DigitalSmear

I don't think it's that you suck at it, I believe you lack the patience to (1) plan it out properly and (2) thoroughly execute the work, no offense.

Good and proper cable management (read "clean") takes some work. You will more often than not need to make new holes, buy extensions for your cables or extend them manually, and then have the time to do it all. Looking at your photo, I can see that you're simply using the OEM holes. These are fine, but they unfortunately don't amount to much. I found that some of the holes appear to have lacked some proper thought (the wide ones on the motherboard tray at the top and bottom). You can't run any wires over the horizontal beam because then you won't be able to close the case, virtually making the two holes useless. I currently use the top one to gain access to the switches on my radiator fans (until my fan controller arrives).

Basically, what I'm trying to say is, don't expect a lot from a little when it comes to cable management. You do appear to be getting there, with what appears to be sleeving. If you're up to it, cut some new holes (make sure to plan, measure, measure again, and then cut/drill).

I would like to caution against the cutting of the vertical beam for cable routing, though. I imagine it has a negative affect on the C1K's structural rigidity. I was considering the same thing, but I've decided to simply cut a shallow channel instead of removing a considerable amount. An alternative would be to create an opening to the left of the OEM opening(s). You could then route the cable(s) through the original opening and then back out through the one(s) you create. The cables will be visible in the case, but they won't obstruct airflow (if properly secured to the case). Of course, if what you're aiming for is utter reduction in cable visibility, you may want to try cutting the vertical beam instead.

For what it's worth, I suggest looking up CattleRustler's Cosmos 1000 case modding project.

I'm hoping to post my case mod project up soon, although I'm not sure if I should wait to do any of the cutting until my new i7 components come in (new mobo and all). Add to that the fact that I am also considering replacing my radiator with two 140mm ones at the top and adding more water blocks. Lots of planning going into this before the first cut, that's for sure.

Bart

Good advice. I'm leery about cutting up my case since I really have no clue what I'm doing, but threads like this are giving me the urge to try. I'm thinking about RMAing my board, and if I do, I'm gonna cut this sucker up a bit.

BTW we're on page 5 of the thread in your link.

l4n b0y

so this is where it all started CR.. came along way eh..

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DigitalSmear

I know what you mean. I don't know how long I will keep the case, but should I change motherboards or sell it, I'd like for the holes to still be usable. I haven't had time to really decide where I will be cutting, but this is roughly what I had in mind:



Aside from the hole for the CPU power cable, all the holes are actually behind the motherboard. On the right are two long openings for the ATX cable, floppy, fans, PCIe, and sata cables (I may have to actually place them further out to the right since the mobo I know I will be using is a bit wider than standard ATX. The ones on the bottom are for other fans and the front panel cables.

As you can see, it'll be pretty flexible for most motherboards.

That's what I get for posting minutes after waking up. I meant to link to another one of CR's threads, but now I can't remember which.

CattleRustler

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I_dalder_I

uber pro cable management

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Bart

Looks great! The only thing I would question (being a cable mgmt noob) is how you'd run the motherboard power. Do you plan to run the back up beneath the mobo or something? I don't see how you could run the thick power cable to a hole cut so far beneath the board.
I think I've read ALL of your threads since I started researching this. You are THE MAN! One of these days, I'm going to learn how to use tools and start doing this stuff. Pros like you make it look SOOO easy! I have the tools, just no skills with em. Example: one day I used a cordless circular saw to cut a hole in my wall. Not the best tool for the job. I nicked a stud, and since I was holding the saw just over eye level, it kicked back and whacked me right in the forehead. I'm THAT tool-illiterate.

CattleRustler

thanks for the kind words Bart. just practice with the tools, and always work safe (ie goggles, dust masks, gloves, etc) and before you know it youll be an old pro OCN is a great resource for info, just search first and if you cant find info post a thread, and the helpful modder/enthusiast community will come to your aid.

cheers

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[Pending finish] Butcher's Hook (Slipknot tribute bench in steel)
[mod2hardware] All Modding Projects by CattleRustler
[mod2software] WorklogCreator 1.0.1.6 visually build postable worklogs, quickly & easily with drag and drop

DigitalSmear

See the OEM opening near to where the PSU is to be mounted? The cable goes in there and behind the motherboard tray. From there, it will exit through the new (upper) slit I will be making and plug into the motherboard. Of course, because of the thickness of the plug itself, I will run this cable before I actually mount the motherboard. This where the placement (how far in below the motherboard) of the cut will be important. To far to the left, and there will be compression on the cable when the motherboard is mounted to the tray. Too far to the right, and it will be visible. Because the motherboard I plan on getting (ASUS Rampage II Extreme) is wider than standard ATX boards, I will be waiting until it arrives before making my final measurements. I may have to allow for the slot to be visible under standard boards, though I saw somewhere that the R2E uses taller standoffs, which may be a good thing in this case.

Bart

Gotcha. I'd be scared to run a cable that the mobo pushes down on. I'd be worried about scraping the little sharp pins on the boards backside. I accidentally scraped one of those off years ago with a set of pliers and the board was never the same and junked shortly afterwards.

You're getting one big board. I was going to get the exact same one, but I didn't want to wait 5 days, so I settled for a P6TD Deluxe. I've been reading some bad press about Asus x58s lately, I sure hope neither of us gets bitten.