Comment post number 265 was drawn by Random.org.

Congratulations! to “mitochondria24”

We will contact you at your registered email address to get your shipping address. Enjoy the “Mod Men” Giveaway of a CM Storm Enforcer Mid Tower case.

mitochondria24 will also receive these prize items from Mnpctech

One 2′ x 2′ sheet of 3M Di-Noc carbon fiber film that is flexible and lightweight and looks like the real thing. It can be installed on both flat and curved surfaces. It’s ideal for applying to the inside or outside of a computer chassis, keyboards, headsets, mice. It’s 8.3 millimeters thick, so it withstands outdoor elements too! More photos and details.

Mnpctech’s ATX Pin and Molex Removal Tools.

Save time and headaches when use Mnpctech’s ATX tools when sleeving your Power Supply and Molex connections.

More photos and details.

There are a couple of drawbacks when using hole saw attachments. You risk twisting or warping some metal panels. You also have to deburr the jagged edge with a hand file. The alternative is using a knock-out punch. I use a Greenlee part # 730EBB-120 cutting blade.

Last time we inquired about the price, they were around $450 in the states + Large 3/4″ socket wrench, and 2″ socket. We wouldn’t use anything less than 19″ long socket wrench. Estimated purchase price of $550 new for everything needed. Fortunately we could write off the high cost as a business expense, but you can periodically find used knock-out punches on Ebay.

The Greenlee’s circular blade cuts through the steel as you tighten the socket with the wrench.

Example of hole made by Greenlee knock-out punch. Clean, no deburring necessary.

This is your opportunity to win Cooler Master’s new CM Storm “Enforcer” mid tower case from the “Mod Men.”

Continuing on with its tradition of revolutionary design and cutting edge technology, CM Storm upstages the competition with its new Enforcer chassis. The new chassis contains a wealth of features coveted by most gaming enthusiasts, including USB 3.0, SSD drive support and a removable/rotatable HDD cage to support easy installation of the highest end video cards. CM Storm has come up with a design that not only meets the expectations of its customer base, enthusiasts and esports prodigies, but does so within a reasonable price. More photos and details.

Included with the case will be….

One 2′ x 2′ sheet of 3M Di-Noc carbon fiber film that is flexible and lightweight and looks like the real thing. It can be installed on both flat and curved surfaces. It’s ideal for applying to the inside or outside of a computer chassis, keyboards, headsets, mice. It’s 8.3 millimeters thick, so it withstands outdoor elements too! More photos and details.

One Mnpctech ATX 24 Pin ATX PSU power supply sleeve removal tool.

The winner will receive one Mnpctech ATX Pin and Molex Removal Tool. Save time and headaches when use Mnpctech’s ATX tools when sleeving your Power Supply and Molex connections. More photos and details.

NO WARRANTY OR RETURNS.

NO SYSTEM COMPONENTS OR HARDWARE INCLUDED.

To enter, Register (Upper right side)

Once registered, leave 1 comment at the bottom of this post “Write a Comment…” by Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 @ Midnight central time for your chance to be randomly selected. One lucky winner will be chosen at random through the website Random.org. Mod Men will announce the winner on this website on Friday, June 24th, 2011

This giveaway is open to all countries. Shipping method will be at the discretion of Mnpctech.com

Anyone registering twice or posting more than 1 comment will automatically be disqualified.

All blog comments go into queue before they’re approved. Therefore, it may take awhile before your comments are visible, this is a measure to prevent spam.

btw: Do you want to use your own avatar too? Goto Gravatar

Tools & Supplies:
1x R/C Truck Rim (83x56mm). We’re using HPI-Racing’s “Hotbodies” Predator Rims
1x 80mm laser cut fan grill. Any design will work, but you must cut 92mm hole in order for rim to sit flush inside)
4x 10/24 x 2″ length machine screws
4x 10/24 Acorn nuts.
4x 1/4″ long aluminum screw sleeves
Dremel or Rotary Tool with 1.5″ reinforced cutting wheel
Hand Clamp.
Rounded side hand file.
Medium grit sandpaper.
Hack saw
GOOP brand Household Glue.
Duplicolor brand “Metalcast” paint (Red, Yellow, Green & Purple)
Plastikote brand “Engine Enamel” Clear coat.

We’ve chosen an 80mm steel “Biohazard” grill, but any design in 80mm will work.

