Modding a 6890A

[Trip2way]

I got this case this case and want to mod the front cover somehow to enable better airflow into the case.

Here is a look at the case and how it all goes together.

If you looked and can see how the two front 80mm fans mount you should be able to follow what I hope to accomplish.

I would like to create a tunnel per'say through the chassis and out through the front cover that would allow the air to flow directly into the case.
See....when the front cover as attached air that is being sucked into the case at the fan openings is now being sucked from all over the front cover (still going in at the fan openings)
Take into consideration that most of the airflow is still directed through the front covers' air vents and filter but has a tendency to pull from other openings in the cover THUS reducing the airflow.
With some type of direct airflow I hope to accomplish the same ambient temps I get with the cover off when its on.

Any ideas , suggestions , experience?

Brent

BTW...Ambient temps rise 4 to 6 degrees C with the cover on. :frown:

 

[SuperPickle]

I had the same issue with the 'Alien Hydrolic' case. In my case, I cut out some of the front grill. In your case, drilling out the holes in the front with a slightly bigger holes will make a big difference. Also, many cases have a small square cutout at the bottom of the plastc bezel (toward the floor)--making this bigger and making sure that the case isn't sitting on a carpet or somthing that'll plug up the hole will help alot. This might be enough to avoid crazy case-modding or ducting.

 

[Trip2way]

Nothing wrong with some 'crazy case modding' now is there?

Would a duct work with some type of filter?

 

[SuperPickle]

What exactly are you considering ducting? Intake fans, I assume but just a straight duct from the front or are you looking to pull the air from somewhere else? And no, there is nothing wrong with crazy-modding...I dig it but some people don't want to chop the crap out of their case
A note on filtering: in my experience, filters cut airflow quite a bit. I decided to go unfiltered due to this, but my place is so dusty and smoky that I have to blow out the case weekly. I chose performance over conveinence.

 

[Trip2way]

Yes, I am considering a duct through the front cover.

The filter DOES restrict the air flow...But the design of the cover restricts the flow even more.
It works but just not as effiecent as I would like.

Filtering is a concern but not a priority. Thats why I asked here with all the exprience of Anandtech'ers.

When you cut out some of the front grill in your case did you leave the cut open or add trim or molding or what?

 

[SuperPickle]

If you've seen the "alienware hydrolic" case up-close, the grill sort of weaves in and out of itself...kinda hard to describe. I cut out 1/2 of the plastic interleave mesh with a full-flush wirecutters then filed down anything that wasn't pretty. In your case, ducting might be a better choice and will give you the best flow of all (open). I remember reading an article about a guy that used painted plastic funnels cut-to-size for his front ducts, but golly if I don't recall where I read that how-to. pretty sure I read it on this forum though...anyone?

I thing maybe it's here but I can't seem to get there now. If it's wrong, sorry.

 

[Trip2way]

Funnels....Hmmm

Sounds interesting.
I'll look into it.....since I run an Auto Parts Store it shouldn't be a problem finding one huh?