• Welcome to Overclockers Forums! Join us to reply in threads, receive reduced ads, and to customize your site experience!

DIY PC Case Mod Guide: Modify Corsair bezel to improve airflow

Overclockers is supported by our readers. When you click a link to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn More.

MonsterMawd

Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2015
Location
Minnesota
This is DIY Case Mod Guide for modifying your Corsair 900D / 750D / 350D, but technique can be adopted to any case bezel to help improve airflow to your Liquid or Aircooled PC system

I'm also offing 10% OFF VOUCHER CODE for all Overlockers.com members at my webstore MNPCTECH

Just enter “OVERCLOCKERS” at Checkout in the “Gift Certificate or Promo Code” box found in your Order Summary.

For International Orders, we do those via email, so just mention this post, http://mnpctech.com/international-orders.html

Tools & Supplies:

Modder's Mesh, Round Sheet, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...n-slotted-diamond-round-hex/modders-mesh.html

mesh5_09fg-5q.32.jpg


In Order of Usage

1. Ruler or Measuring Combination Square,
http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Level-...d=1371561237&sr=1-2&keywords=measuring+square

*2. Pen & Black Marker,
http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-30001...&qid=1371565029&sr=1-2&keywords=sharpie+black

3. Phillips Screw Driver,
http://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-TOOLS...71561308&sr=1-1&keywords=phillips+screwdriver

4. 3" Painter's Masking Tape,
http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...-233-performance-green-masking-tape-roll.html

5. Safety Glasses,
http://www.mnpctech.com/Safetyglasses.html

6. Rotary Tool,
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-RTX-6-3-Speed-Accessories/dp/B0001GUDRI

7. Rotary*1.5" Cutting Wheel,http://www.mnpctech.com/DremelDisc.html

8. Jigsaw Power Tool,
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node=552934&field-keywords=jigsaw

9. 18 TPI bi-metal Jigsaw blade,
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-T118EF-...371558431&sr=1-2&keywords=jigsaw+18+tpi+blade

10. Hand File,
http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-066...UTF8&qid=1371558465&sr=1-6&keywords=hand+file

11. Blue Painter's Tape, 1" wide,
http://www.amazon.com/ScotchBlue-Pa...1371561766&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+painters+tape

12. ScotchWeld DP-190,
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Wel...d=1371558594&sr=1-1&keywords=scotchweld+dp190

(Optional) 3M Applicator Gun EPX Plus II and mixing tip, for ScotchWeld,
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Wel...-3-fkmr0&keywords=scotchweld+dp190+applicator

13. Disposable Latex Rubber Glove, (for applying DP190 into mesh)*http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Helpe...8808&sr=1-7&keywords=disposable+rubber+gloves

14. Cloth or Rag,
http://www.amazon.com/Essentials-14...qid=1371565083&sr=1-1&keywords=cloth+rag+shop

15. Modeler or Xacto Knife,
http://www.amazon.com/Xacto-X3601-P...F8&qid=1371558896&sr=1-4&keywords=xacto+knife

16. Red Scotchbrite,http://www.mnpctech.com/3m_scotchbrite_pads_red.html

17. Filtered Respirator Mask,
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Low-Mainte...1&sr=1-1&keywords=3m+filtered+respirator+mask

18. SEM Self Etching Primer, Black,
http://www.amazon.com/SEM-SEM39673-...r=1-1-catcorr&keywords=sem+self+etching+black

19. Krylon "Rust Tough" Semi-Flat Black Enamel (or Plastikote "Engine" Enamel),*]http://www.amazon.com/Krylon-RTA920...&sr=1-1&keywords=krylon+rust+tough+black+flat

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy1.jpg


Corsair Factory Front Bezel Plate.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy2.jpg


Corsair gives you 3/16" gap around the plate from the factory for airflow. This modification will be huge improvement for cooling your system.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy3.jpg


The front plate pulls off without any effort. It's removed for accessing and cleaning the Corsair 900D's three 120mm front cooling fans and filter.

