Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vietcu 
I kind of wanted to stick with a htpc case that would fit in with my other home theater equipment, but at the same time dont want to spend that much money on it.
If you read the thread, a lot of us are using the Antec NSK-2480 HT case.
It can be had for $79 including a well regarded power supply of 380 watts.
The one problem when using this motherboard with that case is that the SATA jacks point straight at an internal wall. Earlier in the thread you can find a picture of how some people have cut a hole in the internal metal wall to access the jacks, and you can find another picture at:
http://www.billyjackzone.com/wp-cont.../11/htpc10.jpgHowever, I recently removed the motherboard to do some reconfiguration on the case and discovered an easier alternative to cutting a hole.
I don't currently own the sort of Dremel tool required to cut a hole (I tried a power drill, and it only made a dent - the metal is surprisingly good quality.
)
So, I looked at the situation, and had an idea.
NOTE: When doing any metal work, it is important to wear protective goggles, because bits of metal can fly into your eyes.
I took out a hammer and small chisel, and sliced off the exposed ends of two rivets that were holding that internal wall - in the following picture, you can see one of the rivets in the vertical edge just to the right of the SATA jacks, and the other one is underneath where the SATA jacks are in the picture.
You should put a piece of tape over the heads of the rivets, especially the one that is in the optical drive compartment, so that it does not fly out and get stuck in some crevice, where it will later emerge and short out your power supply or motherboard.
You can do the same with the visible ends of the rivets, or just be sure to retrieve them.
Anyway, when those two rivets are gone, some light hammer blows to the part of the wall that is cut out in the picture, will push that end away (maybe half an inch), but the wall will still be entirely intact.
UPDATE: I have now reinstalled the motherboard, and the rivet-popping technique worked really well. There is even enough room to insert the SATA plugs after the motherboard is installed.
).
