Few questions: Is there space for a 120.3 radiator along the top, plus a AquaTube? Somehow I doubt it, so: What about a 120.2 and a AT? I could fit two 120.1's in the 120mm bays, but then it'd just be a copy of FrozenFire, anyway, I want to do a special mod with the 120.2/3's I read somewhere (FrozenFire again?) that the sides were 3mm thick Alu, what about the top? How easy is that to cut? Thanks
Yes, but it would be a relatively close fit. You'll lose PCI slots (2-3 depending on the rad, and you want space for airflow as well, but physically three if it was all internal and an Airplex Evo or similar radiator) and probably the top two drive bays (think of it as an LCD opportunity). You could actually fit a 120x4 rad if it existed. The "usable" length of the top is just over 500mm, and the AT bracket is 100mm x 100mm. You may also need to use right-angle fittings if you choose to do so. A 120.2 and AT would fit with ease. In fact I'm rather pissed that I didn't put my aquatube further towards the front because I can't externally mount a 120.2 using the external mounting brackets AC makes). You could probably do that without really losing any drive bays, but take note that my Lite-on DVD drives are at least 1/2" shorter than most. The sides are actually 2mm alu. The top is about 1.5mm. It's slow cutting but easy enough. I'd HIGHLY recommend (require if I was there) that you use at least two layers of masking tape when cutting it. That way if you slip it won't go thru the first layer of tape and cut the top of the case. Trust me, doing that saved me from a LOT of anguish. You could always externally mount a 120.1 on the rear 120mm fan. I'm rather wishing I did to some extent, the big hole that I had to cut in order to get it to fit isn't what I'd call stunning (although certainly could be worse). However the fittings would be facing the wrong way if you did that
Thanks for the info, interesting reading. I'm not worried about losing the drive bays, I have a 3bay LCD (320x240) that needs to go somewhere... I'm tempted to go for a 120.2 and AT on the top, and a 120.1 at the front, by the hard drives, mount the AT close to front, leaving future expansion space externally, put a 120.2 near the back (doubt I'll need many PCI cards, all onboard now, apart from graphics). Means I could add another 120.1 at the back above I/O for future stuff if needed. Would also be more flexible than a 120.3 = possiblilty of dual loops etc. Cutting the Alu - did you use a Dremel or jigsaw? Sounds from "if you slip", that you used a dremel? Would have thought a jigsaw would have been easier , but it depends if you are cutting straight shapes or circular fan holes...
I used a dremel, yes. I don't have enough practice with a jigsaw to use one on a $250 case, and needed to cut some angles which is a lot harder to do with a jigsaw than a dremel. I cut the AT bracket hole using the template on the packaging which is kinda octagonal. If you front-mount a 120.1, you'll have to either pull out the front hard drive rack setup (which isn't very easy, one rivet is under the back 5.25" rack, and the two are riveted together as well) or mount the fan "in front" of the holder thing and have only the rad on the back bit. You'll also need fairly long screws, and it won't be easy to get in place (if possible at all, other than using a screwdriver through the front meshy stuff) If you wanted dual loops with a 120.3, you could just put a Y fitting on the inlet and outlet of it. It's not quite dual loops but gives the same effect to a degree. However flexibility is nice, a 120.3 is the best cooling for the money.
Interesting reading - I just made some mockups in Sketchup using the 240 and the 360. I haven't taken the tube fittings into account, but it looks like they're about 21mm, which there does appear to be room for, as well as several cm of clearance on either side...? Looks like the best place to mount the rad would be at the top. Without grille (just drilling 120mm fan holes): With AC grille: Is that too optimistic for reality? I've taken the dimensions from the specs....
