Legacy case on a new system?

[jesterb84]

Hello all,

This is my first post here and it's a very simple question. I have a second post but that's for another topic in another sub-forum. My current system (a SFF Shuttle) is on its last legs and I'm looking to build a new Intel Core2 system. I was wondering if I can re-use a very old, generic ATX case that I had for a Celeron 500 system [...lol]. Reason being that my local computer store (Canada Computers) has an absolutely horrendous case selection and those that are half-decent are quite costly (looking to buy a separate power supply too).

Either way, I was quite happy with that case and want to save those extra $50 or so. If I buy a new power supply and stick it into this ~1999-2000 case, can I still latch on a Core2 motherboard and use it as if it were a modern case I just bought today? Would there be any sort of drawbacks to doing this?

 

[Zepper]

You may need to rig some stronger cooling, beyond that it should be fine.

.bh.

 

[WoodButcher]

I'd rather mod an old case that I like than buy a new one that some engineer or salesman insists is the latest greatest bestgottahaveit! This was my first build. Originally it was a Toshiba P3 from People PC, a nice beige color,,,,,

 

[jdkick]

Canada Computers has a ton of cases available online, tho not necessarily in stock at every location... especially the smaller stores. They should be able to order whatever is on their website tho, provided stock is available, or transfer it from their warehouse.

As long as everything fits in the old case you should be fine. I tried to go that route when I built my new machine in January but there were too many hurdles (standoffs were too short, cooling performance was lacking, the case only had room for smaller/louder 1x92mm and 2x80mm fans). The final irritation is that the case wasn't wide enough to install an Accelero S1. I've since purchased a Cooler Master 690 and couldn't be happier. Everything is much cooler (shaved at least 10°C of the CPU temps) and quieter with the 120mm fans and Accelero S1 installed. It's also a lot easier to work on.

 

[jesterb84]

Thanks for the replies, so it seems that it should work! The older case is still quite roomy I believe with 3x 5.25" bays and 2x 3.5" bays exposed, so it should be okay. The point about cooling is great though - never thought about that. Apart from the fan at the back, I'll probably see if I can find one of those PCI fans.

 

[WoodButcher]

The case I pictured had space fo an 80mm in the front, try to get the air to move through the case front bottom to upper back, if you cut out the grills and replace the fans you should be ok. Stamped steel fan grills are restrictive and cause noise. Quality fans make a big difference. The top "blow hole" I cut does not use a fan, I found the fan simply added noise and did not reduce case temps.

 

[jesterb84]

For sure, I'm noticing more and more cases having front fans but the case I have currently does not. What are the tools I need to cut the case because I keep hearing of case modding, etc. but have not done anything before as I don't know how to cut the case.

 

[Zepper]

You can get templates for fan hole cutting on the Sanyo Denki web site, but it is easier just to use a 4.5" hole saw for a 120mm fan - different size hole saw for diff. size fans. The size holes to drill are marked on the templates I mentioned as well as the dimensions between them. easier just to print out a template, tape it to your case and use a center punch to mark the center for the hole saw and the centers of the screw holes. The size of the drill for the screw holes is important only if you plan to use rubber mounting pins as they won't hold if the holes are too big. For screws, you can use washers if the holes get too big. And you may be able to rent the proper size holesaw from a local tool rental place as ones that can cut steel are too expensive unless you plan to enter the case modding biz. Your standard 3/8" drill isn't going to cut it with that size hole saw bit either - so rent a half-incher while you're there. Of course you can do it with a jig-saw with a steel cutting blade too (one of those might be practical to buy) and clean it up with a file. All you have to do is drill a few holes around the circumference for starting and ending points.

.bh.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: jesterb84
For sure, I'm noticing more and more cases having front fans but the case I have currently does not. What are the tools I need to cut the case because I keep hearing of case modding, etc. but have not done anything before as I don't know how to cut the case.

I would say it depends most on what you have as far as tools now and what you'll use in the future, I'm a carpenter so I have and use most of the tools needed to mod anything. A good all round tool is the dremel. It takes patience and practice but is very versatile. For me I use a hole saw bit on my drill to cut fan holes. I just paid $35 for a new 4 1/2", 116mm "bell". It is the blade of the saw and for this you still need the arbor to hold it in the drill, another $20. Kind of expensive to be able to cut one hole! The dremel tool will do many different small jobs so it is more sensible for many to go this way. Ask at your local hardware store or Home Depot / Lowes to look at these different tools and choose what best fits your needs.

 

[jesterb84]

Great, one more question I have regarding the case cooling. Cutting out the steel grill was mentioned and I'd love to do that for both the case I am planning to mod and also for my existing Shuttle. I find the steel grill to be very obstructive myself and would love to remove it. Please see this picture here. How did the person manage to do that? I guess it's another question of what tool I'm looking at here.

 

[jdkick]

I picked up a Dremel knock-off w/ 36-piece accessory kit on sale for $16 today. I know it's not high quality, but it should be fine for infrequent use. And yes, decent metal 4-1/2" or 4-3/8" hole saws certainly carry a premium. I'm keeping my eyes open for some sales as it's hard to justify the cost when the only anticipated use is cutting out the odd 120mm fan grill.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: jesterb84
Great, one more question I have regarding the case cooling. Cutting out the steel grill was mentioned and I'd love to do that for both the case I am planning to mod and also for my existing Shuttle. I find the steel grill to be very obstructive myself and would love to remove it. Please see this picture here. How did the person manage to do that? I guess it's another question of what tool I'm looking at here.

Just a guess but I would say a dremel, he could make that much neater though.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: jdkick
I picked up a Dremel knock-off w/ 36-piece accessory kit on sale for $16 today. I know it's not high quality, but it should be fine for infrequent use. And yes, decent metal 4-1/2" or 4-3/8" hole saws certainly carry a premium. I'm keeping my eyes open for some sales as it's hard to justify the cost when the only anticipated use is cutting out the odd 120mm fan grill.

The dremel "knock off" is a good way to go if your not sure how much it will be used, not so with the hole saw. A hole that large needs a good blade, arbor, and variable speed drill to cut steel. Slow speed is best and do practice . If the bit binds or tears into the steel all hell will break loose in a nanosecond. The dremel if you wear gasses is relatively safe and little damage can be done to your case. I've had broken bones in my hands from drills biting into the work.

 

[Zepper]

OP asks: "How did he do that?"

Probably either a Dremel or nibbler tool. I just cleared the junk out of the Rocketfish's intake vent with my nibbler tool - easy and slick as that is an aluminum case. Just have to touch it up a bid with my off-brand die grinder.

.bh.

 

[jesterb84]

Originally posted by: WoodButcher
Just a guess but I would say a dremel, he could make that much neater though.

Whoops, I thought the dremel was only to drill those little holes for the screws. I googled around a little and found this guide (with lots of pictures) here. Seems I did not realize the dremel has this circular blade thing that you can use to cut the grill out.

 

[WoodButcher]

Hey Zep, what kind of cut does the hand nibbler make? I have an air nibbler that makes small circular "bites", is it similar? will you post a pic of the cut it makes? and what size hole do you need to start?

 

[Zepper]

Needs about a 3/8" hole to start and it makes small rectangular bites - about 5x2mm.

.bh.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Needs about a 3/8" hole to start and it makes small rectangular bites - about 5x2mm.

.bh.

Thanks, I may pick one up to play with.

 

[aigomorla]

NCIX isnt so bad either for online in canada.


But yeah would definitely need an upgrade in cooling.