noob question - should I cut a hole in my mobo tray?

[TedShred]

Before my (disassembled) chassis goes to powdercoating, I was thinking of cutting a hole in the mobo tray, I think to allow for easier future changing of the CPU waterblock. I say "I think" because when I research, I find stuff only about cable management. (Putting cables behind a cosmos mobo is a sure way not to be able to close the door.) But I'm sure I've seen guys do that, so that you don't have to take of the motherboard to change blocks. I'm not sure how much of a benefit it is tho.

Do you guys do that? Should I?

edit: lol, wasn't even sure I wanted to post that. Thought I hit preview, not post. GAWDAMMIT I hate being a noob.

[Sniper]

IMO if you cut a hole for ease of getting to the rear cpu mounts or for cable management is more than a great idea it's a superb idea! lol

[TedShred]

Excellent, thanks. Superbitude is indeed the goal! :D

[Eddie3dfx]

I've come to the conclusion that if you don't cut a hole, you may have a problem with certain backplates shorting because of the standoffs.

I am going to end up cutting a hole as well.

[TedShred]

Wow, that's something I wouldn't have thought of. Excellent point.

edit: check this out - 99% certain this will be my exterior colour (along with black trim and lotsa chrome and polished alu)

http://revver.com/video/778665/2009-dodge-viper-green/

(okay, maybe 95% - the all black/chrome look is still in the running)

lol, hopefully, this vid isn't one big metaphor for my build
http://revver.com/video/1167780/drifting-accident-dodge-viper-flips/

[TedShred]

forgot to ask - how big a hole should I cut? I'm thinking something like 1" from the CPU all around?

[Sniper]

<p>Measure the size of the backplate you will be using then center that &amp; give yourself enough so that it won't touch the MB tray. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So like an extra 1/2&quot; out from that maybe? </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Oh &amp; nice color to! very original for a PC! </p>

[TedShred]

Thanks. Hmmmn... haven't bought my CPU block yet, and probably won't have it by the time I want to get the case p-coated. Then again, from what I've been reading the GTZ is one of the easiest blocks to mount (hugely important to me) so I think I'll grab one of those. I can find out the measurements and cut about 1/2" around or so as you suggested.

yeah, I like black/chrome but I'd also like something a bit more unique. Was thinking of "sublime" (1970/ 2007 Challenger) http://www.challengerforumz.com/PHOTOPOST/showphoto.php/photo/300/cat/all/date/1224185184
but I thought it might be a bit much. The Viper is "snakeskin green"

Cheers

edit: weird, links not working atm

[bigslappy]

get the back plate & make the hole big enuuf to remove the back plate fully & if u don't use a back plate then u SHOULD ! helps with FIRM contact between block ,CPU & keeps ya from warping/cracking the PCB....... also will help cool the CPU as that side gets warm also

[Septim]

there are 4 standoffs connecting the mobo to the tray. a big square/rectangle in the middle of these 4 standoffs should be good. in case future change of mobo and not the same cpu mounting area...

a good example would be the mobo tray of the DD torture rack...

[bigslappy]

Yup...........................

Septim's right AGIN !

[TedShred]

That's some great info, much appreciated.

I snagged a GTZ from Sidewinder this afternoon. I is excited.
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swapgtzexpew.html

[ZeniTH]

cannot agree more...

[bigslappy]

if a bear shits in the woods & no one see's it, hears it, steps in it


Does it smell ??

does a n00b cut a hole in his mobo tray will it shed light at the end of the tunnel ??
does it shed light at the end of the Day ??

does it glow in Da dark ?

will it get me laid ?

will it get the n00b laid ??

OR does the noob lay it ??

Questions for the Wise leader to contimplate while on the throne !!

[TedShred]

well, all questions for the ages I suppose. :D

One Q I had was why that viper green looked different in different photos. Sometimes looked the same as that lime challenger. Found out why:

http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-srt10-coupe-discussions/602323-2008-snakeskin-green-pearl-coat-oh-yeah.html

Not sure I like it as much anymore, but still thinkin....

[RedRaider]

+1 ... Cut that hole in the MB Tray...:coolup:

[TedShred]

Hey, R3, good to see ya. (Manner of speaking) How was the Baylor game?

Thanks. With all this good feedback, I'm definitely gonna do it.

[bigslappy]

SEND PIX when u get it done !! & how ya goon a cut that hole ?? Blow torch ? Jack hammer ? ? 6 inch grinder ??

[TedShred]

Will definitely post some pics! Not sure how I'm going to do it. Well, okay, maybe "I'm" isn't all that accurate.:roll:

Aside from skillz, I'm also rather workarea and tool - challenged, but have a buddy that's willing to help me out, which is great since I'm planning a bunch of weird little cuts all over the place (cable mgmt/ increase airflow/ new fan in HDD area). He's a pretty high-tech metalhead and makes his living repairing jetliners so it'll be interesting to see what kind of tools "we" (ha ha) end up using. Not exactly a capital "Y" DIY, but I figure it's a great opportunity to see it done right, in case I ever move into a place where I can set up a real workshop. (Market crash put the kibosh on those plans big time.)

