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  Project:     Project Noblesse - Noblesse Electric Blue Case Mod  
  Author:     Hi-TEK
  Date:     May 16th, 2002

Introduction:

There is always a subtle approach used towards case modification and often times reviewing the weaknesses associated with most standard cases can create newer ideas for implementing improvements. The Noblesse Electric Blue Case was featured in the MTB Labs in February 2002 and faired well scoring a 9 out of 10. One of the stand out features of the case was the inclusion of some dazzling aesthetics and cool features to keep most consumers happy. The idea behind this case modification project was to add some small changes to improve overall air circulation as well as complement the dull case interior with a little bit of colour. Internal system lighting would be used in two seperate sections to highlight a small part of the interior, front bezel and bottom of the case. There were a few surprises planned for this project, but unfortunately I had to restrict the list down to several key modifications. Overall the project took one month to complete and hopefully this will encourage those of you with this case to modify your own.

As with all my previous articles I always set out a list of objectives and here they are in no particular order:

  • Add in a 4 switch PCMods Baybus Kit for system fan control (4 x 80mm Sunon KD1208PTS1-6 fans for rear exhaust and front intake, 2 x 120mm Panaflo FBA12G12H1A for side intake and top exhaust)
  • Custom built acrylic window on the side using Trimbrite Truckside Moulding.
  • Aesthetics: Highspeed PC Light Strip Tape, Ultra blue iBUS fanbus, blue high intensity LEDS.
  • Custom window applique design.
  • Stealthed front replicator ports.
  • Black vinyl dye all cdrom(s) and NewQ Gold DSP units.
  • Homemade self rounded IDE cables.
  • Replace all stock leds with high intensity ultra clear blue and red leds.
  • Black and blue combination based theme.

NOTE: Proper precautions should be taken when attempting your own case mod project and as with all warnings, you are responsible for your own actions. MODTHEBOX.COM cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to your case or computer equipment by not following the necessary safety procedures.

Noblesse Electric Blue Case - Key Specifications:
Noblesse Electric Blue Case: Manufactured by Nikao
Case Dimensions: 445mm (H) x 200mm (W) x 411mm (D)
Drive Bays: 11 device bays (4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5", 5 x 3.5" internal)
Expansion Slots: 7
Fan Accomodation: 2 x 80mm fans optional (2 x Front and 2 x Rear)
Form Factors: ATX, Extended ATX, Pentium IV or AMD
Power Supply: Not included
Weight: 20LBS with No Power Supply
Universal ATX I/O Shield included
Electromagnetic Interference Protection and smooth Rounded Edges to Prevent Hand-cutting
Special Features: Heavy Duty Steel construction, tool-less side panel opening, scratch resistance surface, locker side panel
 
Tools and Material Used:
Makita 10mm (3/8") drill model#6410
Mastercraft saw mandrel (1 1/4" to 6")
25 piece H.S.S drillbit set
Dremel Multipro 5 w/50 accessories
Solder gun w/lead free hi-tech electronic rosin core solder
Lenox Bi-metal Hole saws 3-1/8" 80mm
Milwaukee Super Tough Bi-metal 4/6" 120mm
Marr UV Black cable ties
Black wire split loom
Safety googles
MG Computing Products super compressed dust buster
PCMods 4 Switch Baybus Kit
Highspeed PC Front-X Multimedia Ports + Light Tape Kit
2 x 120mm Chrome grills, 4 x 80mm chrome grills
2 x Panaflo 120mm high speed fans with filters
4 x Sunnon 80mm high speed fans
Black heat shrink tubing
Black and red 22AWG wiring
Thermaltake Volcano 7 HSF Cooler
1 SPST mini switch
4 x high intensity ultra clear blue LEDS
1 x Lucite-Tuf acrylic sheet
1 x 3ft" box of Trimbrite Truckside Moulding, part#T5402 41-9369-2
1 x can of Plastikote Ultra vinyl dye (black)
2 x cans of Motormaster Bright Blue automotive paint
1 x can of Motormaster Clear Coat sealent
1 x can of Motormaster Grey automotive primer
600, 800 & 1200 grit sandpaper

Nikao Noblesse Electric Blue Case
Click image for larger view
Nikao Noblesse Electric Blue Case
Click image for larger view
 

The Nikao Noblesse Electric Blue case was stripped of all panels in order to tackle the first task at hand. Air circulation would be a major concern for this case due to the design of the front bezel as well as the use of stock fan grills embedded in the case chassis. I spent the first portion of the project taking specific measurements for the modifications planned. The top portion of the case chassis had two precut ventilation holes which I believe were meant for exhausting hot air. The smaller of the two holes was located towards the rear of the case and centered over the placement for the PSU. The second hole was located towards the middle of the case and positioned over the placement of the mounts for the motherboard.

Nikao Noblesse Electric Blue Case
Click image for larger view
Nikao Noblesse Electric Blue Case
Click image for larger view
 
An outline was traced around the edges of both holes and extended towards the location of the top 5.25" drive bay. I wanted enough room available to add in a top mount 120mm exhaust fan which would work perfectly in removing all the hot air generated by the system components. Measurement of this area had to be precise since the fan would be centered between the PSU and the top 5.25" drive bay. If the measurements were off, I'd run into a problem installing a PSU without bumping the top exhaust fan or I'd render the top 5.25" drive bay useless for installing any drive components.
 
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