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Custom case side panels

Post Date: 2009-03-20
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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Custom case side panels
    Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 10:03pm
I'm not sure what the proper term is, but if I get standard case X what would it take to have a custom design on the side? I'm talking one of the see-through ones, so maybe cutting the panel and filling it with acrylic or somesuch. I guess "EL applique" is a term used all over the place now but I can't figure out what the "EL" stands for.

Any recommendations? Is it possible to do on a standard case, such as one that DS sells, without degrading performance or rebuilding the case?
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tman5890 View Drop Down
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Posts: 282 		  Quote tman5890 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 10:49pm
I suggest going with the HAF case. It already has a sinde window and it's one of the best cases available.
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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 11:07pm
I have no doubts about the case itself, the reviews I've read are great. After looking around a bit more it I think I'm looking for a dremel-cut or some other sort of design taken out of the case material so the light inside can shine through it, or any acrylic behind it can be lit with LEDs or something along those lines. I have a picture in my head of exactly what I want, I just need to figure out if I can do it without butchering the case.
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issues1975 View Drop Down
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Posts: 198 		  Quote issues1975 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 11:19pm

I would say give DS a call and ask. They are very helpful and I'm sure they could let you know if that picture in your head can be made into reality.

My guess is if they can't do it, they may be able to get close. Remember, if you find a really nice case you like, you can request for them to order it for your build... Wacko

 
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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 11:24pm
Wait, what? I thought they tweaked the hardware and didn't do case mods?
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issues1975 View Drop Down
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Posts: 198 		  Quote issues1975 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 11:31pm
There's a section for chassis mods. They're only available with the 1050Si though. They only say drilled and mounted side window w/fan but maybe they can do something a little different...
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Onkel_Ken View Drop Down
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Posts: 2961 		  Quote Onkel_Ken Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 11:33pm
The HAF 932 is nice as it is!
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issues1975 View Drop Down
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Posts: 198 		  Quote issues1975 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 20 Mar 2009 at 11:46pm
Originally posted by Onkel_Ken

The HAF 932 is nice as it is!
 
 
 
 
While I agree with you (it's what I used for my setup), the HAF has a very utilitarian look to it. If you want something sleek or stylish, the HAF is not for you.
 
The 1050Si does have a more stylish look to it but in doing so, it sacrifices airflow...
 
EDIT: Oh yeah and of course there are the custom paint jobs as well. Ouch


Edited by issues1975 - 20 Mar 2009 at 11:56pm
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DST4ME View Drop Down
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 1:02am
1050i is a plastic case, I would not use it if you paid me.

other cases can't give you what HAF gives you. question is are you more worried about looks or performance?

you can always go with a 950si and spend more money on getting 4 fans on the side.

Edited by DST4ME - 21 Mar 2009 at 1:02am

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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 2:35pm
I found a company a few blocks from me that will gladly laser cut a case panel for me, and they've done it quite a few times already. :D I live in Grand Rapids, MI, home to Herman-Miller, Steelcase, and a ton of companies that make parts for the auto industry. I figured there was someone nearby who could do this for me, I just didn't know they'd be so close!

The head of the development studio that makes my favorite game, Sword of the Stars, commented on my "where can I get a good pic of logo X" post and said they'd have to talk to the art guys on Monday. I think that means I'll be getting a graphic good enough to put into DXF or EPS! *geeked out*

Now, what case will I bless this design with? Well, one I can get an extra side panel or two on, plus whatever DS will recommend when I contact them.

To answer DST4ME's question, I've never owned anything above a "midgrade...two years ago" computer and this is my first performance system. However, I <3 the image I want cut and would really like to make this work. If my system needs a case that is incompatible with this idea then so be it.

Thanks for the info everyone.


Edited by Glacialis - 21 Mar 2009 at 2:57pm
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<8) slunK parade View Drop Down
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Posts: 798 		  Quote <8) slunK parade Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 5:27pm
The Lian-Li PC80 has an extra avalible side door. that has a window
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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 6:59pm
Nah, looking for a solid panel now.
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DST4ME View Drop Down
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 7:02pm
950 case here is not solid for you? I believe it comes with a window or solid if you like.

Edited by DST4ME - 21 Mar 2009 at 7:02pm

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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 8:24pm
I was replying to slunK :). Actually, I'm now wondering if I can cut the right-side panel of the HAF case and not mess up the cooling. I haven't seen one in person and it's hard to tell from the pictures, but if it's structurally sound and I can get a spare panel for it I'm doin it.
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DST4ME View Drop Down
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 8:29pm
you can find spare parts for it here you can find both left and right

Edited by DST4ME - 21 Mar 2009 at 8:30pm

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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 8:34pm
The Cooler Master site is a pain to navigate. Thank you!!
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DST4ME View Drop Down
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 21 Mar 2009 at 8:46pm
Pleasure

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<8) slunK parade View Drop Down
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Posts: 798 		  Quote <8) slunK parade Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 22 Mar 2009 at 2:11am
the stock Lian Li panel is solid mate
thought u were looking for a window tho so i suggested the secondary panel they had for it
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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 22 Mar 2009 at 10:39am
But I'm getting a HAF 932 ;)
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tman5890 View Drop Down
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Posts: 282 		  Quote tman5890 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 22 Mar 2009 at 11:26am
Good choice!
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DST4ME View Drop Down
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 22 Mar 2009 at 12:45pm
IMO great choice, you get a great case and the logo you want

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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 22 Mar 2009 at 1:50pm
http://cmstore.coolermaster-usa.com/product_info.php?cPath=18_25&products_id=134

The 932 seems to have a design on the right panel. How feasible is it to get a replacement panel that's flat? Likely a DS question.
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DST4ME View Drop Down
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 22 Mar 2009 at 5:02pm
you have to call DS for that

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Glacialis View Drop Down
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Posts: 32 		  Quote Glacialis Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 22 Mar 2009 at 10:56pm
I will. I was looking at the Lian Li cases and they're oh-so easy to mod the way I want, but HAF932 still performs better.

I do have kind of a dusty room, it happens to be my bedroom and if I can't turn ALL the lights off -- including the front fan light -- I'll have to turn the system off every night. I don't want to do that, but I think I saw somewhere I can get fans with no LEDs in them if it really bugs me.

Still searching for that lighting panel...
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