Getting more air IN:

Most if not all budget cases are very much air restrictive from the front pane; such as these -




A simple way to get more air is by opening up the bottom part of the front panel using a Dremel tool. The larger out of sight opening will increase air input together with the case being lifted up from the carpeted floor and the use of alum screen; the result can be rewarding.


click to enlage

There is another way that requires more work; using a hole saw, I removed the front panel from the case and made two holes making sure I did not cut any wiring behind the panel. Again, I use alum screen to filter out some dust. I use nail polish (comes with many different colors) to touch up any paint that came off from the cutting process; try using the slowest drill speed as possible to prevent unnecessary burning/melting of the plastic. All of a sudden this $19 case becomes more functional.



With some left over alum window screen, simple household tools and a few dollars on coaster wheels, this can be a fun little work out should you find nothing much to do in a rainy or snowy weekend.




The simple mod works for me well and I hope it will work for you.

Keep dust out; or plan on cleaning the radiator or heatsink more often. Lift the case off the carpet floor, wheel out the rig rather than breaking your back :-)

Questions/Comments: forum thread