run out of 5.25" drive bays and still have more to put in

[LepineY]

I need to add some extra mod equipment to an already filled up drive compartments.
I have an extra DVD writer, VU meters, Alpcacool LCD display. All 5.25" stuff.
Trouble is I have used up all the 5.25" drive bays already.
Any advise on adding extra bays?
I don't mind cutting away the top of the case and building on top.
Just have'nt had any inspiration or seen any good raw materials.

I look forward to your comments!

Y

[slaveofconvention]

The only way I can think of to do this convincingly and with any strength would be to buy a second case - a super-cheap one will do, as long as it has the 5.25 bays you need, then attach it to the top of your current case - to make it look right though, will almost certainly mean some accurate cutting, lots of bondo work and a full paint job... At least with this option, you don't have to do loads of fabrication and you know before you start that the bays will be exactly the right size with mounting holes in precisely the right spots...

Instead of a super-cheap case, if you can get the same case as you've got already, it may well look more stock when you're done. By the time you've done all of that, you might find you'd have been better off just buying a bigger case instead, although, admittedly, that's not as much fun :P

[d_stilgar]

I don't know how big your case is, but you might be able to cut some holes in the back of the case and rivet some supports to the bottom of the case to make a few rear 5.25 slots. I've thought about doing this before on a few cases because there are some 5.25 devices that would just be better back there.

[Kayin]

Just how much are you trying to stuff in there?

I noticed "extra DVD writer," with today's tech there's no need for more than one-I can't tell you the last time I burned up a drive. Disk to disk with today's tech is just about as fast either way.

Also, see if you could decase stuff like VU meters and mount them in more "interesting" locations. There's lots of possibilities for stuff like that.

[x88x]

I think most of the general stuff has been covered, but actually seeing your setup would help the suggestions flow.

We can has pics?

[FuzzyPlushroom]

And, of course, if you have space below, feel free to drill out your HDD bays, cut the front sheet metal of your case, and rivet in some 5.25" bays from a different case, thus building your own Antec 900.

[chaksq]

My vote is some of those components like LCDs of fan controllers, just have bezels that mount in 5.25" bays, dissasemble them and make them intergral into your case. Like mod the LCD into the front or sidepanel or fan controls on the top of the case. Be creative!

[LepineY]

After viewing the galleries I am thinking a cheap power supply unit with the insides stripped will make an excellent box to house more 5.25 drive bays. Mount the box on top or on the side of the case.
What do you think of that idea?
I'll try to put some pics soon.
Y