OK, I did just a little bit of case modifying (for now) but it ended up taking up a lot of time and costing more money. Clearcomputercase.com has these case handles that I thought would be good to try so the last time I ordered from them I got a set.

Installing the case handles will mean drilling four holes in the top of the case. This means tools. I bought myself a drill a ling time ago. I suppose I should at least take it out of the box sometime before the warranty expires.

I used three different drill bits to get the holes right. I started with a 1/16" hole, then a 3/16" brad point bit, then finally a 1/4" tile bit. The hole had to be big enough for the same clear thumb screws used to attach the side of the case and the drive cage. When I got my last order from Clearcomputercase.com, I ordered a couple of blank bay covers. I used these for test drilling. I thought $5 blanks were a better idea than just drilling right into the case. Also, I have another possible case modification in the future so I wanted to have more test material. Anyway, here are the drill, bits, and test material.

So, here's how the case looks now with it's handles.

The bay blank I used for test drilling makes a good screw holder.

Well, that's all great, but there was one little problem. When I set down the drive cage to drill the holes, I heard a little snap. Yeah, I broke it. They sell the drive cage seperately so I didn't have to buy a whole new case, but I didn't order it right away. I waited until after I drilled for the handles, just in case I trashed the whole thing. Drilling the holse for the case handles went pretty smoothly so I just ordered the cage. It still reattached securely enough, but I think it's broken enough to just replace the piece. I tried to highlight it, but since it's all clear it can be hard to see where it's broken.

By the time I got to this site update, I've already received the new drive cage and put all the components in it.

Well, that's all the case modding I'm doing for now. There's really only one other thing I'm planning there but it'll have to wait until have I have this thing up and running.

E Step 2 Custom Cables

Assembly

Step 4 F Motherboard

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