We’ve clamped down the grill before removing the center portion of the 80mm fan grill.

Use Rounded side hand file to clean up the edges of the fan grill.

We’ve chosen the Predator” R/C Truck Rim by HotBodies, but any 83 x 56mm Monster R/C Truck should work with modification.

We had to cut the front portion of the rim, 1/16″ from the edge.

The R/C Truck rims creates a three dimensional look.

Prep the surface of the 80mm laser cut grill for “Metalcast” paint with Medium grit sandpaper

We chose Duplicolor brand’s “Metalcast” paint in Purple.

After the Metalcast paint has cured for four hours, apply Plastikote’s Enamel Clear coat and let it cure for 24 hours.

After waiting for the painted grill to cure for 24 hours, apply GOOP brand Household Clear Glue to the Predator” R/C Truck Rim by HotBodies.

Allow GOOP Glue to cure for 24hrs.

We installed the grill with 80mm Blue LED cooling fan with 10/24 machine screws and acorn nuts, installed as an exhaust. The custom R/C Truck idea turned out awesome! Now we have to decide where we’ll implement the other custom R/C Truck grills in our case!

There is now a large variety of 140mm cooling fans on the market. They offer higher airflow while reducing noise and power consumption. Here is a step by step guide to installing a 140mm cooling fan in your side panel. This mod will help cool your video cards and processor. We will be using the Antec Sonata Proto mid tower case.

Tools & Supplies:

1. Power Drill or Drill Press.
2. Masking Tape
3. Block of wood at least 2″ thick.
4. Hand Center Punch
5. Cutting oil or WD40
6. 1/4″ drill bit for cutting fan screw mounting holes
7. Rounded side hand file.
8. 140mm cooling fan template print out
9. C-clamps to hold the panel in place (Optional)
10. 5.5″ size Hole Saw Attachment for installing 140mm fans (140mm = 5.51181″)
11. 1/2″ Hole Saw Arbor
12. 140mm Yate Loon Blue LED Cooling Fan
13. U-channel rubber trim molding.
14. Fan vibration rubber grommets.
15. #10-5/8 Black Cooling Fan Screws.
16. 140mm Wire Guard Fan Grill.

I ordered a MORSE brand 5.5″ size Hole Saw Attachment for installing 140mm fans (140mm = 5.51181″)

MV MORSE AV88 140mm hole saw attachment.

You will need a 1/2″ Hole Saw Arbor in order to use the 140mm hole saw attachment.

Attaching the 1/2″ Arbor.

I’ve attached the hole saw to 18V BOSCH Cordless Drill

You can use either a Power drill or Drill press. I’m using a 12″ Craftsman Bench top Drill Press. Mfr. Model# 21914

The Drill Press offers better precision and stability over using hand held Power Drill.

Applying Masking Tape to the 140mm fan hole location on the access panel.

Place a 2″ thick or larger block of wood beneath the side panel, so you don’t ruin your work surface.

You can download 140mm cooling fan template print out

Taped the 140mm cooling fan template print out for location of the hole.

Using Center Punch to mark center of the hole, which helps pivot the drill bit in the Hole saw Arbor. Also mark the four fan screw mounting holes.

I’m using the Drill press with the 140mm hole saw attachment.

I’m using C-clamps, placed over pieces of plastic to prevent scratches on the panel and hold it in place.

Spray the cutting area with “Cutting Oil” or WD40 before cutting the hole, it reduces heat, so the hole saw blade will cut more efficiently.

The hole is cut, now use a Rounded side hand file to clean up the jagged edge of the hole.

Using 1/4″ size drill bit to make the fan screw mounting holes.

The 140mm cooling fan hole is now ready for installing U-channel rubber trim molding and Fan vibration rubber grommets.

Fan vibration rubber grommets.

I use a Micro Flat head screw driver to install the Fan vibration rubber grommets.

Give the fan hole a professional look by installing U-channel rubber trim molding

The U-channel molding will cover any mistakes or scratches made while cutting the fan hole.

I use #10-5/8 Black cooling fan screws for installing any size cooling fan.

The 140mm cooling fan is installed and looks good!

You can install the cooling fan as Intake or Exhaust, depending our your individual needs. You can use this guide to install the cooling fan as Intake in the floor of your chassis or in top panel of the case as an exhaust.

