You caught updates of this project on my blog. Now you can follow it as my worklog. You can buy these cases direct from Alienware's outlet store on Ebay. Before dropping your cash on one, read Alienware's policy! We received two different cases with different issues. The cases are classified as "Renewed" and returned as customer product evaluations or open-box returns. Alienware policy states "Renewed products may contain scratches, cracks, chips, wear, blemishes and/or similar flaws. However, IF you receive a case that you feel to be very badly damaged then we will consider an exchange. BUT that damage must be substantial (not just limited to a few scratches or scuffs)

The first case sent from our customer had several plastic mounting tabs broken for the top and side panels. We had no way of replicating new plastic tabs, so we notified our customer about this and they had another case dropped to Mnpctech. The second was in much better condition with only these minor issues.

1. Side panel latch cover sticks a bit, you have to press real firm to release it.
2. The leds are removed from the Alien head badges. (standard procedure by Alienware)
3. The back cover of the bay door had one broken plastic peg, but nothing detrimental.
4. The case feet are real scratched, but this is expected with plastic feet.

One annoyance that Alienware could avoid for their customers is using low tack painter's tape instead of "Scotch" tape to secure the panels during shipment. The Scotch tape leaves a sticky residue that may upset customer that didn't plan on painting the case.

Alienware ALX arrives from Alienware's Outlet store


The chassis was manufactured by Chieftec.


Removing the Alienware's top plastic watercool radiator that enclosed Koolance EXOS radiator.


Location of 2x 80mm cooling intake fans (not included) in Alienware's renewed cases.


Behind the front bezel


By the customer request, we removed the center portions between the bars of the side panel vents. These will be sanded, and prepped for flat black paint. Modders Mesh will be mounted behind the bars.





The customer also requested we remove the lower portion of the 3.5 hard drive cage. This involved drilling out several of the factory pop rivets to remove the cage.


The modified cage re-installed. It now provides more floor space in the chassis for watercooling components.

Our customer also requested a window in his Alienware ALX's left side panel. The ALX design incorporates a plastic shell over it's aluminum case panel. You must cut two windows in the panel in order to see inside the case. This is a basic run through of what was involved in making the window. If you're attempting to perform this same mod, feel free to contact Mnpctech with any questions, pcbuilderATmnpctech.com



You're limited on what you can design for a window without compromising how the plastic shell fastens onto the side panel. The reason is that theres several plastic tabs on it's backside of the plastic that clip onto the inner aluminum panel. You should draw your window design inside of these fasten tabs.
You'll also notice the backside of the plastic is reinforced in which I can only describe as a grate.
I will post and link a photo in the next update of the backside.

To draw out your design, I'll use either #2060 Green or #2090 Blue "low tack" painter's tape by Scotch/3M. You can buy these Home Depot or Ace Hardware stores. You also apply tape so you don't scratch up the panel with the jigsaw's steel guard.







Whenever I make a side panel window, I always use a jigsaw with a 18 TPI (teeth per inch) bi-metal cutting blade. I'll make the intial incision for the jigsaw blade with a rotary tool and 1.5" reinforced dremel cutting wheel



After your window is cut, you'll need to use a rounded side hand file to clean up the edges of you cut.



Your window isn't finished yet, remember we're dealing with two panels, not one. Apply the low tack tape onto the aluminum panel, then temporarily mount the plastic shell back onto the aluminum panel. Now trace out your first window onto the aluminum panel.



Then you follow the same procedure you did for cutting out the first panel.

The planned paint theme for the case is all "Flat Black" while contemplating airbrushed carbon fiber accents depending upon our customer's wishes.



Updated 10/01/08

final assembly

looks sweet already, i like the whole idea, seems to be cool! im more into how those vents will look though....

Thanks for the post razer.

We won't decide on where to do the carbon fiber-look paint until the flat black finish is done.

$179.99 is a sweeet price for that case

I know your Painter AKA SUPER Brad can paint some wicked designs on that case

Read my first post before buying, we had to return the first order.

First let me say, your youtube video of "The Wall Case Mod" brought me here. You do incredible work Mr. Owen, my hat's off to you and your shop.

I have a question.

What made you(or the customer) decide to go with carbon fiber paint instead of carbon fiber?

The reason I ask is, I am thinking of adding some carbon fiber accents to my Cosmos S.

I have not used the material before, but I have been working with my hands since I was a kid and have a sizable tool chest of my own.

I am not a skilled painter, so I thought working with carbon fiber would be easier for me.

Plus I ran into a nice instructional video on the web, and I have an outlet nearby that carries all the supplies I would need.

Do you have any warnings, or words of wisdom before I do irreversible damage to my case?

Thank you ,
Devier "c.BuddyLee"

PS I will be following this build, that is gonna come out sick!

Devier "c.BuddyLee" Welcome to the forums make sure you take the time to read the forum rules.

Also please update your profile with your location for when you ask for help later we will be able to direct you in the right location.
then make your way over to the Hello and Introductions and introduce your self

Welcome to the forums.

2, reasons why we're airbrushing the carbon fiber effect instead of using real carbon fiber

1. It costs less money and time to paint a carbon fiber effect instead of using the real thing. There is no such thing as carbon fiber paint.

2. I've never molded real carbon fiber. I do have the materials, supplies and ambition, but not the experience to experiment on this individual's case and still turn it around in a timely manner.. So I'm not the person to ask for advice in this area.

I suggest you talk to the supply oulet's staff for advice.

That is a SICK window shape. It fits in perfectly. Awesome work as always.

Glad to hear, the customer liked it as well.

I would also like to add something, If you are a Canadian (or International) customer looking for one of these cases, you will be out of luck as they do not ship out of the US at this time.

I am sure with all the vast resources we have on these forums we can find a way around that .

I'm surprised your going to paint it rather then use your own carbon fiber vinyl film.
http://www.mnpctech.com/CarbonFiber.html

The airbrushing can stand out in 3d more so then the film would.

I agree Ric, I have worked with the carbon fiber film before, and the airbrushing will definately be more visually appealing.