case modding question..FANS

[XSeaNX]

Ok so I want to add a fan to the side of a cooler master ATC-210 and for those of you who know the case KNOW this is not a cheap case.....whats the best way to cut a hole so I dont dent the aluminum or scratch it. I was thinking of using a dremel or something like that...but what works best for you guys to keep from denting? I plan to add an 80mm or 92mm fan with a modded fangrill on the outside to pull air IN. what do you think? worth it or shoud I just go for a PCI slot cooler?

Sean

[NuclearHeadache]

slot cooler are not that effective. Use a hole saw, jigsaw, or a dremel cutting from the inside of the panel so you don't scratch the outside. And be patient, take your time, cus if you scratch the outside somehow it won't look very nice.
I used a rotary tool to make a hole for my 120mm ystech. It took me about 30 minutes and I wasted 5 cutting disks.
But the hole looks good and not a scratch around it.

[Mark]

i have never cut a hole in a case before but i would use a holesaw and put the panel on a piece of wood so you have something to push against and not bend the panel.


i have a coolermaster 201 and thought about cutting a hole over my video card but wonder where i can get a new side panel from if i messed it up.

[m4a2t0t]

use a hole saw u'll get the nicest hole and then use some sandpaper to clean the edges

[XSeaNX]

how much is a hole saw, what sizes do they come in and can I buy one for a dremmel?

[NuclearHeadache]

very pricey, many sizes, and no.

problem is you'll need a drill, hole saw and you'll need to buy an arbour.

[XSeaNX]

lol Im new to case modding...what the HELL is an arbour? and the drill is not a problem, my dads got enough tools to have a whole crew of 20 working on 20 different things without a problem :D

but I really dont want to have to buy another tool aghhhh :mad:

lol....I might have to...and how pricey can a hole saw really cost?

[m4a2t0t]

Originally posted by XSeaNX
how much is a hole saw, what sizes do they come in and can I buy one for a dremmel?

hole saw is like $15 for a 120mm and gets lower for smaller sizes,can get it in many sizes,u can buy some of the with a arbor attached but u need a drill.i would buy the arbor seperate if u plan to make different size holes and a arbor is like 10-15 bucks.go to lowes if ya got one

[m4a2t0t]

Originally posted by XSeaNX
lol Im new to case modding...what the HELL is an arbour? and the drill is not a problem, my dads got enough tools to have a whole crew of 20 working on 20 different things without a problem :D

but I really dont want to have to buy another tool aghhhh :mad:

lol....I might have to...and how pricey can a hole saw really cost?

u'll probably want a 3/8" arbor depends on the drill size
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/a/ab/leno/holesaw.htm?L+coastest+hlcr3012ffb21cb2+1013980861

[m4a2t0t]

what size holes u planning on making

[XSeaNX]

probably either 80mm or 120mm havent decided yet...and hell I might not even do it because the comp isnt put together anyway...might find out that it runs cool....ofcourse its good to know what ya gotta have before you overclock ;) .

also anyone know the formula for mm to inches?

[Mark]

25.4mm = 1 inch

[NuclearHeadache]

I can tell you to expect high temps with the asus. Especially with that XP of yurs. Plus, case fans look cool :D

[MartialArtist12]

A slot cooler costed me $5 and it lowered system temps by 3*C and video card temps by 5*C. Not worth it, huh :rolleyes:

[Jim]

Originally posted by MartialArtist12
A slot cooler costed me $5 and it lowered system temps by 3*C and video card temps by 5*C. Not worth it, huh :rolleyes:

What do you expect a $5 fan to do, lower temps by 10degrees or more Celcius? For the price of going to McDonald's once or twice, you're keeping your system just a little cooler. If you don't like that, then I'll be happy to take the cooler off of your hands.

[NuclearHeadache]

Originally posted by MartialArtist12
A slot cooler costed me $5 and it lowered system temps by 3*C and video card temps by 5*C. Not worth it, huh :rolleyes:

They still suck. Most of them take up 2 PCI slots. Buy a vid card cooler and cut out an exhaust. Don't be lazy

[XSeaNX]

now wait, you saying the asus board isnt worth it? I havent heard of any issues with them....ofcourse that doesnt mean ****, and all the slot coolers Ive seen only take up one PCI and also the case has 7 slots...and my mobo only holds up to 5....now thats two extra slots that are just gonna sit there? lol and I know they look cool....but how loud can I expect this thing to run with 3 80mm fans (possibly one 120mm fan instead of an extra 80mm) on it and possibly a slot cooler? .....now Im not gonna lie and say an extra fan doesnt look cool esp. with a cool fan cut grill... but I like silencing also...anyone know any super quiet fans out there?