Congratulations! to “jackson58”

Your comment #40 was chosen by Random.org. We will contact you at your registered email address to get your shipping address. Enjoy the Thermaltake Level 10 GT full tower case and one sheet of 2′x 2′ 3M di-noc carbon fiber sheet. One Mnpctech PSU Tool and Mnpctech Molex Tool.

Thermaltake captured our imagination in 2009 with the introduction of the uniquely designed Level 10 chassis, co-designed by BMW Design Group, it was like nothing we’d seen before. With the level 10 GT, Thermaltake continues the tradition of powerful and highly expandable full tower PC chassis, providing an optimized PC housing offering sufficient room for the most sophisticated hardware available on the market today for gamers as well as enthusiasts. Particular attention has been paid to ventilation and overall ease-of-use and attractive looks. More photos and details.

One 2′ x 2′ sheet of 3M Di-Noc carbon fiber sheet that is flexible and lightweight and looks like the real thing. It can be installed on both flat and curved surfaces. It’s ideal for applying to the inside or outside of a computer chassis, keyboards, headsets, mice. It’s 8.3 millimeters thick, so it withstands outdoor elements too! More photos and details.

One Mnpctech ATX 24 Pin ATX PSU power supply sleeve removal tool.

jackson58 will receive one Mnpctech ATX Pin and Molex Removal Tool. Save time and headaches when use Mnpctech’s ATX tools when sleeving your Power Supply and Molex connections. More photos and details.

One of the most popular case mods is changing your computer’s Main Power Switch with a Military style switch.

Tools & Supplies Needed:
Power Drill.
1/2″ size drill bit.
Small hand file.
Masking Tape.
Pen or Pencil.
Fighter Pilot Cover with Momentary Toggle Switch, HERE
(Use a “Standard” On/Off switch for your cooling fans and lights)
2 pin motherboard power connector, HERE

We’ve chosen the Blue Anodized Fighter Pilot Cover with “Momentary” switch, to be used as the Main Power switch. Alongside is 2 pin motherboard power connector.

The Blue wire is connected to the middle screw (power). The White wire can be connected to either the top or bottom screw, depending which direction you want to push for powering your PC. If you want to switch On and Off a cooling fan or lights, you’ll need to use a Standard On/Off Toggle switch instead of “Momentary”

We’ve connected the White wire to top screw. You will push it up for ON, and again for OFF.

Marking off the location for the switch with pencil and masking tape.

You must use a 1/2″ drill bit to make the mounting hole for the Toggle Switch.

Use a small hand file to clean the edges of the hole after drilling.

Place the Toggle switch into the mounting hole.

Place the anodized cover over the toggle switch. Fasten on the included locking nut.

Connect the 2 pin connector to the Motherboard’s Main Power connection.

Close the cover during system operation.

You can install another Fighter Pilot Switch cover with a “Standard” style On/Off Toggle switch to power cooling fans, case lighting or other accessories!

————————————————————————————————
SPONSORED AD
————————————————————————————————

Install a “Military Fighter Pilot” Toggle switch in your PC! Available HERE

Here is a mod guide to help cool your PC with a massive 250mm cooling fan in your side panel, similar to Cooler Master’s HAF series and Thermaltake Element series cases. You can install the fan as Intake or Exhaust, depending upon your individual needs. The case we’re using for this guide is a Lian Li PC-7plus B midtower. You can install a 250mm size fan in any case that has 12″ x 12″ of free space in the side panel.

Supplies & Tools Needed:

Thermaltake 250mm Silent Case Fan Products Model: TT250FAN, but you can find other brand 250mm fans HERE
Fan Dimension 250 x 250 x 30 mm
Rated Voltage DC 12V
Fan Speed 600RPM ±10%
Airflow 67.69CFM
Noise 15 dBA
4 Pin Molex connector

List of Supplies Needed

1x 1′ x 1′ sheets of Honeycomb Modders Mesh

4x #10 x 5/8 self tapping fan screws

4x fan silencing grommets

1x 6ft U-channel computer window molding (cut down to 27″)

Tools Needed:
Power drill
1/4″ drill bit
Jigsaw with 18 TPI cutting blade
Dremel or Rotary Tool with 1.5″ Dremel cutting wheel
Measuring Square or Ruler
Pencil or Pen
3M brand Green Painter’s Masking Tape 233+ or equivalent, so you don’t leave sticky residue on your panel.
Center Punch
Phillips Screwdriver
Rounded Hand File
Medium grit sandpaper
“SEM brand Self Etching” Primer
“Plastikote brand Black Enamel paint

Finding placement of the 250mm cooling fan in left side panel. We’ve positioned the fan 4″ from the rear edge and 7″ from the bottom edge of the panel.

