I really like the look of Silverstone TJ09, but....

[Proximon]

I'm confused about how to retain the "massive slab" look once I install DVD drives.

Is it possible, for instance, to get silver faceplate replacements for optical drives?

 

[lostandwandering]

I don't think those covers actually come off. I might be mistaken, but to me it looks like they just flip up when you need to use them. I've read a couple of articles on the case and nowhere do any of them mention removing those covers. Wait for more replies before you fully trust my advice.

 

[Proximon]

Thanks! I'll look into paint... but I'll probably end up trying to replace the faceplates with homemade plates. Maybe I can use the bay covers for this.

I saw one review somewhere that showed a DVD drive installed, no cover in sight, so I don't think they are hinged.

I wanted the silver one, but maybe the black would be better. I have one black HP drive that would match well, and the second drive doesn't need to be anything special... maybe I can find a cheaper one that matches well.

 

[utaka95]

Pioneer sells a silver dvd burner - they have 'em at Directron.

 

[tool_462]

You can just use the drive bay cover and stealth the drive. It's a nice looking 5 minute mod.

 

[Jake_Barnes]

You can just use the drive bay cover and stealth the drive. It's a nice looking 5 minute mod.

How do you do that?

I just got that case and am thinking of installing two black opticals. I think black on silver looks good (to me anyway), although this is my 1st silver case. I couldn't imagine spray painting an optical - think it would look like crap.

 

[tsponholz]

I have never done this, but I've been reading a ton on it. I wan't to do the same to an Antec Solo. Search "stealthing a dvd drive" and you'll find some info. You might get some help from what I plan to do, here:
http://www.modthebox.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1177983964
and here:
http://www.modthebox.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1178229603

To use the existing faceplates, the most common method seems to be to use double sided tape (or glue) and just stick it to the front of the drive. Make sure there is a bit of "play" in the cover where the eject botton is, then you can just press in the bay cover until you hit the botton.

A messy solution in my opinion. I don't trust it would look good or work that well.

Cooler Master makes a stick-on face plate that might help a little, but not much better, I think:
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=467&page=2

Lian Li make some very nice alluminum drive faceplates, though I've heard they aer tough to fit in non-Lian Li cases. This one might work for you though:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index....dProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=5084&SID=

I love to hear any additional advice or solutions too.

 

[tsponholz]

I my search to find a good way to do this, I came across this product that might suit your needs: Brushed Chrome vynal film. Looks like you could apply it right to the drive faceplate to get the look you are after. There is even a tutorial on how to apply the film.

http://www.mnpctech.com/BrushedChromeFilm.html

Also, this guy does some pretty wild work and might be a resource to find out a good way to do this. I know I'll be trying to contact him.

(Sadly, no gloss black film, so I'm still looking for a solution. I think I'm still going to try the paint option first.)

 

[Stewartwi]

Having a TJ09 I just went with the black version since it was alot easier to find black covers then silver. The covers don't flip up or down or anything they are just removed. I still love the case though and with 5 FM 121 fans in it throws tons of air around inside. Removing the middle intake fan was a bit of a pain but aside from that one fan the rest was easy. I recommend a magnetic screwdriver that's at least 4 inches long and pretty thin.