The Mother Board

[Mnpctech.com]

My canvas for this project is the Cooler Master HAF 922




I'm using paper to make a template for 2x 120mm front intake plate.


Tracking template onto 1/8" thick aluminum sheet.


I used a Jigsaw with 18 TPI metal cutting blade to cut the design. I will refine and finish the cuts with a hand file later.


The 1/8" thick aluminum won't fit in my bending brake, so I used my bench vise to bend the aluminum.

I'm using a Mouse sander with medium Grit sandpaper to remove all of the blemishes and scratching in the surface of the aluminum



Aluminum plate surface is finished. Next step is fastening it on with pop rivets, more on this soon!






I've attached the new bezel plate on with pop rivets.



Overkill "Nautilus" 120mm fan grills, http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html





In order to use the Knock-out punch, you need to drill a 2" pilot hole.


Greenlee Knock out Punches
Greenlee part # 730EBB-120 Last time I inquired, they were around $450 in the states + Large 3/4" socket wrench, and 2" socket. I wouldn't use anything less than 19" long socket wrench. Estimated purchase price of $550 new.

[THRASHER2]

**Subscribed**

_________________

THRASHER2's benchmark scores
Project T2's Spinner Case

[fussnfeathers]

*drool pad on floor under desk*
_________________
Mine go to 11

[AmEv]

can't wait...
_________________
I'm gonna get my new hardware. And my worklog here.

[Mnpctech.com]

Unfortunately Cooler Master doesn't offer a window option for the 922, but this doesn't phase me. I chose to install a transparent red window based on the feedback I received from the CM Storm I modified. Just so you're aware, the Red acrylic is dark and I have not installed a window in the 932 HAF yet.

Here are the steps involved for the 922

Materials & Supplies:



http://www.mnpctech.com/scotch_4010_tape_of_the_casemod_gods.html

http://www.mnpctech.com/UChannel.html

http://www.mnpctech.com/acrylic_colored_sheets_casemod_windows1.html



Tools:
Ruler, Pen, Painters or Masking Tape (I prefer 3M Scotch 233+ Green Tape) , Rotary Tool, Jigsaw with 18 TPI or higher metal cutting blade, Hand File. Not pictured is Safety Glasses, Empty Box and X-acto Knife (or Razer blade)



The HAF 922 side panel is similar to the CM Storm Scout.


Perforated portion of the stock panel will hold 1x 200mm cooling fan or 2x 120mm.



Start off by masking off the raised portion of the left side access panel with masking tape. I prefer to use 3M Scotch 233+ Green Tape. It leaves no sticky residue.


Window location with space measurements.



Use any roll of tape to make rounded corner. Round corners allow you to use the http://www.mnpctech.com/UChannel.html
U-channel window molding.





Before using the Jigsaw to cut the window, you need to make an incision cut with a Rotary tool with http://www.mnpctech.com/DremelDisc.html
Dremel 1.5" cutting wheel attachment.





Using Jigsaw with 18 TPI (or higher) metal cutting blade to cut the window opening. Notice I'm cutting on top of a box placed upon a stool.. This method allows you to turn the panel 360 degrees. It also collects the debris.





Using hand file to level and remove any jagged edges cause by the Jigsaw.



I've measured 9-3/4" length section from a 24" x 12" acrylic sheet. The window should measure 9-3/4" x 12"

img]http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/HAF922t.jpg[/img]

[fussnfeathers]

I have to ask, just for my own curiosity, and you would be the guy to know.........why do cases have to have windows now? I understand the popularity, way back in the day if you did an intesive mod, you couldn't buy cases that had pre-modded windows. There were some awesome designs back then, more art than "look at my guts!" Nowadays, just about every case you can buy has a window. Just curious as to why modders still do it, is all.
_________________
Mine go to 11

[Mnpctech.com]

It's fun to look inside at the hardware

I dissected the chassis for paint. The top panel with the power switch and I/O is fastened on with plastic tabs, located beneath the top panel. Very easy to remove!



The case chassis, just before removing the rear i/o slot covers, noise dampening felt strips for PSU and case feet.

[Mnpctech.com]

Better open up the rear exhaust for improved airflow as well before the chassis gets painted.


Rear exhaust grill on the HAF 922 chassis


Low tack masking tape (Scotch brand Painter's tape)


120mm Nautilus Fan grill
http://www.mnpctech.com/120mm_Overkill_Fan_Grills.html


Trace the inner opening of the 120mm Overkill Nautilus fan grill


Using Jigsaw with 18 TPI metal cutting blade.

[Mnpctech.com]

Lets turn things upside down on the HAF.


The bottom of the HAF gets modified with this 140mm billet grill.


The slotted insert is removable, which makes tracing the inside easy.








Screen material I cannibalized from another case filters out the dirt and dust.

[Mnpctech.com]

I applied the base coat on the HAF 922 chassis last night, this is Rustoleum's Grey self etching primer. It reminded me of Military Grey.. I love the color.