Recently got a PC case but wasn't expecting the version with a window instead of a cover that accommodates fans so I'd like to cut at a hole into the window for a 8cm fan. Though I don't want to damage it and I only have a hand drill and dremel so if anyone knows if it will work without cracking or ruining the window I'd appreciate the feedback, or any suggestions for doing it neatly. Thanks.
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Cutting hole into PC case window.
- Thread starter Browser
- Start date
Why do you want to cut a hole in it? Why not just perforate the cover the same way a closed case is perforated where the fan mounts onto?
You have a small drill...just map out positions for 3-5mm perforations over which you can mount your fan. Neat and clean. Having a huge gaping hole will just allow more dust inside your box when it's idle.
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Is your PC running hot?
CriticalConsumer
Senior Member
If you still wish to proceed with cutting a hole on the side panel window you will need the following:
Clamp the panel down to the block / sheet of wood
Drill a pilot hole for the holesaw bit
Insert holesaw bit into pilot hole and begin to gently drill through applying lubricant as you drill.
Warning: Perspex has a tendency to crack so take it easy when drilling!
- Holesaw of appropriate size that is made for cutting through plastics
- Lubricant
- A solid (thick) block of wood
- A few clamps to hold things in place
- Preferably a speed controlled drill
- Lots of patience and practice
Clamp the panel down to the block / sheet of wood
Drill a pilot hole for the holesaw bit
Insert holesaw bit into pilot hole and begin to gently drill through applying lubricant as you drill.
Warning: Perspex has a tendency to crack so take it easy when drilling!
Venomous
Honorary Master
CriticalConsumer
Senior Member
Good question though as per above do you really need this? It does create a lot more noise and sucks in dust :s
Zilla
Active Member
Are you making you own version of "windows"? 
Just remove the cover and keep the box open. Btw, winter is coming, no big deal
Just remove the cover and keep the box open. Btw, winter is coming, no big deal
PostmanPot
Honorary Master
Are you making you own version of "windows"?
Just remove the cover and keep the box open. Btw, winter is coming, no big deal
I tend to disagree, unless you have a small fan blowing air in. Fans work better when there is an enclosed case, helps with the airflow and negative pressure etc.
I agree with ITCynic, as a second option if you don't have the tools to drill a hole in your case, other thing you might be able to do is take the panel to someone who has the tools to drill the hole....just a thought
Take it to a place that does cutting with high pressure water or laser.
Are you making you own version of "windows"?
Just remove the cover and keep the box open. Btw, winter is coming, no big deal
bad idea. Dust settles en masse inside the case and actually adds to the cooling problem.
Rudimental
Expert Member
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This. Fan in a window is not always the best idea, since it will probably create more vibration due to the composition of the window and the fact that windows are often somewhat loose. If I put a fan in the side window of my cm692 it creates a sympathetic vibration at an annoying pitch that makes it far better not to use it.
unless you buy a aerocool fan. It comes with rubber fixings instead of screws to reduce vibration noise. And if the window is somewhat loose and you leave it like that.. :wtf:
CriticalConsumer
Senior Member
@ Browser:
Holesaw's are cheap and you do not have to buy the entire set. Which part of the world are you in?
Holesaw's are cheap and you do not have to buy the entire set. Which part of the world are you in?
eish.. still with the hole saw. You should never cut perspex with a hole saw, you will crack it to pieces. If you really cannot pay the R80 odd to get someone with a laser to cut it for you, then you need to get a sharp steel bit of about 5mm and drill holes all aaound the circle about 5mm apart and about 2mm in. then you take a scroll saw blade or a dremel with a router bit and cut the remaining pieces out. Then you sand the remaining material down (by hand or with a dremel) until you reach your circle. Perspex is pretty soft so its not a big job. and if you go finer and finer and finish with 1200 waterpaper you can get it to shine like glass again, none of that white from cutting/sanding.
Honestly tho, a laser will give you that glass finish right off the bat. I would have cut it for you if I still had my laser. Hell if youre in joburg I will cut it for you on my CNC router. just drop me a pm.
Rudimental
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I tried the rubber and silicon stuff, but nothing would get rid of the noise. It was just the vibration of the window that combined with the vibration of the rest of the case to produce the noise. When I get around to getting some new fans, I'll probably get a controller and fool around with the voltages and maybe try again, but honestly, it is far easier to get an ordinary side panel or just leave off the fan than to mess around with different fans at different voltages unless you really want a fan in a window. You might not end up with the same problem I had, but if you do, then you just have even more of a mission on your hands.
A window is also not always easy to secure, unless you want to glue it to the door, which is not always ideal.
I recently bought an Xpreadetor case with a clear side. It comes with all the holes for the fans pre cut, so adding fans to the window was a snap. My motherboard also had six points for fans so it makes it easy for me to control the fanspeed using the motherboards utils..