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SinisterDev85 · ‎07-08-2016

I created a thread a while ago when I first built my Hero VIII Alpha Rig. My first case mod was shortening the hot swap tray on my 650D in order to fit a larger radiator. Then I redid my case's interior with RGB LEDs and "carbon fiber" vinyl wrap. It came out looking pretty nice.

For my next project, I really want to modify the side panel and put in a bigger window. The stock window is small and it hardly shows off the sexy interior. Id like to make it more like the 750D's window. I've seen pictures of it done, but Im not exactly sure where to start! Was hoping I could get some advice from my buds at RoG!

SinisterDev85 · ‎07-08-2016

Here is some pics of my Rig.

SinisterDev85 · ‎07-08-2016

Here are some pics I found of modified window panels on the 650D. I wanna do something like these. Really open up the view!

I need some suggestions on required parts and tools needed to do it right and make it look good!

SinisterDev85 · ‎07-10-2016

Took new updated pics after some further modifications and using a MUCH better camera!

SinisterDev85 · ‎01-31-2017

So, what I discovered is that this carbon fiber vinyl wrap that I used gets damaged waaaay too easily. I rewrapped the side panel with a single wide strip of vinyl. Despite trying to be very careful during the process, the surface got very scratched up just from laying it down on the smooth surface i was working on. Its not very noticeable in the photo above, but its VERY noticeable in person and when the light hits the surface from certain angles. Even the inside has gotten very scuffed and scratched up just from my little cable management. The plastic connectors on the cables are enough to mar the surface! Grrr!

I was really on a carbon fiber kick when I did this, but now im thinking of taking it in another direction. I found a better vinyl wrap that looks almost identical to the brushed steel used on the facade and other parts of the case, like this one for example https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L9J0NWG/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1485926618&sr=8-5π=AC_SX236_S... . Theyre intend for automotive use, so im assuming that it would be more resistant to scratches and damage than the stuff i used.

What do you guys think? Would it look nice if i tried to make the interior and panels match the brushed steel on the rest of the case?

SinisterDev85 · ‎02-01-2017

So, what I discovered is that this carbon fiber vinyl wrap that I used gets damaged waaaay too easily. I rewrapped the side panel with a single wide strip of vinyl. Despite trying to be very careful during the process, the surface got very scratched up just from laying it down on the smooth surface i was working on. Its not very noticeable in the photo above, but its VERY noticeable in person and when the light hits the surface from certain angles. Even the inside has gotten very scuffed and scratched up just from my little cable management. The plastic connectors on the cables are enough to mar the surface! Grrr!

I was really on a carbon fiber kick when I did this, but now im thinking of taking it in another direction. I found a better vinyl wrap that looks almost identical to the brushed steel used on the facade and other parts of the case, like this one for example https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L9J0NWG/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1485926618&sr=8-5π=AC_SX236_S... . Theyre intend for automotive use, so im assuming that it would be more resistant to scratches and damage than the stuff i used.

What do you guys think? Would it look nice if i tried to make the interior and panels match the brushed steel on the rest of the case?

SinisterDev85 · ‎01-24-2017

Still looking for some ways to neaten up the inside a bit. Id like to hide more of the wires and such.

SinisterDev85 · ‎01-31-2017

Haven't posted any updates in a while. I finally redid my side panel and got rid of the seam that was making me crazy after I did the first wrap. I also worked on some cable management and cleaned up the inside a bit more.
Due to a frustrating discovery, Im thinking of taking this project in a different direction. I'll go into more detail in a follow-up post. Heres some updated pics.

SinisterDev85 · ‎02-01-2017

Im also considering buying a new case and swapping everything over. I love my 650D case, but Im really liking the look of newer cases with tempered glass panels and more options for RGB lighting.
I really like the looks of the new Corsair Crystal cases, but i have some issues with both the 460 and 570 models. I was almost set on buying the 460, but then i found out there isn't enough clearance at the top of the case to mount my H110i. It could be mounted in the front, but that would defeat the purpose of having the 3 nice RGB fans in front.
I really like the 570, but I worry about dust with that case. It has great filters on the front, top and bottom of the case, but unlike the 460, the 570 has gaps between the panels to create the illusion that they're just kinda floating there. This includes the two side panels... From what ive seen in videos online, there is a gap between the case and the side panels, and no filter to stop dust from getting in that way. We live in a high dust environment, and before i got computer cases with good filters, I used to have to take our computers apart entirely and remove all the dust caked in and on everything every month! It was awful! The filters on my 650D have kept the inside very clean compared to previous builds before good dust screens became a staple. So i want a case thats good at keeping the dust out.

SinisterDev85 · ‎02-04-2017

Think I might end up going with the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe Tempered Glass edition case as my new case for the Alpha. I love everything I'm seeing about it so far. The Enthoo Evolv is really sexy too, but idk, there's something I really like about the Luxe...

Next step for modding my Alpha rig...