Mod Cooler master rc 310 or buy a new case

I have a cooler master elite rc 310
I really like this case but it doesn't provide adequate cooling for my parts anymore.
120mm front intake fan and 120mm rear exhaust fan (adding a 120mm to the side panel doesn't affect my temps).

I'm planing on replacing a core i3-530 with a i5 2500K and getting a second 6950.

Option 1. Mod the case.
120mm top exhaust fan.
2x 120 mm bottom intake fans.
This would be the hardest option, this being my first mod, but it would be the cheapest.

Option 2. Get a cooler master storm scout and slightly mod it.
I really like this case but I would have to remove the hard drive cage in order to fit my 6950.
I would also have to throw in one of these to fit hard drives.

Option 3. Get an antec nine hundred v3 and call it a day.
This would be the easiest but most expensive option.
The only problem I have with this case is that it's 13lbs heavier than my rc 310.

Let me know what you think.
I'm open to suggestions. I'm looking for good cooling and I want a side panel window.
Water cooling is not an option. I don't mind dabbling into modding if it's worth it.

Thanks a bunch.

Yep. Steel cases tend to be heavier than aluminum cases.

I like the Antec 900 - have 3. Great cooling; awful cable management.

Unless you are prepared to put a little work into the case, I'd suggest something else - maybe one of the CoolerMaster cases.

Antec 900 case mods for cable management:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264112-28-antec

Corsair case? Lian Li? Silverstone? Zalman Z7?

Yeah a 902 V3 is a great case i have the original 902.
Cable management is ok but not terrible.
Other options.
COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Advanced - good case i have the Basic model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119216
COOLER MASTER HAF 912
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119233
You can buy windowed side panels from the CM Store for either case = $25
Or check out the Bitfenix Shinobi. $70
https://store.bitfenix.com/index.ph [...] duct_id=57
Available at many well known etailers =click where to buy at main Bitfenix site

Buy a CM 430 Elite then it's cheap.

all i would suggest is if your happy with your case get some high cfm fans 75+. this will push more air though the case and help cooling. you may want to invest in a fan speed module so you can controll them and reduce case noise when you dont need them maxed out.

Actually I have a CM 310, the one with no windows, and you got me thinking about modding mine, it is a good looking case, the only problem is that it does not have cable management, but it fit everything fine, and cooling is not that bad at all. If you decide to mod it, I would appreciate if you show your work. Thanks

I think you can probably fit one or two fans on the bottom of the case, and one on top. If you decide to mod it, Some nice black paint on the inside is what am thinking about. Not 100% sure but maybe a fan, on the DVD slots. But that's almost the price of a new case.

I don't really like the idea of fans sticking out of the case but very useful link. Thanks cronos 117.

Thanks for the suggestions walterm.
I don't really like the Z9 plus, but the haf 912 and 922 are cases I have considered.
I just wish they were painted black on the inside and had a side window.
The 400R is gorgeous but has no side window either.
If I picked up any of these cases I'd have to do some modding to get them to look the way I want.

I decided to go with option 1 and mod my rc 310.

I know that I should use a 4.5 in hole saw do drill 120mm fan holes.
Unfortunately, I only have a 4.1 in hole saw.

How would that affect the mod?

Re:Holesaw question,
Mark out the 120mm circle where you want it (best to use masking tape to protect the rest of the panel)
get a small (2-3mm) bit and drill round the circle (about 2mm inside it)
snip the inside out with pliers, like dot to dot but with tools
file/sand the edges of your nice 120mm hole
Moto

Thanks for suggestions. The pictures are really useful.

I will post pictures showing my work as I progress.
I've already taken out the hard drive cage (that was the easy part).

If you do it my way, do it my way,
that is to say, don't deviate from the instruction
if you holesaw out the first part, you have a much weaker piece of metal to be drilling into, and you'll risk warping the section is all
filing and finishing off just make it neater and makes you feel like you've done a better job imo
and yes, that 10mm would interrupt airflow so possibly affect noise levels
That link guy has some nice cable management in there too (I could make it better tho )
Moto

Thanks for the Update! Keep up the good work. Are you putting a Fan on top, bottom or both?

Well, since the HDD cage is out, I think the GPU will be receiving more fresh air directly from the front. The fan on top, will do great, because hot air tends to go up. On the bottom, 2 120mm?

its either a i5-2300, 2400, 2500 or 2500K, the 2500K is the only one with an unlocked multiplier, so no 2400K.

MOD UPDATE: Got the holes drill out.

I used a fan grill to mark out screw holes and a center point for the hole saw.

Top.
Bottom.

For those of you trying to cut fan holes, you need to use a bi-metal (4-1/2 inch) hole saw.
I tried using a random one I borrowed and it couldn't cut through my case (not even with a corded drill).
I ended up buying a bi-metal hole saw and it worked without any hiccup (with a cordless drill).
It's fine to use a cordless drill but you need a pretty powerful one.

For the screw holes I used a 3/16 inch drill bit.
Top.
Bottom.

Next step: paint job.

I'm going to paint the interior black. I'll leave the exterior intact.

I already got the Xigmatek hhd cage adapter. I like that it has an orange led fan to match the orange bezel on my case.
I didn't really like the CM one because a third of the intake grill is covered with a plastic guard (obstructs airflow). Also there seems to be no way to remove the fan if you wanted to (at least not easily).

The hdd cage adapter doesn't come with any cable management features but I drilled an extra hole on the motherboard tray for cable management using a 2-1/2 inch hole saw.

MOD UPDATE: Primed and ready for paint!

Before.

After.

MOD UPDATE: Glossed up!

Image1
Image2
Image3

This is after two applications.
I used plastiKote high gloss paint. I found the spray button really inconvenient to use. Something by duplicolor or krylon might have worked better.

Wow that looks very professional,how long have been the curing of the primer and the paint. Looks very good, I am definitely doing that, once I get another case.

Any updates on the case, finished yet? how the cooling?