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PROJECT: "Escape From Dell Hell"

D

Drucifer

Gawd
Joined
Feb 16, 2005
Messages
671
Alright... here is the backstory.

A couple of months ago, I was given an Dell 4200. Just the case, PSU, mobo, and proc. Well, as I had no use for a Dell, and I needed money after paying my federal taxes this year, I sold off the PSU, mobo, and proc. (Thanks wpd7!!). So, then I had this godawful Dell case sitting around, screaming at me to do something with it. So, finally, I gave in to temptation. :)

This worklog will chronicle what I am calling the "Escape From Dell Hell" mod. Case is getting slaughtered, then skinned in beautiful acrylic in the shape of a coffin. Complete with nice red LEDs, a custom decal/window on the side, stealthed drives, and indirect, "glowy" type lighting all over. Not sure what kind of hardware will end up in it... prolly whatever I can find laying around.

Right now, plans call for a 120mm fan in the front (intake) with a 80mm top blowhole and an 80mm rear exhaust. Rework the PSU area to accept a standard, non-proprietary PSU, and make a removable mobo tray for wire management.

Now, on with the pics!

What I started with:
dell4200.gif


After removing the plastic crap Dell likes to put on:
BackStart.jpg

AngleStart.jpg


After initial removal of metal:
Top.jpg

Side2.jpg




On the list of things to do in the next couple of days:

Finish removing side panel
Detach lower HDD cage
Remove support rail from side
Separate halves of case for paint prep
Drill holes for fan mounts

Updates will be as often as I can do it! Enjoy!
 
Oh... I destroyed the plastics. If you can imagine it, the scene when I removed the plastics was much like a hundred crazed weasels stuck in a cotton bin... very destructive and therapeutic. :)

And yes, I agree with you on the it looks worse with the plastic off... but sometimes, to make something beautiful, one must destroy it. That is much the situation with this mod. Before I can do any acrylic work on the case, I must essentially destroy the case. Stay tuned, I promise you won't be dissappointed.
 
The Dell 8100 and this wonder aren't too far off, same basic design. I am going to do some interesting things with acrylic on this... it oughta be a fun project.
 
yeah but 8100 has a different design. it is more of a normal case when it comes to opening it. i mean the new dells open like a book. in 8100 you have to take off a panel. i will probly just give it a nice paint job. what are your plans with yours?
 
MrSlacker said:
yeah but 8100 has a different design. it is more of a normal case when it comes to opening it. i mean the new dells open like a book. in 8100 you have to take off a panel. i will probly just give it a nice paint job. what are your plans with yours?
Click to expand...
Well, after I get done cutting the crap out of that aluminum chassis, I am going to skin the whole thing in tinted acrylic, with a clear section on the side in an "unusual" design. I won't say much about the design, for know... it's a surprise. :)

Painting the chassis, semi-gloss black with a mirrored floor. The acrylic skin will be in the shape of a coffin with indirect, "glowy" type lighting.

Probably end up picking up an XP-M or similar when it gets to the point of hardware, and just see how menacing I can get this thing.
 
After a couple of hours with Mr. Dremel tonight, I made some progress:

With the case open:
NoPSUSideOpen.jpg


With the case open, from the back:
NoPSUOpen.jpg


With the PSU that will be in the case, prior to its "alterations":
PSU1.jpg


Again, same PSU, different angle:
PSUSide.jpg



Tomorrow, a little more disassembly, then paint prep, maybe paint if I have time.
 
good luck.. i personally HATE dells case design with the hinged side panel, as someone who has to do work on these cases it really doesn't make it easier at all, you're actually limited to the room you can work inside the case since it only opens so far..
 
Techx said:
good luck.. i personally HATE dells case design with the hinged side panel, as someone who has to do work on these cases it really doesn't make it easier at all, you're actually limited to the room you can work inside the case since it only opens so far..
Click to expand...

QFT.

I hate getting into my server.
 
thanks for the positive comments, folks... and I agree about the case design. However, my case opens to a full 90 degrees, so that makes it almost okay... definately a far cry from ideal.

Sometimes the case retention latches don't latch, or release. However, I did get lucky in one respect: the power supply retention in the at top back side of the case. I figured when I put an aftermarket PSU in it, I would have to cut the bracket out, and devise another method of retention. However, the stock retention clamp holds a STD PSU just fine. That makes me happy. :)

Well, enough talking, time to do some work!
 
Just wait until I get the acrylic skin on it... BWAAAAHAAAHAHAHA! :)

Seriously, though... what I am doing to the aluminum chassis will only enhance the skin. But that will come all in good time.

Time for today's update!

Today, I cut an L shape out of the mobo side, to expose the drive bays from the back side. Did some sanding, and then, priming!

With the kitty investigating:
Primer1.jpg


No kitty...
Primer2.jpg


My messy kitchen floor... tomorrow is spring cleaning!
Primer3.jpg


Enjoy!
 
Looking good so far. Being a Dell owner myself i a looking forward to how this turns out.
 
With a little bit of luck (and if the weather holds), I should have an update tonight. I'll be picking up my acrylic this week (probably later in the week when I get paid), and then the real fun begins...

If I can do any painting tonight on the chassis itself, then I'll be doing some exciting :rolleyes: sleeving work on the PSU. However, if anybody out there wants to send me a NeoPower, I wouldn't complain. :D
 
Wow...front page!! Jeebus! :D Thanks for the recognition!

Made some progress last night. Didn't get pics up as my camera batteries died, but I'll post some up this evening.

Last night, I dissassembled the PSU, sanded down the primer, then re-primed the chassis. Might have to do that one more time before I am ready for a top coat of black.
 
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