Stupidest... question... ever

[zombiewhacker]

For three years, my P3-667 clone has run flawlessly, so I've never needed to open it for any reason. But this week I bought a TV tuner, and when I went to install it I made an embarassing discovery.

Quite simply... um... I don't know how to open the case!

The case for my old AT had screws holding it in place, so that was easy to figure out, but this one seems to have no screws, only two sliding latches in back, each marked with an arrow. When I slide the latches over, one side panel seems to detach slightly; however, it's still so tightly wedged in I can't pull it out, and the rest of the ATX case doesn't budge at all.

At the risk of eternal ridicule and banishment from these boards... uh... anyone know how I might open my computer case?

 

[jammydodger]

Use a saw, if the case is that badly designed it aint worth having.

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Abit AI7
Radeon 9800Pro

 

[jihiggs]

it probly slides one way or another, if it doesnt slide or pull out try shaking it and rocking it. that could loosen it. but seriously, what kind of pos do you have there?

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[Crashman]

Many side panels have to be slid backwards about 1 inch before they can be pulled out, you might see if that works.

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[zombiewhacker]

Thanks for your responses.

Anyway... now I feel like an even bigger doofus than before, if that's possible. Allow me to explain:

First, I finally got the case open. (It's manufactured by SPM/Portland, if that matters to anybody.)

It turns out after you slide the switches open, you're supposed to slide out the TOP panel of the computer first. Once you remove the top panel, then the side panel slides out. Intuitve, right? Anyway, even after I figured that out, I still had trouble because the top panel was wedged in pretty tight.

Anyway, now that I've opened it, I've found (to my embarassment) that I don't know how to remove the damn metal slat in the back of the chassis which covers the empty PCI slot. I figured I would just be able to slide out, like my old AT chassis, but NOOOOO, these slats won't budge.

I know what you're thinking: "Death to all n00bs." But I'd appreciate any help you folks can give me, anyway.

 

[jihiggs]

i think you need a sawzall

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[Crashman]

OK, some slide in from the top, others are screwed in from the top, and a few are simple knock-outs. Knock-outs are removable use-once parts.

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[zombiewhacker]

Yup, this one's definitely a punch-out. What's a good tool for a punch-out, a screwdriver?

 

[Crashman]

Hmm, I usually punch-out with my fist, but in this case I think a screwdriver would do

Best idea is to push on a weak spot away from the attachment points.

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[dhlucke]

When you get an extra $50 or so, you should buy a new case. Anything sounds better than the one you have and you could pick up something more fun as well as easy to use while you're at it.

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