You have option to remove the Four plastic mounting pegs, or leave them on throughout the entire modification process. It's your choice! The pegs are fastened on with Phillips head screws.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy4.jpg


The best tape is 3M Scotch 233+ Green tape

3M Scotch Green 233+ masking tape is used by Automotive Paint Professionals. It's highly conformable to curved surfaces on both metal and plastic. It has good adhesion in a large range of weather conditions. It will peel off without leaving any sticky residue. Most Auto Body Supply Stores should be stocking this tape. It's also readily available online. 3M Scotch *233+ tape has a premium price compared to other tapes, but it performs the best*

3m_scotch_green_masking_autobody_painters_tape_233_401_mnpctech_cheap_roll_carton.jpg


3m_scotch_masking_tape_233_401_mnpctech_cheap_roll_ebay.jpg


- - - Updated - - -

The 900D front plate is made from Anodized Black aluminum. We're going to retain this factory finish.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy5.jpg


Use Measuring Square or Ruler, to measure out 1" framed border around the Corsair's 900D plate

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy6.jpg


Put on your Safety Glasses, before using any Power Tools.

Using Rotary Tool with 1.5" Cutting Wheel, to make four incision cuts on each of the four sides. This step is necessary, before you can use the Jigsaw to remove the center.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy7.jpg


Using Jigsaw with 18 TPI bi-metal cutting blade to remove the center of the plate you measured out.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy8.jpg


The center section of the plate has been cut.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9.jpg


Using Hand File to fix and clean the jagged edges of the cut out. You'll want to remove the masking tape, so you can better view your progress with the file.

Modder's Mesh, Round, http://mnpctech.com/case-mods-gamin...n-slotted-diamond-round-hex/modders-mesh.html

mesh5_09fg-5q.32.jpg


I'm attaching Round Modder's Mesh to the backside of the front plate.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9a.jpg


Measure out piece of Round Modder's Mesh to 15" LONG by 7.25" WIDE.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9b.jpg


Use Tin Snip or Metal Cutting Shear to cut the Round Modder's Mesh

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9c.jpg


Attach the Round Modder's Mesh to backside of the front plate with Spring Loaded clamps. You can also use small C-clamps.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9d.jpg


Apply Painter's Tape around the edge of the mesh on back on front side of the plate. This is to help prevent any ScotchWeld DP-190 epoxy from running off the Modders Mesh onto the plate.

I'll be using ScotchWeld DP-190 to attach Round Modder's Mesh to backside of the plate. You'll need to wear Latex gloves, when using the ScotchWeld DP-190.*You can manually push the two cylinders of Epoxy in DP-190 Cartridge onto a piece of cardboard. Then mix the two epoxies together with a long wood nail or pop-rivet.*Otherwise*3M sells a ScotchWeld Applicator Gun[/url], for $70.00 with spiral mixing tip, for ScotchWeld

- - - Updated - - -

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9d.jpg


Wearing latex glove, use your finger to evenly smear the ScotchWeld DP-190 epoxy into the perforations of the Round Modder's Mesh

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9e.jpg


Use a cloth or rag, to wipe off any epoxy run-off from the sides of the plate

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9f.jpg


Wear filtered Respirator Mesh before applying any paint.

Apply paint in well ventilated area, preferably outdoors with temperature around 72F

I'm painting the backside of the mesh first, starting with coat of SEM brand self etching primer. Allow it to cure for one hour before applying Krylon "Rust Tough" "Semi-Flat" Black *paint. Allow "Rust Tough" to cure for 24 hours.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9g.jpg


Mask off the front frame, and repeat same steps for painting the front of the plate.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9h.jpg


After 24 hours, remove the tape.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9i.jpg


Close up of the bezel plate.

900d_front_grill_case_gaming_pc_mod_mnpctech_diy9j.jpg


Step back and admire your work!

You can use this technique to attach Modder's Mesh to create cooling vents in other panels.

Please share any questions or comments!
 
Back