Sure is a bitch trying to get proper measurements working around this massive Coolit Freezone unit.

[Septim]

next question after you've installed said freezone unit, is it worth it?

[bigslappy]

NAH the Next Question ====> did it feel good & did U want to smoke a Cig after ??
of coarse i HOPE u cleaned up the wet spot ?

[TedShred]

Alas, I missed out on the thrills of installation. I bought my current rig lock, stock and Freezone from some goofy outfit in Markham Ontario (long story). I haven't had any problems with it's cooling (I've never seen the CPU go beyond 36C or so) but they installed it kinda weird and it makes this constant harmonic sound that I could stop only by jamming a screwdriver handle between the wall and the back of the case. (not the screws, they're all tight.) It's really hard to work on/ around because its so cumbersome. I haven't bothered since I decided to change things around completely, but I'm not looking forward to removal.

[RedRaider]

Just Do It...:cool:

[TedShred]

If it comes down to it, I know my mom keeps a chainsaw in her shed. :chainsaw:

[Septim]

ohhh thats gonna be messy... dont forget the safety goggles...

[TedShred]

Protective eyewear FTW!! But, man oh man, so many choices!!

8) :cool: :cool2: :cyclon: :maskedrider: :mixing: :ninja1: :rockout: :pirate: :sup: :flying: :heli: :sing:

[bigslappy]

I'll do it !

Just keep the women & children outta the room .... don't want anybody hurt by flying debris

as i check out the Death Ray from the stockroom here at the Secret Black Ops Unit @ RRR Services Inc.

[TedShred]

Now we're talkin' Oh, man.... if there's any way I can incorporate a R3 Death Ray into this thing, even during the construction phase (tho preferably in a bay drive), I am SO there!

:flame:

[bigslappy]

NO there is only ONE D/R & it's signature only checkout system in place

and U must be personally trained by RRR himself to check it out of the stockroom .....





BTW ......:coolup:
if RRR says to you ===> "bend over" during the training session...............
:nono1: DO NOT BEND OVER ! :nono1:

U will lose the Family Jewels if U do ! :sweating:

that's his test to see if yer a UBER N00B :hehe:!


YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !:wasntme:


there is NO Cry'in Here @ RealRedRaider.Com

do that :turd: on XS ! :haha3:

[TedShred]

hmmmn, maybe I'll skip the deathray. Boot camp sounds like, well... actual BOOT camp. :nutshot:

[RedRaider]

OH, SING IT, SON......:mixing:

[bigslappy]

L O L ...............

don't even think we're kiddin' about this !

[Snyxxx]

I think every watercooler should have an electric jigsaw (with a metal cutting blade) and a 1" hole saw (for metal as well) for the drill.

I use these two tools to cut openings for the radiator, CPU access area in mobo tray and backdoor wiring holes to make everything look purty.

Of course, if I would get off my ass and just get a MM case, I would not have to screw with the radiator holes anymore.

[Baleful]

Don't forget about a dremel. In the right hands, a dremel can do just about anything.

[Sniper]

Don't forget about a dremel. In the right hands, a dremel can do just about anything.

This is true! I've found alot of usefull things I can do with mine. Not on this system yet though hmm lol.

[Eddie3dfx]

I recommend a black and decker dremel. It's cheaper and doesn't die out like the standard "dremel"
It works with all dremel accessories and has a super easy level to pop in new bits.

[bigslappy]

I recommend a black and decker dremel. It's cheaper and doesn't die out like the standard "dremel"
It works with all dremel accessories and has a super easy level to pop in new bits.

YUP !

BUT I got a 1/4 horse motor > HD flexible shaft with a drill chuck pwns the dremels not as fast but has the power & torque

[Kayin]

I'll see your 1/4 HP motor and raise you a Dremel Advantage. Biggest Dremel ever made.

I use mine to machine copper.

[bigslappy]

this anit no Toy..................... i'll post pix this weekend it's the type the Jewelers use with a foot pedal for speed control ............. the motor hangs up over yer work soo Ya don't have the weigh of the tool to mess with

[Septim]

nice collection of tools...

[Sadasius]

Yeah do all your cuts before you powder coat. Makes for a nice clean look afterward. Don't be scared to make some cuts. Here are a few pics of me doing the same to my current build. My motherboard tray had just cuts for better wiring and the NB and crap like that. I should have made one for the CPU too but for some dang reason forgot it.

[RedRaider]

Nice work, Sadasius...:2up:

[Sadasius]

Nice work, Sadasius...:2up:

Thanks bro, just cannot wait to finish this damn thing. Mucho man hours went into this build. The real suprise is the doors. Done something really special there and will not be shown off till the entire build is done.

Many people get scared to cut into an expensive case because they are afraid to screw up. But there are so many products out there that can mask a screw up. You should see some of the holes I cut. Trust me when I say they are not the straightest...lol. Here is are some examples...Thank goodness for fanguards!

[Xilikon]

Also, just remember this : "Measure twice, cut once" so if you take it slow and steady, it's hard to fuck up ;)