Jump to content

DIY Guide: Installing Cooling fan hole in PC panel


Recommended Posts

Hi Everybody! This guide takes you through the steps for installing PC cooling fan as top exhaust in your case.

 

 

diy_guide_1_pc_logo_mod_store_mnpctech_h

 

 

Suggested Supplies & Tools

 

*Measuring Square or Ruler.

*Small Flat head screw driver.

*Phillips screw driver.

*120mm wire fan grill for tracing (Or download printable template below)

*Center Punch.

*Paint Pen or Marker.

*Drill press (or Hand Power Drill)

*Arbor for 4.5" Hole Saw Attachment to Drill Press or Hand Power drill

*4.5" Bi-Metal hole saw attachment.

*Two Large C-clamps (if you're using Drill press.

*Block of wood, to fit under the top panel.

*Hand punch as shown here for making the screw mounting holes, or you can use a power drill.

 

If you don't have access to a Drill press, you can use Hand Power Drill. Minimum volts for Cordless Power Drill is 18V, but 24v would be ideal for cutting into most PC cases.

 

fan_grill_templates_80_90_120_140mm_mnpc

 


 

Before printing, you must select "None" for page scaling in your print dialogue box!

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

We're using Lian Li PC7-plus mid tower case for this tutorial.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

Using Measuring Square to determine center location of the fan hole.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

Draw outline around the 120mm wire fan grill

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

Now you have the exact location outlined for the Hole Saw guide bit.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

Unscrew and remove the top panel.

 

add_cooling_fan1_120mm_140mm_hole_mnpcte

Edited by mnpctech

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Bi-metal hole saws are specialized attachments that allow you to drill large diameter holes. You need an Arbor (sold separately) that fits your drill in order to use a hole saw attachment. Here are the conversions for using a hole saw for the most popular PC cooling fans. For this guide, we're using 4.5-inch hole saw for 120mm cooling fan.

 

80mm = 3-inch hole saw

92mm = 3.5-inch hole saw

120mm = 4.5-inch hole saw

140mm = 5.5-inch hole saw

 

add_cooling_fan2_120mm_140mm_hole_mnpcte

 

If you don't have access to a Drill press (pictured below), you can use hand power drill or a cordless drill. Minimum recommended volts for cordless power drill is 18V, but 24v would be more ideal for cutting into most PC cases.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

In this guide I'll be using my bench top drill press. Before making our 120mm hole, You'll want to find a piece of wood to place your panel upon, before using the hole saw. This will help prevent the top panel from bending and drilling into your work surface.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

I've placed pieces of acrylic material under the C-clamps, to prevent the panel from getting scratched or damaged. You can use scraps of thin wood or thick cardboard. *Tip: Apply Cutting Oil or WD40 to the edges of the Hole saw, to help prevent heat build up as it cuts the aluminum.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

Next step is making the fan mounting hole. Take your time.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

You will need to drill the fan screw mounting holes next. I prefer using 1/4" size drill bit.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

    

Use Round side hand file to debur the edges of the opening

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

You can use sandpaper as alternative to hand file.

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

Peel off tape and inspect work. You may want to use Medium grit sandpaper to give the edges a once over...

 

add_install_cooling_fan_grill_120mm_140m

 

Install your PC cooling fan and grill. Stand back and admire your work!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I've got another DIY guide I'm working on and will post this week. If you missed it, Bosco gave me permission to offer all OCC members 10% off their orders in my PC Case Mod Store, http://forums.overclockersclub.com/topic/203329-voucher-code-for-mnpctechcom-pc-case-mods-case-feet-grills-modding-supplies/

Edited by mnpctech

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...