NZXT H710 Front panel airflow mod

[Tookey423]

I just finished my first custom loop and need help. I had to put the fans in the front so I could fit the radiator and pump/res in the case. I am wondering what the best way to go about modifying the front panel for airflow would be. I can separate the Metal from the plastic on the front panel. But want to know what would be best to cut both out. I don't want to go all the way to the edge of the panel, I just want a big rectangle hole. and I might put some kind of grating to make it look nice. Just wondering if anyone has done this or what tools would work best to cut and leave good looking edges.

[kkpatel87]

6 minutes ago, Tookey423 said:

-snip-

You can use a dremel but it takes a steady hand. For this kind of application i might use a fine tooth jigsaw or trim router with a endmill.

[TVwazhere]

8 minutes ago, Tookey423 said:

I just finished my first custom loop and need help. I had to put the fans in the front so I could fit the radiator and pump/res in the case. I am wondering what the best way to go about modifying the front panel for airflow would be. I can separate the Metal from the plastic on the front panel. But want to know what would be best to cut both out. I don't want to go all the way to the edge of the panel, I just want a big rectangle hole. and I might put some kind of grating to make it look nice. Just wondering if anyone has done this or what tools would work best to cut and leave good looking edges.

For a 120mm fan, a 4.75" hole saw would be the exact width of the fan blades (I went with a 4.5" saw because it was way cheaper), couple this with a good filing afterwards and the results speak for themselves.

 

Photos are from RGB Build Post 2019 in my signature.

Spoiler

 

[Tookey423]

4 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

For a 120mm fan, a 4.75" hole saw would be the exact width of the fan blades (I went with a 4.5" saw because it was way cheaper), couple this with a good filing afterwards and the results speak for themselves.

 

Photos are from RGB Build Post 2019 in my signature.

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That just gave me some good ideas. Thank you! The pics really helped.

[Tookey423]

Thanks for the info guys. I decided to go with a jigsaw and Dremel to cut out a rectangle hole for a grate in the front. I am going to paint the grate flat black and epoxy it into the front panel. I will post pics as I go so hopefully it will help someone else.

Here is a list of all the tools ill be using 

Masking tape 

Dremel with reinforced metal cutting blade (to start the holes for Jigsaw)

Jigsaw with metal cutting blade

180 grain sandpaper sponge

Combination square

Hand file

Flat black primer and paint

Clear epoxy 

Fine point sharpie 

 

[Tookey423]

finished today will probably do some minor touch ups later but it definitely helps. 9900k @ 5.0 Ghz all core idles at 27c now (down from about 35c before)

[kkpatel87]

On 6/5/2020 at 8:59 PM, Tookey423 said:

-snip-

Very creative, however here are a couple tips to make this look professional:

• The cuts look jagged and not-straight. I would recommend more sanding/filing to ensure a straight edge.
• The corners are probably the worst spot as they draw the eyes to it immediately. Its hard to clean up straight corners but i would have put in some corner rounds. In your case, maybe add some filler to the corners and create a radius.
• Any time you make a cutout, you should always re-finish the edge. It hides any imperfections and covers any exposed metal.

[Blasfemia]

Hey, i was looking for some h710 and i found yours! I recommend to simply fully replace the front. The front panel is around 48,5cmx24cm, so what i did is simply buy a steel 50x25cm with premade holes and cut the excess, then used the excess to conver the top "lip". I painted it in mate black and it looks awesome. For holding it i used bolts and nuts but you can try: magnets, some kind of hanger or screwing something into the screws that hold the case. If you want to re-do the job that's my recommendation. I link some pics of the results! Have a nice day

Cost: under 20€

[alex62005]

On 10/28/2020 at 6:21 PM, Blasfemia said:

Hey, i was looking for some h710 and i found yours! I recommend to simply fully replace the front. The front panel is around 48,5cmx24cm, so what i did is simply buy a steel 50x25cm with premade holes and cut the excess, then used the excess to conver the top "lip". I painted it in mate black and it looks awesome. For holding it i used bolts and nuts but you can try: magnets, some kind of hanger or screwing something into the screws that hold the case. If you want to re-do the job that's my recommendation. I link some pics of the results! Have a nice day

Cost: under 20€

hey nice job.  Could you show what you did to cover the top lip and what you mean cheers.