making new fan slots

[syconub]

ok. So i went out and i got my parts for my new rig. As usual compusa tried to sell me stuff i didnt need, but i resisted. I got a cheap 29$ case without psu. Two Fan slots, and i am going to be overclocking alot of stuff, so i needed best thermal management i can get. I saw a set of tools to cut the case covers so you can fit in a custum acrylic window. Could I use these tools to make a fan slot?? And if i can, how should I cut it so i get the most efficiency from my fan, make it look apealing, and not destroy my case? (that is, if you guys do this)





btw, i havent bought the set of case tools yet. Should i go with this idea, or is there another way i can get more thermal management without buying a new case?

 

[imported_whatever]

presuming that you want to use 80mm fans, just buy a 3" hole saw. it will fit on any 3/8" drill, and should cut the case fine. you will most likely want to use a corded model as opposed to a cordless model, as the cordless drills frequently do not have as much torque.

 

[syconub]

well, i was going to use 80mm fans,correct. But I only have doorknob ones for wood. Would that work without hurting the bit?

 

[xbassman]

I bought a 3"(76mm) hole saw @ Lowes and it has worked fine. cost me $15 though.

I wind up using my Dremel every time I mod a case though. The only problem I have with that tool is the battery looses charge before I can finish. I am going to replace it with this soon. You can cut fan holes with one of these also, but it takes a lot more time and isn't as neat.

BTW- I used the holesaw to cut through metal and acrilic pic

I learned a bit in the process. I wound up cutting a hole in a 2x4 to use as a guide and clamp it to the case. The holes in the pic I linked to are pretty messy. I was trying to hold steady with a hand drill.

 

[0roo0roo]

your better off buying a nice case with decent airflow already for a few bucks more. buying a dremel(30+bux) and whatever else u need to hack up your cheap case is just adding work and money to a pos case.

if u already have the tools and know how, and you happen to have an old case lying around thats another thing. but buying a new cheap case to try to make it better.. waste of time.

 

[xbassman]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
your better off buying a nice case with decent airflow already for a few bucks more. buying a dremel(30+bux) and whatever else u need to hack up your cheap case is just adding work and money to a pos case.

if u already have the tools and know how, and you happen to have an old case lying around thats another thing. but buying a new cheap case to try to make it better.. waste of time.

Well said!

Gotta start with a solid foundation.

 

[0roo0roo]

yea, its changed these last few years. way back cases just plain sucked in general. you were almost required to cut out pathetic mostly blocked fan grills and such, but these days the situation is much improved. case designers have made airflow and ease of priorities and have learned a decent bit from the modders. you can mod that cheap case to have all the nice tooless entry/install features many new cases have. plain convenient when you need to do upgrades whatever. and some cheap cases still have all those evil sharp edges. nothings worth being sliced and diced.

 

[stevennoland]

You guys are missing the point. syconub already has the case. Stop with the what he should have done. Sheesh! As far as cutting a 3" hole: get (buy, barrow) a Rotozip (again corded) and get (buy, barrow) their hole cutting attachment. I used mine to cut 2 holes for 120mm fans. Works great! Good luck.