The Basics

[Jake2k]

This is gonna be my first computer case mod, I've done a few small xbox mods but nothing too crazy yet. With this case I hope to learn all the basics so that when the time comes to do my next one I can push it a little further.

I'm starting with a Compaq Presario SR1/2 case and I'm still trying to figure out exactly how I want it to look so I'm taking suggestions. I know that I want it to be minimal and clean, this might be a little easier because I will not be including a cd/dvd drive or gfx card in this build since I use neither.

What I will need to fit in the case is a micro-ATX motherboard, psu, multi-card reader(3.5"), two standard hdds, and I'd like to get some usb ports in there somewhere. Here is the case as it looks now, I've sand blasted the front and side panel but thats about it so far:

There's more photos in my Flickr gallery, link is in my sig.

So far this is what I'm thinking for the design:

*Shave the front panel and add two 120mm fans, one closer to the top and another near the bottom leaving me a little area in the center for a single power button.

*Cut out the drive holders and fabricate a custom one to hold the two hdds maybe in front of one of the fans for cooling.

*Place the card reader and usb ports so they are accessible from the top of the case.

*Maybe add some windows to the side and/or top.

*Sleeve everything.

*Fab. new back plate without any expansion slots to make room for a couple of smaller fans.

I still havent figured out how i want to do the front if I put the fans there, maybe use some mesh or design and cut a plate to fit over them.

As far as tools and equipment go I'm pretty much covered, I work in a fabrication and machining shop on the press and I have access to a laser cutter, cnc, lathes, wire edm, drills, drop saws, sand blaster, etc. plus lots of scrap metal.

So if anyone has anyone help or maybe some design influence please let me hear is because I'm open to all suggestions! Thanks for reading!

In case anyone is curious here are the hardware specs:

MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with on-board ATI Radeon HD 4200
CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 620 2.6GHz 95W Quad-Core (stock cooler for now)
RAM: G.SKILL 2 x 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 1066 Dual Channel
HDD: 150GB Western Digital & 75GB Seagate
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2

(Should be getting everything tomorrow! Feb. 16)

[blueonblack]

This build has potential, that will be a very large case for such minimal hardware. Do you plan to run a large heat sink on the CPU or will that be minimal as well?

[Jake2k]

Yea I was thinking about picking up a larger heatsink and maybe later on water cooling since I can fab my own water blocks.

[Jake2k]

Ok I think I've decided to go with the two 120mm fans up front and a power button between them. For the button I was thinking something like Mnpctech's "Vandal Resistant Power Switch" but with a light around the button, I've seen them like that before but I don't remember where.

Anyone have any suggestion on the best way to go about mounting these fans?

Proposed placement:

Shave and bondo the front panel then bolt them to the case?

Looks like they will fit:

I looks like I can attach them to the case and once I shave everything off the front panel they should just fit. Any idea or suggestions?

[SXRguyinMA]

I used this switch in my rockin case build, it may be what you're lookin for. I also have that same case that I cut up for my Monster project, which has been put on hold semi-permanently

[NightrainSrt4]

Nice! Feel free to take any ideas you can use from my mod of the same case. I only have basic hand tools, so it'd be interesting to see what you can pull off with all that at your disposal. I'm waiting on spring to come so I can finish up the body work/paint.

Overload

[cellsite60]

This looks interesting. Sub'ed.

[Jake2k]

I used this switch in my rockin case build, it may be what you're lookin for. I also have that same case that I cut up for my Monster project, which has been put on hold semi-permanently

Yep thats them, I found them on FrozenCpu.com but the place you posted is cheaper so thanks

Nice! Feel free to take any ideas you can use from my mod of the same case. I only have basic hand tools, so it'd be interesting to see what you can pull off with all that at your disposal. I'm waiting on spring to come so I can finish up the body work/paint.

Overload

Weird coincidence that we both decided to stick two huge fans in the front grill haha, what kind of work went into "flipping" the case?

This looks interesting. Sub'ed.

Thank you!

[Jake2k]

Here is the idea so far:

Basically seperate the top half of the case from the bottom with either plexi or alu, and have the psu and both hdds in there. Plus it will give me a place to hide wires.

Oh and you guys like copper right?

[cellsite60]

Ohhh copper is nice