdered/dp/B000DILNJ6/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558808&sr=1-7&keywords=disposable+rubber+gloves

14. Cloth or Rag,
http://www.amazon.com/Essentials-14-Inch-17-Inch-24-Pack-WT24/dp/B000ICRJ4A/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371565083&sr=1-1&keywords=cloth+rag+shop

15. Modeler or Xacto Knife,
http://www.amazon.com/Xacto-X3601-Precision-Knife-Safety/dp/B00009R8JZ/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558896&sr=1-4&keywords=xacto+knife

16. Red Scotchbrite,http://www.mnpctech.com/3m_scotchbrite_pads_red.html

17. Filtered Respirator Mask,
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Low-Maintenance-Half-Mask-Respirator-Assembly/dp/B00004Z4EB/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558931&sr=1-1&keywords=3m+filtered+respirator+mask

18. SEM Self Etching Primer, Black,
http://www.amazon.com/SEM-SEM39673-Etching-Primer--Aerosol/dp/B000PKZ3IY/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1371558960&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=sem+self+etching+black

19. Krylon "Rust Tough" Semi-Flat Black Enamel (or Plastikote "Engine" Enamel),*]http://www.amazon.com/Krylon-RTA9203-Semi-Flat-Preventive-Enamel/dp/B000RMTDAE/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1371559001&sr=1-1&keywords=krylon+rust+tough+black+flat

Corsair Factory Front Bezel Plate.

Corsair gives you 3/16" gap around the plate from the factory for airflow. This modification will be huge improvement for cooling your system.

The front plate pulls off without any effort. It's removed for accessing and cleaning the Corsair 900D's three 120mm front cooling fans and filter.

You have option to remove the Four plastic mounting pegs, or leave them on throughout the entire modification process. It's your choice! The pegs are fastened on with Phillips head screws.

The best tape is 3M Scotch 233+ Green tape

3M Scotch Green 233+ masking tape is used by Automotive Paint Professionals. It's highly conformable to curved surfaces on both metal and plastic. It has good adhesion in a large range of weather conditions. It will peel off without leaving any sticky residue. Most Auto Body Supply Stores should be stocking this tape. It's also readily available online. 3M Scotch *233+ tape has a premium price compared to other tapes, but it performs the best*

 

[Mnpctech]

The 900D front plate is made from Anodized Black aluminum. We're going to retain this factory finish.

Use Measuring Square or Ruler, to measure out 1" framed border around the Corsair's 900D plate

Put on your Safety Glasses, before using any Power Tools.

Using Rotary Tool with 1.5" Cutting Wheel, to make four incision cuts on each of the four sides. This step is necessary, before you can use the Jigsaw to remove the center.

Using Jigsaw with 18 TPI bi-metal cutting blade to remove the center of the plate you measured out.

The center section of the plate has been cut.

Using Hand File to fix and clean the jagged edges of the cut out. You'll want to remove the masking tape, so you can better view your progress with the file.

Modder's Mesh, Round, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...n-slotted-diamond-round-hex/modders-mesh.html

I'm attaching Round Modder's Mesh to the backside of the front plate.

Measure out piece of Round Modder's Mesh to 15" LONG by 7.25" WIDE.

Use Tin Snip or Metal Cutting Shear to cut the Round Modder's Mesh

Attach the Round Modder's Mesh to backside of the front plate with Spring Loaded clamps. You can also use small C-clamps.

Apply Painter's Tape around the edge of the mesh on back on front side of the plate. This is to help prevent any ScotchWeld DP-190 epoxy from running off the Modders Mesh onto the plate.

I'll be using ScotchWeld DP-190 to attach Round Modder's Mesh to backside of the plate. You'll need to wear Latex gloves, when using the ScotchWeld DP-190.*You can manually push the two cylinders of Epoxy in DP-190 Cartridge onto a piece of cardboard. Then mix the two epoxies together with a long wood nail or pop-rivet.*Otherwise*3M sells a ScotchWeld Applicator Gun[/url], for $70.00 with spiral mixing tip, for ScotchWeld

 

[Mnpctech]

Wearing latex glove, use your finger to evenly smear the ScotchWeld DP-190 epoxy into the perforations of the Round Modder's Mesh

Use a cloth or rag, to wipe off any epoxy run-off from the sides of the plate

Wear filtered Respirator Mesh before applying any paint.

Apply paint in well ventilated area, preferably outdoors with temperature around 72F

I'm painting the backside of the mesh first, starting with coat of SEM brand self etching primer. Allow it to cure for one hour before applying Krylon "Rust Tough" "Semi-Flat" Black *paint. Allow "Rust Tough" to cure for 24 hours.

Mask off the front frame, and repeat same steps for painting the front of the plate.

After 24 hours, remove the tape.

Close up of the bezel plate.

Step back and admire your work!

You can use this technique to attach Modder's Mesh to create cooling vents in other panels.

Please share any questions or comments!

 

[tarmc]

Thats a pretty awesome mod good job. would there be another way to attach it other than epoxy?

 

[Mnpctech]

GOOP is cheaper alternative, http://www.homedepot.com/p/Amazing-Goop-3-7-fl-oz-All-Purpose-Adhesive-140211/202533796 I prefer the more expensive Scotchweld DP-190 for all of my custom applications, because it bonds better than anything else, including metal-on-metal or metal-on-plastic. My custom PC builds typically travel around for events, so I'll pay for the assurance in knowing the pieces won't come loose.

I'll be sharing future DIY guides here when time allows!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Not to "diss" MNPC Tech -- I've bought various hard-to-find items from them, and hope they stay in business.

The modder's mesh doesn't seem any different from either "perf-steel" or "perf-aluminum" -- perforated sheets -- which can be had at a metals store of your town's industrial zone. I've used it for these same purposes before, and probably will do so again.

 

[Mnpctech]

I appreciate your support! As some of you may know already, frozencpu was our largest retailer of Mnpctech products. After their aftermath, Anandtech members welcomed me here with kind words. I've been working hard to expand upon the variety of custom parts we make for our webstore, which will include liquid cooling components. It's taking a long time, but we're in this market for the long haul. We just celebrated our 14 year anniversary. I believe the reason we've survived is that we won't compromise quality just to make higher profit. When you buy the billet parts we make, you can feel and see how your money was invested. I like products that are built to last. So please be patient as we work toward expanding and creating more unique products for everybody.

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