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Product:
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KoolPCMods Assorted Laser Etched Products |
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Price:
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Laser Etched Window Kit $68 (CAN) / $44 (U.S), Custom Case Badge $15 (CAN) / $10 (U.S)
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Price:
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Custom Fan Grill $26 (CAN) / $16.95 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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KoolPCMods
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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January 7th, 2003
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Rating:
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Laser Etched Window Kit:
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Rating:
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Custom Case Badge:
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Rating:
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Custom Fan Grill:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Clark from KoolPCMods
for sending the Assorted Laser Etched Products for review.
Introduction:
There are many ways to spruce up a boring beige case and make it truly your own. Besides painting, a window can add a touch of
personality, but with many windowed cases now flooding the market, it’s hard to stay original. KoolPCMods, based out of Ogden,
Utah, has been marketing a new approach to window designs by the introduction of a new laser etching process. With this in mind,
it is a natural step to apply this technique to fan grills and case badges, enabling the end user to buy pre-made designs or have
something custom done for a few dollars more. Today in the MTB Labs, we are taking a look at a few of the latest product offerings
from KoolPCMods which include laser cut or etched products for your case.
Specifications:
The laser etching process is one of the most advanced ways of applying an engraved image to plastic. A focused beam of
laser light burns off a thin layer of plastic which produces a frosted image behind the acrylic. The laser used at
KoolPCMods is capable of precise detailed images up to 1000 dot per inch. Consumers have the choice of selecting
pre-designed etches featured on the site or can commission a custom design. Here are some specifications taken from
the KoolPCMods Website:
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Laser Etched Window Kit & Custom Case Badges & Fan Grills - Key Specifications:
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| Etched Window Kits & Custom Case Badges: Manufactured by KoolPCMods |
| Available in oval or round format |
| Standard sizes: 10" X 10", 9.5" X 11.5", 12" X 10", 10" X 12", and 12" X 12" |
| Includes 4 feet of U-style trim and mounting tabs |
| 7 different font style available for text lettering |
| Mirrored acryic light up badges which light up the front of your case |
| Highly reflective brushed aluminium style laser etched case badges with adhesive backing |
| 1/16" special laserable plastic with a thin coating of aluminum |
| Mirror Grill sizes: 80mm, 92mm and 120mm |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Fan grills have moved from the traditional wire type and have evolved into highly decorative objects that can add that extra touch
of class. Keep in mind, however, the wire type is meant to protect small objects from the spinning fan blades while many of the
decorative styles may not.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The backside of the grill has been coated with aluminum, which, when viewed from the front, gives the grill its mirror like
finish. It is easier to see the clean and crisp cutting done by KoolPCMods from the back. The upper portions of the lower
graphic features small cut outs and demanded precision cutting.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Installation of the custom fan grill is almost self explanatory. Simply screw the grill to the fan or over a fan opening into the
fan mounts. Caution should be noted, since this is acrylic and can snap if the screws are over-tightened. As far as the screws go,
it is recommended to use round or pan head screws instead of the traditional flat head since the screw holes of the grill are not
tapered and the screw head will not sit flush. Mantis sent along a picture of the MTB fan grill installed against a quad blue led
fan and it looks stunning!
Conclusion:
The KoolPCMods Custom Laser Cut Fan Grill is a great way to add personality to a case instead of the traditional wire grills.
As previously stated, this type of product may not protect from obtrusive objects such as fingers getting into the spinning blades
and some designs may inhibit proper airflow. Overall, I'm rating the KoolPCMods Custom Cut Acrylic Fan Grills and service
9.5 out of 10.
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Pros:
- Professional laser cut fan grill
- Fast and reliable service
- Improves on the aesthetics for most cases
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Cons:
- Some designs may inhibit air flow
- More expensive than traditional fan grills
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Next, we examine the KoolPCMods Case Badge Lighting Kit..
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