"HARDWARE CANUCKS" Custom Case by Mnpctech

[miggs78]

Yea the new modified grill looks very nice, I was thinking instead of green, do it red and black.. like HWC's heading..

Good to see you back in action Bill.. :)

[Zero82z]

Originally Posted by miggs78

Yea the new modified grill looks very nice, I was thinking instead of green, do it red and black.. like HWC's heading..

Good to see you back in action Bill.. :)

I'm pretty sure the colour coding is for CAD purposes.

[Mnpctech]

I'm removing the factory perforated grill to help improve airflow. This mod will also cut down on airflow noise from your cooling fans.


To avoid creating scratches in the factory finish, apply masking tape over the area you're going to be cutting.


The Obsidian uses "doomed" pop rivets, which doesn't allow the grill to sit flush. I will swap these out to the more flush "countersunk" pop rivets.


Use 1/8" size drill bit to remove the factory pop-rivet


Pop-rivet Tool (Gun)


Tracing the inside diameter of the grill opening.


Using the first 140mm fan grill design, to mark off the location for the hole.


Using Dremel 1.5" cutting wheel to make initial cut into the chassis


Using Jigsaw with 18 TPI metal cutting blade






The case panel lip was removed with the Dremel to fit around the grill.

[gingerbee]

wicked very nice i like the first 1 personally

[kyle_L]

ya i like the first one better aswell, looking good, might have to send my 800d down to get this done to it.

[Mnpctech]

Thanks commenting guys! I had to work on another project this afternoon, but should have more progress photos in the morning

[Lpfan4ever]

Originally Posted by Mnpctech

I had to work on another project this afternoon

Not acceptable! Need more progress updates and orgasmic pictures!

(PS: This mod is awesome)

[Mnpctech]

Busy is a good problem to have





The rad grill pictured here is a 420 (3x140mm) it's machined from 3/16" 6061 aluminum, and anodized Black. It has fully adjustable inserts.
Different sizes and finishes of these rad grills are available from performance-pcs and they ship worldwide!












Using 3/16" drill bit to make mounting screw holes.


This is how my initial cut out for the radiator looked.

I attempted to install the grill/rad/fans, but the remaining "recessed" material wouldn't everything to fit together flush without using different size screws. I then decided to modify the panel further by removing the remaining honeycomb perforation and flatten the lip.

The recessed center portion of the top panel helps reinforce rigidity. However, the chassis is steel, so I don't believe it was too detrimental to do this. I think it would have been fine to have left the panel flat. I would consider designing the panel perforations in a Obsidian 2.0 with optional for both 360 or 420 size radiators.


Flattening the fold was done by turning the chassis upside down on the bench, and flattening the folds with a rubber mallet. Now I could use M4 x 30mm length machine screws to attach everything together.












I installed the three included 140mm fans from Corsair to pre-fit everything.

All of the 140mm fans will be replaced by another brand to be announced.

[Caldezar]

Absolutely amazing job on the rad grill! I actually like the look of the stock Corsair fans in there.

[BrainEater]

Ah jig-sawing sheetmetal. Fun times.

Looking good !