what are the dissadvantages to using an acrylic case?

[rendermandan]

So I'm mostly finished with my water cooling project and I'm working on designing the case for it to mount to. I was considering using this acrylic case, http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-9bay-acrylic-clear.html

Most of the case will be covered but to allow the design I"m shooting for, I need the case to be clear. Hard to explain but trust me.

The question I have is, are there any disadvantages to using acrylic cases? In terms of static electricity? mounting of components? weight? Ease of access to the case (It looks more complicated to take the side window off) etc.

Thanks!

Dan

[crenn]

From the acrylic cases I've seen, there isn't a problem with static, it's not as strong as a steel case, so if you drop it (not that you would do it intentionally) it will break easier, but it is lighter than a steel case.

[.Maleficus.]

I don't really see a big problem with acrylic cases, especially if you plan to cover most of it. Thing that turns me off of them is you can see EVERYTHING, but that won't be a problem for you.

[dgrmkrp]

steel is stronger :) acrylic is easier to 'kill'. Nice sig btw :) Can't wait to see what u do with the case, after seeing the turbine ;)

My recommendation: use some kind of steel/aluminum skeleton, the pieces of acrylic.
oh, do you want to build it yourself (and cannibalize the new case), or use a case and build upon it?

[D1337]

Some acrylic cases come as parts and you have to build it, and according to newegg customers, the manual sucks and its gonna take awhile. so make sure you read through it carefully.

[DaJe]

I have a Sunbeam acrylic case. Any specific questions you have for me? And yes, I did have to build mine, but the manual was good and it's fun to build things. Wans't hard.

[rendermandan]

Thanks, I understand that I have to assemble it. Infact its a good thing that it comes apart, saves me from having to dissasemle it. As for dust. most of it will be covered up. the main reason I want to use the acrylic is so I don't ahve to cut a million feet of slots in the case to create "Windows" for light to escape. -Kind of like what I did with the el wire, only going to use the light from inside the case from some cold cathodes to escape. There will be alot of window on the left side anyway. so its easier for me to cover up what I dont' want, vs. cut what I need open. another plus is that my openings can continue around corners, and front.

Unfortunally, the more I look at it, the more I notice things like the 2 120mm holes in the sides, that I dont' want there, or the thumbscrews holding everyting together and exposed on the exterior. -maybe I can come up with a way to hide them. just not sure yet.

[dgrmkrp]

..Or you could buy another case :) You need the 9 bays? If not, look at other types made by sunbeam, logisys or others.. Or mod around the holes.. :) The thumbscrews can be changed with flat head screws.. This is something minor after doing the turbine ;)

[organicpuzzle]

I have had my acrylic case for about two years and it's barely holding together. All the screw holes are proprietary so I couldn't use thumb screws and that meant unscrewing and screwing long skinny screws in every time I did something. The case is too flimsy for my liking anymore. It looks great on a desk though, so if you're not the kind of person to take their computer places you might like it. Since you're doing liquid cooling you won't have a problem with the noise levels as I do with several fans. It certainly impresses everyone who sees it (especially the guy who I'm selling it to). Looks cool with UV.