Part 2: Choosing the right case
I'll admit my experience in case moding is quite limited. However, here are some observation of my first attempt.
First of all, keep in mind I didn't choose my current casem it was an exchange.
The chassis I currently have is a Thermaltake Matrix. It's a nice low-budget, screwless, mid-tower chassis.
While it a very nice low-budget chassis, I would like to specify that it's not a perfect candidate for case moding.
Homepage: http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Chassis/midtower/matrix/vd2000.asp
Here is a picture of the side panel. I added note about thing you have to think about when choosing a Chassis or a panel (some chassis offer optional panel type).
When you plan to add a windows, the location of those thing, or the size (80mm or 120mm vent hole) can be in conflict with your design.
When you plan to cut your panel, I strongly suggest to simulate the final design.
Also, keep the paperboard box that came with your chassis... you will be able to reuse it.
You just cut the paperboard the size of the panel, cur the windows as you want and cut the vent hole position on the paperboard.... then tape the paperboard on the box without the side panel...
You can now evaluate if the windows is at the right place and what you would see behind it. Don't hesitate to try a few setup... paperboard is less expensive that a chassis or a panel! (and much easier to cut...)
Also keep in mind that the side of the panel are the most important part to NOT cut... it help keeping the panel rigid.
It's also important to leave a like 2 inche on the side to avoid breaking the mechanism keeping the panel in the chassis.
Of course, different chassis will have different limitation.
[EDIT: This sentence was originaly incomplete]
While you can find very nice pricing at online, the old street store offer the chance to have a closer look to the chassis before buying it :)
I can't show you more for the momment, I'm still preparing the paperboard with the perfect curse logo :)
And hum... yes... I trashed my original paperboard soo I had to buy some do-it-yourself paperboard. (sorry if this sound weird, I'm not sure about the right way to say it in english, it's not my first language)
