(WIP) Retro PC case makeover

[ApheX]

Hello Acidmodders,

It's been a long time since i've posted any work, so i thought i would show you all what i've been working on.

To those who don't remember me (i don't blame you if you don't) i used to work on PSP's back in the day. Since they are as dead as the Dodo now, i've started work on PC cases.

This is a case i've just started on yesterday and is WIP. The case is an old Packard Bell Imedia case for windows XP/ I Really like the design but it could use some work.

I'm planning on adding a front 120mm fan, along with an 80mm in the rear, plus some new power and reset buttons. All panels will be repainted and i'll be adding a few smaller bits and bobs later.

Here is the work so far. Hope you all like it.

This is what the case looked like before work (ugly colour scheme).


This is what i kinda plan to change it too for now.


Here are some pictures of some new power and reset buttons (I'll be changing these over to some more flashy ones later)



This is the front bezel with the newly painted trims. Just test fitted them to make sure they still fit. The main part of the bezal hasn't been painted yet in this picture.


This is how the case now looks with a few coats of black gloss, however i need to buy more to finish it up.


Once i've got more paint, i will finish, however i need to cut a 120mm hole in the front of the case and fit a 120mm green led fan to the inside if the bezel. Then i'll place a grill (pained green) in the front to help clean up the look.

[The End of A Heartache]

looks awesome, love the color it really pops out. Updated the hardware and OS or going to keep it on AMD and run XP?

[ApheX]

I'm gonna keep it as an XP pc for now. I could fit it with all the latest gear, but i use XP for retro gaming so we'll see what happens. Ordered the fan for the front of the case, just looking for a good hole saw now.

[The End of A Heartache]

I'm gonna keep it as an XP pc for now. I could fit it with all the latest gear, but i use XP for retro gaming so we'll see what happens. Ordered the fan for the front of the case, just looking for a good hole saw now.

Oh sweet ok, as long as the system runs fine then

Can not wait to see the fan and grill on it. Will improve air flow with the nice 120mm fan. 

[ApheX]

[Update]

Ok, i've completed the front case fan on the front bezel. It's the first time i have done this and im veryy happy with how it turned out.

I managed to get hold of a 120mm fan that wasn't being used and masked of the frame. Then i applied three layers of paint to get a nice level and glossy look.




I've added a few more layers of paint to the black sections of the case. On the first attempt i ran out of black and a few marks were still showing. Once it was dry, I test fitted the fan to make sure everything was ok.






Here i painted the tops of the fan screws so i matches with the rest of the case's new look.



Here is the front bezel all built. it didn;t take too long and i was worried the paint on the screws would come off, but it held on 



And thats it for now. I've ordered some nioce looking black metal green led buttons for the power and reset switchs. When they arrive i will add them. Then maybe the main chasis will be painted green.

Here's a few pictures of how it looks now. Hope you all like it.




Sorry if the pictures are not to clear, my camera is playing up.

[GhoSt]

Sweet mod, loving the color scheme it looks like a razer product.

[Rodent]

Definitely a major upgrade nice work.  Also should keep it very cool with that huge fan in the front of it . nice choice for the power buttons also.

[ApheX]

thanks folks :-)

I'm gonna change the buttons to two of these 12v black green led ones to finish up the look. I'm thinging of adding something next to them like a card reader.

[FOOKz™]

Quality job, man. Nice work!

[The End of A Heartache]

totally sick it is definitely coming out awesome!

[ApheX]

Ok so i got some new LED buttons to replace the cheap set I used to test the setup. Stupidly i bought the wrong ones so i had to open them up and change them from latching to starndard push buttons. bit of extra work, however it paid off.

Here's a few pictures of the test




And here they are fitted to the bezel.




The next item on the list is cutting out a better hole in the metal chassis for the front fan and then a 80mm fan for the back. Plus i'm gonna have to repaint the front bezel as the last set of buttons have marked the paint work.

[The End of A Heartache]

Very clean and love the green against black theme. The new power and reset button fits well and looks amazing. I can not tell the button scratch the paint. Can not wait to see this finish