Missing keys to Aurora 570 case locks. Options?

[ScrollLock]

I have a Gigabyte 3D Aurora 570 case which houses the same company's Galaxy II cooling system. Just today the alarm notifying me the coolant level was low started going off. After much searching I've come to the conclusion the key to unlock the access panel on the side of the case will never be seen again.

I'm going to ask the vendor of the machine for the proper tool but their warranty policy basically scuttles that boat before it leaves the harbor given that it's been over a year since I got the PC. The way I see it, there's several things I could do:

a.) See first-hand, for the first time, what happens when a liquid cooled PC runs out of the coolant. Definitely not my first choice.

b.) Attempt to undo the screws at the back of the case and hopefully gain access to the reservoir that way.

c.) Try to pry off the side access panel, likely doing untold amounts of damage to the case simultaneously.

d.) Look around and see if anyone can sell me the key, since neither the PC vendor nor the case manufacturer are likely to help. My understanding is the key to all Aurora 570 cases are identical.

Since the machine is probably doomed one way or another if I can't get in there, I don't have a lot to lose by ripping the case apart. I thought I would ask around for advice, first. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Quiksilver]

e.) Talk to gigabyte anyway and pay a few bucks to get replacement keys.
f.) Locksmith.

 

[Nathelion]

g) learn the basics of how to pick a lock
h) try any/all suitcase keys you have lying around

 

[Dorkenstein]

Also, maybe there is a DIY on making a skeleton or master type key. Just guessing on that one though.

 

[MichaelD]

After attempting to pick the lock (shouldn't be too hard) you can break the lock. Jam a screwdriver in there then grab the screwdriver handle with a vise-grip plier (or slipjaw pliers) and twist.

Those locks are not that strong; they are meant to be a deterrent, not a "real lock."

You MIGHT damage the side panel a little, though I doubt it. YMMV.

 

[trOver]

your telling me you cant pick the lock on a computer case???

 

[ScrollLock]

My lock picking skills are more or less limited to Thief and Thief 2, much as I might wish otherwise. More than once I got a sword in the back of the head for fumbling around with the wrong lock at the wrong time.

After messing with the locks and clumsily chipping off a few bits of metal I wish I hadn't, I undid two screws in back and removed the entire right side panel of the case. No key needed, and more access than I would have gotten by going through the locked port. If you are imagining me doing the palm-to-forehead thing now, I can safely say that it would reflect reality.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I actually did a little research, and while I didn't find any info regarding this type of lock, at least I know how I might bypass conventional pin-locks now and then. 😀

 

[idiotekniQues]

you guys just helped this guy haxxor the iraqi intelligence reports puter OMGZZZZ!

 

[Nathelion]

lol