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How hard is it to add a window to your case?

S

slimbim

Senior member
I am thinking about installing a window to the side of my computer.
How hard is it really to install one? Any advice from experiences?

And where and what kind is the best window kit to buy?

also is it possible to actually cut the glass? or make a blowhole in the glass? All windows I've seen seems a little big...

Thanks,
Slim
 
Here is a review I did of a blue window kit, it also shows how to do it OCModShop they are allways, at least for me quite easy to cut however installing the window to the modling is allways a task. I have also done it myself before where I got a sheet of plexi and my own shape with a scroll saw and cut my case. I will be doing a guide on how to do one from scratch soon.
 
im currently adding a window to my case... i dont have access to a jigsaw which everyone recommends so i had to use a dremel... it could cut pretty good too... but it takes a lot longer and u use up a lot of wheels...especially on the curves. Im just waiting for my window... UPS takes too long. 🙁
 
My friend and I are starting to receive more orders for case cutting.

Here's the scoop. If you send us your case side or top or bottom (flat pieces only), we can precision cut flat pieces of aluminum, steel, acrylic, pretty much almost anything. Basically we program your cut, perform the cut, cut a matching piece of acrylic, and a piece of rubber outlining, and ship it back via Fedex. Most people want rectangular or square cuts, circles and other shapes are very possible as well. If you need complex silhouettes and whatnot, of course the price goes up as programming takes extra long for those. The service is about $45 altogether including matching acrylic, window rubber, and a copy of your CAD programming. Fedex return shipping varies depends on where it's going.

The cutter that we use is an Omax 55100 abrasive watermachine center. It cuts at 40,000 PSI - can cut through cases like Lian-Li style aluminum like butter, 3" worth of steel is just the same. Cuts are so smooth on the edges that you can run your fingers along the edge no problem. Cuts are programmed in via CAD and are done with precise vibration-free motion. It does not bend your piece, nor will it create stressed or heat-affected zones which are very difficult to fix.

If you are interested please PM me or e-mail me at dong@1337machines.com. Cuts usually take about a 15 minutes to program, but it's the machine that is expensive which is what drives the cost up. As far as I know, there is no process of case-cutting superior.
 
Thank you for the offer, but the cost is a little too high for me right now. Plus, I already have a dremel tool, so might as well put that to good use.

I've been searching around, and seems like NewEgg has the window kits for lowest cost. Have anyone ordered them from NewEgg?

Or can anyone refer me to a store or website where I can buy a good kit for not tooooo much money?

Thank you.
Slim
 
I just did my first case mod a little while ago, added a window and painted. I am not Mr. Home Improvement so i borrowed my uncles dremel, and never had any experience cutting metals or anything like that. To sum it up it went suprisingly easier then expected. I bought some plexiglass from Lowes for $10, cut a hole in the side of my case. I couldn't find any siding for it, but i hear you can get it from a auto parts store. I went through about 10-15 wheels. Make sure the plexi doesnt melt together after cutting it, and if it does, do not try to force it apart, just recut it. I got lazy near the end and just duct taped the window on the back of the panel. It is not noticable unless you look on the inside, but it could have been done better. All in all took me about 2 hours, from shutdown to bootup. I plan on doing another one soon, a little more professional, ill probably order a window kit. I was easier then i expected. 🙂 Happy Modding
 
The window kits are mostly acrylic.
What is acrylic?
and is it possible to cut a blowhole in acrylic window?

Thanks again.
 


<< The window kits are mostly acrylic.
What is acrylic?
and is it possible to cut a blowhole in acrylic window? >>



Acrylic is the type of glass we use mostly. If you prefer we can use different types of plexiglass or lexan at different costs.

It is very possible to cut whatever design you need, it just needs to be programmed. A lot of people have been requesting the biohazard symbol in 80mm sizes on the windows...just an idea. If you need more info e-mail me 🙂

EDIT: oops got my words mixed around 🙂

Dong
 
It seems like all the window mods I have seen all have the rubber outline around the window. I don't really like the way this looks. Is this necessary?
 
>>It seems like all the window mods I have seen all have the rubber outline around the window. I don't really like the way this looks. Is this necessary?


www.coolerguys.com has windows that don't use the rubber outline, but instead a flat black trim like a frame, if you are interested.
 
The advantage of having the rubber is that you don't have to rivet or screw in the side pieces, and it can accomodate lots of shapes, such as circles and ovals. If you had an "L" shaped window like a lot of people ask me to cut, then that would require 6 trim pieces to be cut instead of just one long rubber piece, and ideally at least two screws for each trim piece. 🙂 Just a thought. If you need any pointers on installing a rubber piece let me know...

If you didn't want the rubber pieces, the real way to do it would be to do it PC65 style, cut the hole out, a window that's a little bit bigger than the hole, and punch it in with a rivet gun. I do believe Lian-Li uses the tapping method of cutting the window hole, great for cutting mass quantities....

Also for the guy who asked me about acrylic, that's the kind of glass that lian-li uses in their PC65.
 
i have also been considering and really wanted to cut a window in my case and cutting blow holes etc lately. i never done it before, and depending on how difficult it is, i might buy a kit or do it myself... anyone who has advice, hints whatever, id appreciate it, thanks.
 
Yes, be sure to have a lot of dremel bits ready (if you're using a dremel) and a lot of heavy grit sand paper. Also, be sure you draw what you want out with a sharpie on the inside of the case, trust me it helps a lot. 🙂
 
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