Computer Case-Mod: Adding a Window!

This is a very basic and simple casemod, and yet looks pretty sweet. With the new window you can see in to a whole new world of computing........not really.
You can do this project for about $25

Step 1: Pre-mod

I completed this project many years ago..... I decided Id use it for my first instructable.. this job can be completed in less than 1 day and by a novice modder.
Sorry for the lack of photos..... but this is an old project

Step 2: What to Buy.....

-Plexiglass for the window (you can score it to the desired shape/size)
-Vinyl rim (used in bathrooms to edge sinks)
-Jigsaw + metal cutting blade
or
-Side cutters
-High speed drills
-Superglue
-Cold cathode tubes (optional)

Step 3: The Modding

First Step:
-Remove panel and map out where you want windows.
-Take measurements:
4.75" Down from top of case.
1.5" Right from back of case.
3.5" Up from bottom of case.
7.25" Left from front of case

Second Step:
-Turn panel upside down (inward side facing you), now draw the window hole (use the measurements!)

Third Step:
-Carefully clamp panel to work bench (you don't want to dent it).
-Drill a hole in corner of window location

Fourth Step:
-Cut out lines with a jigsaw (you could also use side cutters / tin snips)

Fifth Step:
-Sand down sharp edges and make sure cuts are relatively straight (if you want a rectangle)

Step 4: Finishing Window

Sixth Step:
-Apply vinyl rim
-Slip the slit in the strip over the metal edge (flat side should be on the inside of panel)
-Squirt some superglue between vim and metal to make sure it stays
-Allow 5 minutes to dry

Seventh Step:
-Once dried, remove any labels from Plexiglas
-Apply a line of superglue along the flat side of vinyl rim
-Press the piece of Plexiglas over glue and hold for about 2 minutes

Let dry for about an hour, now your done!

Step 5: Extras

The vinyl rim really finishes off the projects, it will also hide any ugly cuts you made.....


Lighting!

Very easy, buy your Cathode lights and install within the case, simple!
Now the on/off switch for the light...

The light come with an on/off switch, well your going to have to take the front of the case off.
Measure where you want the switch to be... and draw a circle.

Drill the hole out and sand it down (normal sand paper works fine)

Dismantle switch, pull wires through, and attach the switch (most switches just clip into hole).

Turn off house lights and turn on the these babies! UV Cathodes will make your ordinary motherboard glow!
RAM/ PCI Cards/Video Card Glows a White Green


Your mod job doesnt have to end here,
How about an appliqué? Buy one and stick it to the window.
Case Badges? eBay has tons.
LED Fans/Power supplies/Fan Grills? Easy to install! Just replace the old one.
Wire Care: Many sleeving kits available UV Reactive ones too.
UV Paint. Make anything glow now!

Comments

[cwaggoner1]

You could do that. OR ! You could take a whole sheet of plexiglass, same type trim or one from an autoparts store - auto stores may have colors like neon purple, green, blue, or yellows, pinks, and black. Wrap the edges of plexiglass with that. Then make holes to mount fans. Also, you can get fancy computer case wingnuts with like dragon or biohazard designs for use after you make 4 holes to mount the plexiglass to the case from the front. If you do this, you will notice ugly trim from the actual case itself showing once the window is screwed down in place. I wrapped those in trim as well.

[Capm_Crunch]

 another thing that looks cool for plexi glass is scratching a design or a word into the side so when the cold caths light up the glass, the scratches glow like thin line neon.

[equinox55]

you can also use metal rim you can find it in an automotive store, just ask for a trim that would go around the edge of the doors and the sales people should be able to help. It is a bit pricy here but gives a nice finish.

[elliot81]

that looks cool as man, really proffesional :)

[wisepig]

Did you wire your cold cathode tubes to the computer's power source? If so, how did you do it?

[Xellers]

Cold cathode tubes require a special power inverter. When you buy one of these tubes, it should come included. Just plug a molex power connector into the inverter and plug the cold cathode tube into the inverter, and it will work.

[matt]

It came with a proper molex plug

[phoenix124]

Hey, way 2 go! totally nice mod. u should join a modding group i set up https://www.instructables.com/group/modthis/
happy modding

[Junkyard John]

Also, your window is sealed, so that leaves only one heat vent. Any problems in overheating?

[matt]

Nope, it never overheated.. it was only a 1.7GHz P4 though.

[Scott Dallesasse]

Not a bad idea. Could use most of the steps to add fans to air cool a hot machine.

[Junkyard John]

Nice Idea. I could picture a totally clear case with a ton of sequencial lighting and the like. Sweeet!