A Positive Look at the Antec Nine Hundred (900) Case

[Defratos]

Got a few more questions, how do you manage to make such a clean circular cut at the bottom of the case for the PSU? the clean cut-outs do not seem to be cut out by a dremel, I know if I tried this with a dremel it'll be less than perfectly square and clean.

Another question, what's the best method of fitting feet to the bottom of the case, specifically what do you guys do with the nuts that site under the PSU? so as to not hit it from the bottom.

[hiroman_77]

Defratos, I have seen posts of three ways to create a circular whole.

The first way is the way you mentioned, to use a dremel, and there are talented people on this board that can make it perfect. There are techniques you can use by holding the dremel at a slight angel and using discs that are half used so the circumfrence of the disc is much smaller.

The second way is to use a chassis knockout punch of the right size. This consists of a tool that has two parts that you basically screw together to create a nice clean hole. This tool is pretty expensive though (in the hunderds of $).

The third is to use a hole saw (make sure you get a metal cutting one) that you attach to a drill that you can buy from home depot or other hard ware stores.

The last two seem easier for unskilled folks like myself. Best of luck.

[slamz]

are you refering to the coppor heatsinks around the CPU? I haven't fitted it yet, or even seen if it'll fit. I'll see if I can get around to seeing if it'll fit on the weekend.

i was talking to =>WiLL<= about the little fan on his gigabyte heatsink

[Defratos]

Thanks for the reply, the last method seems to be the easiest, especially since I've already got a drill, just need to get the hole saw. Any idea what size would be perfect for the PSU? I will measure it later on just curiouse if you know of the top of your head

[SpazBoy357]

Thanks for the reply, the last method seems to be the easiest, especially since I've already got a drill, just need to get the hole saw. Any idea what size would be perfect for the PSU? I will measure it later on just curiouse if you know of the top of your head

The size of the hole depends on the size of the fan, they should either match closely or the hole should be bigger to ensure good airflow. For a 120mm fan, I would use a 4.5" or 4.75" hole saw. For a 140mm fan, go to a 5.5". I think that should cover most PSU fans. If you have the option, you can always take your PSU with you when you go to buy the hole saw. That way you make sure it's right.

If you haven't already done so, I recommend looking back through this entire thread. I think there are more than a few posts on just this topic and even some with pictures.

Basic advice for cutting holes in your case:

1) Take everything out and put in a safe place before you cut. Clean up well after you cut. PC's do not like tiny little metal particles.

2) Measure twice and cut once. Take your time.

3) Metal can get hot and sharp when you cut it with power tools. Be careful.

4) Wear eye protection. Though it's not usually a big deal with a hole saw, it's a good habit to get into. Put on safety glasses or goggles every time.

[hiroman_77]

I have seen other posts where users clamp peices of scrap wood to each side of the hole before using the hole saw. From what I hear it gives a cleaner cut and has a lower chance of getting screwed up.

[Defratos]

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it. I've trolled throught most of this thread and have found what you are taking about, it's just soo many pages to read through so I'm like half way =). as for the basic cutting advice

1) I've taken most of the things out, and I've already cut the holes lol (made a few holes I didn't actually need) but you guys will see that sometime later on the week hopefully.

2) Learned this the hard way

3) Learned this the hard way too lol

4) Yup eye protection was the first thing I got (along with the dremel)

unfortunatly I don't have the PSU unit yet, I have to get it ordered from the UK and shipped over as NO ONE in the entire city sells a decent PSU (nothing above 500W) and even then its a crappy little unit. Even trying to find DDR3 memory has been impossible which is why it's being imported over too. I think I'll pay a visit to the hardware store tomorrow and see what they have handy. Thanks again for the replies.

[Defratos]

I have seen other posts where users clamp peices of scrap wood to each side of the hole before using the hole saw. From what I hear it gives a cleaner cut and has a lower chance of getting screwed up.

I'm guessing that you mean a very thin piece of wood like MDF or something right?

[MetalRush]

I used a dremel to cut my airhole (will I get kicked from the board for saying that? ) and a file to finish it (nearly) perfect.
It works like a charm but you have to be patient. Also when you decide to do it with a (hole) saw.

The MDF is to give the plating a little bit more 'body' during cutting (yes, use something like MDF, not a too dence kind of wood. This will only smell like fire or even start one. Remember you are cutting/sawing with a blade for metalcutting so the (safety-)wood will get hot anyways). Otherwise there is a chance the plating will dent or even rip when you are cutting or sawing.
Be sure it is stable and static when you start cutting. You won't be the first who is cutting body parts.
Safety first... a nice 900 second

[=>WiLL<=]

I've got the same mobo as you WiLL, and was wondering how you mounted that little fan to the mobo heatsink? as it looks quite good.

