Planning a case mod, asking a few questions first...

massahwahl

VIP Member
So the past several weeks ive been looking at some different ideas for case mods to attempt and I think I want to build a wooden case.

So my plan is to use the motherboard tray and rear of the case I have right now (Its a Xion, stay away because their crap!) and build the wooden case around it. Im planning on attaching the side door using hinges with a wooden piece and a clear plexiglass window.

My questions are concerning how to wire up a power switch and activity LEDs like a normal case has. what options would I have and how difficult is it to wire and make the activity and LED's operate correctly. Could I simply use the existing wires and attach them to a toggle switch for power?

The other question is about my power supply which is antec 700 watt. Ive seen some projects where the power supply case was removed so just the inards were mounted to the case. Is this dangerous and does it provide any cooling benefits?

Also, if i wanted to add LED lights to the inside where do you connect them for power?

My big issue for doing this project is because the Xion case I have runs really really hot and its too cramped to do much with all the cables that are inside it. So Making this case more spacious will allow more airflow and some seriously needed cable management. Any ideas? Anyone ever do i wooden case here before?
 
I have a weird suggestion....

You know how a keyboard slides out from under your desk?

How about a sliding door? :eek:

Genius i know. :)
 
You should be able to wire everything to the front panel headers like normal. It might be easiest to salvage the LEDs from a case, at least for the connectors. For the switch, make sure it is not a latch/toggle switch. It should complete the circuit when pressed then break the circuit. I wouldn't suggest taking the power supply shroud off. It should be designed such that the airflow is ducted by it, so it would be similar to taking the side off of a computer - some areas will be cooler and others may heat up. Not to mention you void the warranty.
 
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