Whats the most difficult case to install your own custom window? The Antec p180, p180 mini p182, p183 silent case. Why? The side panels are constructed of three individual layers (aluminum, plastic, aluminum) These three layers are attached to one another with very strong foam adhesive. It's impossible to pull apart each individual layer without bending the thin aluminum interior and exterior panels.

I've developed my own technique for cutting each individual layer to allow installation of our popular u-channel window molding without having to dismantle the side panel. Whats my secret? No secret, just several hours of Dremeling the two interior layers of the panel. I then have to remove all of the adhesive foam from the backside of the exterior panel with various Dremel attachments. I must remove the adhesive foam so I have a clean surface that allows the Scotch 4010 heavy duty adhesive tape to hold in the custom clear acrylic computer window.

Product Link
http://www.mnpctech.com/colored_acrylic ... indow.html





Mnpctech U-channel molding for computer case window panels and cooling fan holes

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



Super strength adhesion. Used for mounting windows in computer cases.

http://www.mnpctech.com/scotch_4010_tap ... _gods.html





I charge $125 per panel + return shipping, I accept Paypal, email me direct for more info, pcbuilderATmnpctech.com





Be careful not to damage the exterior panel while cutting larger opening in two interior layers!!


Enlarging the plastic core and aluminum interior layer allows use of the u-channel window molding
Notice the surface of the exterior panel has been cleaned and polished of adhesive tape goo


The window is located above Power Supply bay!

So whats the 2nd most difficult custom case window to install?

The Alienware Area 51 ALX.

Looks great! I wouldn't want to have to cut through all those layers myself.

Thanks for the comment Nate!

Ah...It looks sweet Bill! I gave my wife my P180 because I hated to work with it...after seeing this it just might get a window if I can talk her into it.

Sweet, lets do it

Hey Bill I was wondering how hard would it be to cut out a window on this case like pictured below with no u-channel molding on it? I am looking for a plain see through window not the pictured below, but I like the way it was done. I just bought this case yesterday waiting for it to come in. Planning on trying to water cool the case using one of your new 360 degree rad grills for the top area not sure if a 2 x 140mm would fit? I think a 2 x 120mm would..

Thanks

They made a frame. You can do that, OR simply screw the plexi-glass onto the side panel.

Thanks Bill my main question is the cutting of the window it self, because you say the window has 3 layers on it. I am assuming by looking at the case I pictured that they just cut around the white sound dampening part on the inside area pictured below in RED outline.
Would it be easier this way because of the layers on the case, since I will be cutting out the whole WHITE (sound dampening section) of the case. I have not made up my mind if I want the window on the outside section or inside using the tape of the gods.
Does this sound right?

Thanks

If you want the window on the outside, it will be easier to cut all the way thru. Otherwise you will have to cut the layers as I illustrated here in earlier posts.

Sorry for the off topicness, but to paint the alu panels do you have to completely dismantle it to take just the alu outer layer off?

Is it worth doing this or would it be possible to just mask the plastic off?