Cable management question - Overclock.net

ac130 · 11-14-07

I am INSPIRED by the amazing cable management jobs some people have posted on these forums! Routing the cables behind the motherboard tray is something that had never occurred to me, and seems like it may be just what I need to bring some order, and hopefully a bit more airflow, into the rat's nest of case guts.

I'm tempted to whip out the ol' Dremel, but I have a shiney new Nine Hundred which I picked up for a bit under $100.00. As a guy who usually spends closer to $50 for a case, I'm a little reluctant to cut into it. Before I make any decisions, I have 2 questions I was hoping you guys could help me with:

1. Hole placement. Judging from the pictures, it's preferable to have the hole hidden by the motherboard. Especially if you can only make raggedy holes like me.

Is there any risk of damaging anything? I'd assume we all know to take out all the components and clean the case well before reinstalling, but there'sthose sharp little component leads that protrude from the bottom of the board. Could one potentially poke through the insulation of a wire?

2. If I upgrade someday, aren't chances good that the old holes may pose a problem? Either visible, or in the wrong spot? I wouldn't be opposed to cutting newer holes, but it seems like one could only go so far before you weaken the tray, especially if the holes touch. I don't think there's much you could do for existing holes that were showing...

P.S. The first time I saw an interior shot of an uber-tidy case here, I thought was just a motherboard with nothing hooked up yet!

Good job, guys!

Donnie Darko · 11-15-07

You DO want to think about those sharp metal edges because you do not want them cutting open something truly precious, the insulation on your cables. (They can just sew your fingers back on, the CABLES are what's truly important.)

I don't know what you'd need to make holes, unless you have one of those "plate" things under your motherboard and are trying to route wires underneath. My case has the holes already in it.

Please tell me you have a very specific location you want to saw open like a bloody side of dead cow, and also a very good reason other than you just like to see things splattering all over the floor. Cause SOME people might just feel like cutting open a perfectly good case for no good reason other than they're just in the mood to ruin something.

You might even post photos and ask to consult with some expert case butchers before you risk being arrested for being a newb in unlawful possesion of a Dremel.

rsfkevski · 11-15-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac130

I am INSPIRED by the amazing cable management jobs some people have posted on these forums! Routing the cables behind the motherboard tray is something that had never occurred to me, and seems like it may be just what I need to bring some order, and hopefully a bit more airflow, into the rat's nest of case guts.

I'm tempted to whip out the ol' Dremel, but I have a shiney new Nine Hundred which I picked up for a bit under $100.00. As a guy who usually spends closer to $50 for a case, I'm a little reluctant to cut into it. Before I make any decisions, I have 2 questions I was hoping you guys could help me with:

1. Hole placement. Judging from the pictures, it's preferable to have the hole hidden by the motherboard. Especially if you can only make raggedy holes like me.

Is there any risk of damaging anything? I'd assume we all know to take out all the components and clean the case well before reinstalling, but there'sthose sharp little component leads that protrude from the bottom of the board. Could one potentially poke through the insulation of a wire?

2. If I upgrade someday, aren't chances good that the old holes may pose a problem? Either visible, or in the wrong spot? I wouldn't be opposed to cutting newer holes, but it seems like one could only go so far before you weaken the tray, especially if the holes touch. I don't think there's much you could do for existing holes that were showing...

P.S. The first time I saw an interior shot of an uber-tidy case here, I thought was just a motherboard with nothing hooked up yet!

Good job, guys!

CyberDruid has some excellent mod accessories for sale on his site. He's the God of 900 Mod's and if you have ANY questions, he's always willing to help!

Run N. Gun · 11-15-07

AC130, welcome to OCN! The 900 is a simple case to modify. Just plan ahead for what cables go where. I have work logs for two systems in my signature, Radioactive and Fusion that are both 900s, both have cable mgmt mods and paint, etc. CyberDruid's threads on OCN were enough to inspire me. I understood what I was doing and where everything was going before making any cuts. With that said, honestly, it is easy to do but just takes time and patience. Definately cover those holes to protect the wires. Some people use C-Channel, others 1/4 drip line (for gardening) and I used screen rope material. My recommendation is to spend some time reading and get ideas that you think will work for you, then just do it.

CyberDruid does have several of the mods available as kits and if you are not comfortable figuring it out for yourself, I highly recommend utilizing his expertise.

Modding is fun.

arekieh · 11-15-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donnie Darko

(They can just sew your fingers back on, the CABLES are what's truly important.)

sigged

BrinNutz · 11-15-07

ac130...helluva plane I tell you!!!

Twinnuke · 11-23-07

Not as hellova plane as the F-22 Raptor

BrinNutz · 11-23-07

f-22...haha...you're just on its nuts cuz its new

Starholdest · 11-24-07

Cyberdruid has made a guide for cable management in the Antec 900, go check it out here.

11-14-07	#1 (permalink)
ac130 New to Overclock.net Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 Rep: 0 Unique Rep: 0 Trader Rating: 0	Cable management question I am INSPIRED by the amazing cable management jobs some people have posted on these forums! Routing the cables behind the motherboard tray is something that had never occurred to me, and seems like it may be just what I need to bring some order, and hopefully a bit more airflow, into the rat's nest of case guts. I'm tempted to whip out the ol' Dremel, but I have a shiney new Nine Hundred which I picked up for a bit under $100.00. As a guy who usually spends closer to $50 for a case, I'm a little reluctant to cut into it. Before I make any decisions, I have 2 questions I was hoping you guys could help me with: 1. Hole placement. Judging from the pictures, it's preferable to have the hole hidden by the motherboard. Especially if you can only make raggedy holes like me. Is there any risk of damaging anything? I'd assume we all know to take out all the components and clean the case well before reinstalling, but there'sthose sharp little component leads that protrude from the bottom of the board. Could one potentially poke through the insulation of a wire? 2. If I upgrade someday, aren't chances good that the old holes may pose a problem? Either visible, or in the wrong spot? I wouldn't be opposed to cutting newer holes, but it seems like one could only go so far before you weaken the tray, especially if the holes touch. I don't think there's much you could do for existing holes that were showing... P.S. The first time I saw an interior shot of an uber-tidy case here, I thought was just a motherboard with nothing hooked up yet! Good job, guys! Last edited by ac130 : 11-14-07 at 03:03 PM.

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Cable management question

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