I used a 40x10mm LED fan from FrozenCPU. To attach it to the Gigabyte's northbridge, I used some average screws laying around. The screws will screw in between the fins on the northbridge. Just be careful not to apply a lot of pressure, as this could damage the chip underneath.

[Defratos]

Opps I thought Slamz was talking to me (should of read it clearer) Thanks for the feedback guys, just have to wait for my PSU, Ram, Stands (for case) & U channel Trim moldings to be imported in so it'll be another week of waiting for me but I'll post pics up here once I'm done

[kraifect]

ok I found the Corsair 620W HX Modular PSU, now would 620W be enough to run most things? I don't have a crazy setup like some people on here I've got the following:

Intel Core 2 Quad (Q9450)
Asus P5E3 Premium MB
OCZ 8GB (4 x 2GB) DDR3 1600Mhz
ASUS NVIDIA Geforce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 DVI HDCP HDTV out PCI-E
Only 1 yes 1....Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATA 2 7200rpm
HP DVD1040i 18x DVD RW/RAM Lightscribe
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate x64bit (and please don't comment on the OS I've already lived with it for over a year now)
Zalman CPU cooler (CNPS9700 LED)
and finally 1 x Thermal Control Panel with a 5 slot card reader and two extra USB connections (has an LCD display) not sure how good this is yet so I'll find out soon enough here's a link http://www.ebuyer.com/product/136390

Am I missing anything....humm don't think so, well apart from the PSU which I'm still deciding on

Yeah the corsair should power that without any hesitation at all... im running the same thing 620W Corsair Modular PSU and my specs are if my sig it runs it like a dream.

[Defratos]

cool I've just ordered the RAM & PSU so hopefully should be with me by the end of next week, cheers

[kingzl3y]

[HuffPCair]

I will try to get pics of mine up it isnt anything special, but I am waiting on some cash to come in so I can get another 9800GTX+ and bigger PSU. All the cases I saw though look good nice work everyone.

[Defratos]

does anyone know of a decent wiring extension guide on this forum or on the Internet? I might have to lengthen a few power cables and probably the front audio wires as well for them to fit. I'm new to the whole wiring things so any guidance would be appreciated.

[Defratos]

I got another question (wonder when I'll tick you guys off with my silly questions) anyway, how do I go about removing the original 4 rubber stands That sit at the bottom of the case? are they just glued on? What's the easiest/cleanest way of removing these?

[DoNER90]

I got another question (wonder when I'll tick you guys off with my silly questions) anyway, how do I go about removing the original 4 rubber stands That sit at the bottom of the case? are they just glued on? What's the easiest/cleanest way of removing these?

Just pull them off , they have double sided tape on them.

[Defratos]

lol sounds easy enough

[kraifect]

^ What feet are you putting on it?

[Defratos]

I ordered the rubber ones from www.mnpctech.com These(http://www.mnpctech.com/CaseFeet.jpg) to be exact. Could you give me good advice as to the best way of mounting these? I've seem one example on this thread, but I'm still unsure about what size hole to drill, and how the screws will hold in place. Is There any advice any of you can give me?

[SpazBoy357]

There's really only one way to mount those feet. Drill holes where you want them, put the screws through, and tighten.

The hole you drill should be slightly larger than the screw itself, but not so big that the foot can flop around. It looks like you can take a screw out of the foot to compare with your drill bit. Mark your locations with a center punch (or a nail) before you start drilling to keep the bit from wandering and you should be good to go. The hardest part is making sure you can get to the nut on the inside to tighten it up.

[Defratos]

Ok so wait, lemmi get this right, you're saying to put the screw in from the top? i.e. from inside the case and down to the feet? as apposed to the way they're in the picture? So does that mean the nut sits inside the rubber legs from underneath right? and the screws screw into them from ontop?

[sailrabbit]

Ok so wait, lemmi get this right, you're saying to put the screw in from the top? i.e. from inside the case and down to the feet? as apposed to the way they're in the picture? So does that mean the nut sits inside the rubber legs from underneath right? and the screws screw into them from ontop?

Yes. Good luck getting the PS in though (screws will be in the way). Or just use double stick foam tape like Antec does with the originals. And get some blue LEDs for those feet lol.

[Defratos]

Thanks for the feedback Sailrabbit. I think I will install the screw form the top and then grind it down so it is level with the surface. I'm not really sure about using double stick foam tape as the PSU will be hot and I'm worried about it getting too hot and coming loose, I will keep you guys updated once I've gotten everything, thanks once again.