Trace the outline fan with pencil onto the panel after applying 3M brand Green masking tape. The masking tape also prevents scratches while cutting the fan hole.

Here is traced outline of Thermaltake 250mm cooling fan. Mark fan mounting holes!

Using center punch to mark 1/4″ drill holes for the cooling fan silencing grommets.

Using 1/4″ size drill bit to drill holes for cooling fan silencing grommets.

Before we can using Jigsaw to cut the 250mm fan hole, we first make an incision for the Jigsaw blade with Rotary tool using 1.5″ cutting wheel for Dremel brand or any Rotary Tool.

We’re using this styrofoam cushion to prop the panel so we have clearance below for using the Jigsaw.

Cutting 250mm fan hole with Jigsaw (use 18 TPI cutting blade)

That is one  big hole!

A 12″ x 12″ sheet of Honeycomb Modders Mesh will provide excellent ventilation

Cut down to 10″ x 10″ panel to serve as a grill for 250mm fan.

Let’s paint the Modders Mesh Black to match our color scheme. Scuff the surface of the mesh with medium grit sandpaper to promote adhesion for the “self etching” primer base coat

After applying SEM brand “self etching” primer, we apply 3 coast of Plasti-kote Black enamel paint.

4x Cooling fan silencing grommets are ready for installation.

fyi: You can use a micro flat head screw driver to help gently pry the grommet into 1/4″ hole

Finishing the edge of the 250mm fan hole with U-channel computer window molding (cut to 27.5″ length)

Our 250mm fan hole is finished and ready for installation of the fan!

The best screws for mounting cool fans are  #10 x 5/8 self tapping fan screws which are available in Black anodize or Stainless Steel. You can mount your 250mm fan as your system “Exhaust” or “Intake” cooling fan for your video card(s), depending on individual hardware cooling needs.

First lay down the Modders Mesh sheet (after the Black enamel paint has cured!)

Remove a small portion of the mesh around the mounting holes accommodate #10 x 5/8 self tapping fan screws

Mount the 250mm fan as an Exhaust, to pull warm air out from inside your computer case or Intake fan, depending upon your own case and system.

Very nice, could almost be factory made?!

Stand back and admire your work. Now you’ll have a cooler running system with less fan noise!

“Some Modders do look like their PC.”

It’s been four weeks since our Mod Men PC was brought to life. As promised, here are the temps our custom copper water block achieved. I’ve posted the PC temps before and after overclocking the Core i7 870 to a stable 3.6 GHz. This is the best OC we could squeeze out of the Zotac’s H55. Keep in mind the H55 is intended for Home Theater PCs and not intended for overclocking.

Pictured above is our system at idle.

Pictured above are temperatures of the Core i7 870 overclocked to a stable 3.6 GHz.

ZOTAC ITX motherboards are not designed to offer a lot of overclocking headroom, but if you’re after a mini-ITX motherboard for small custom builds, HTPC or Media Center PC… the H55-ITX WiFi is packed with features including ten USB 2.0 ports, 7.1-channel high-definition audio card, digital optical S/PDIF audio outputs, six SATA 3.0 GB/s ports and one eSATA port. It also features integrated 802.11n WiFi (300Mb/s) technology. The built-in WiFi card on this motherboard supports two external antennas.

Mod Men PC Hardware Specs:
Motherboard = ZOTAC H55 ITX 1156
CPU = Intel Core i7-870 Lynnfield 2.93GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core
GPU = ZOTAC 470 GTX
SSD: Mushkin Callisto 64GB
PSU: Silverstone 600W

COOLING SPECS:
CPU = Custom copper water block
GPU Cooling = EK-FC470 GTX water block
2.93 GHz Core i7 870 Lynnfield CPU at stock and idle

ZOTAC H55 Technical Specifications:
Chipset: Intel H55 Express Chipset
Socket Type: LGA 1156
Onboard outputs: D-sub, DVI-D, HDMI
Memory type; Maximum Memory Supported: DDR3, 8GB
Connectivity: Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi (802.11n)
PCI-E Slots: 1 (x16)
SATA Ports: 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
Warranty: 5 years