ATX Power Supply Orientation Case Mod

by Whitney Wyatt

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The following article is based on years of experience. It is provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of this advice.

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Because there are now so many cases on the market with the standard ATX power supply (ps) mounting holes in an upside-down pattern, we have created this case modification guide to assist you in mounting your power supply properly. When mounted upside-down the airflow across the inner components of the ps is often impeded, placing the ventilation holes, or secondary fan against the lid of the case, making this modification necessary.


This side should be up when installed.	This side should be down.

Tools you will need include:

Screwdriver
Side Cutting Pliers
Needle-nose Pliers
Dremel tool with cutoff wheel or jigsaw with metal lade (Steel Case Only)
Utility or Exacto knife
Drill with small bit (9/64 or 5/32 should do)
Metal File
Sandpaper
Small brush, vacuum cleaner

Performing the Modification

First take all the components out of your computer case, if installed. You will get metal shavings everywhere.

You will probably have to perform some minor cutting of the case backplate to allow the switches and fan to clear when reversed. If you are working with an aluminum backplate, you can easily snip away the material and use the file and sandpaper to smooth and dress the edges. If you are modifying a steel case, you will probably have to use the Dremel tool or jigsaw.


Rough snips made to case.	Edges of cuts cleaned up.

Position the PS in the guide rails very near the back of the case to mark off for the new holes. You can template the hole layout of the power supply with paper and pencil, however, I find it difficult to line up the template on the outside of the case in exactly the same position that the power supply will occupy inside the case. It is far easier to gently hold the utility knife against the outside of the case in roughly the correct position, and then eyeball the knife and the hole from several different angles, adjusting the knife as necessary. When it looks correct, press down and make a mark for drilling. Because you want the holes to be slightly larger than the screws, you should have no alignment problems.

Drill off the holes, make sure you debur the edges after drilling with the knife or file, there will be loose metal left around the hole.

Take a moment now to clean the interior of the case, use the brush to get the tiny filings out of the corners.

Mount the power supply.


Locate the PS holes.	PS mounted.

The last step is to check the fit of the lid. In this case, the lid is prevented from seating properly by the top screw in the power supply. In the same manner as you cut the case, notch out for the screw and smooth the edges. Be careful when dealing with the lid because it is fairly thin material and it is quite easy to bend it during this process.

Reassemble the case and you?re done!

Cases affected are:

Explorer III Directron: ATX 228AW, 228USB, 4336, 4378
Eagle: AL ATX 4388, 4396, 4379
Lian-Li: PC-18, 70, 70USB, 72, 75USB, 76, 690
ElanVital S-30
Combo Translucent Mid-Tower

The above article is provided on a reference basis. The author or associated company is not responsible for any damage or injury as a result of following or improperly following these instructions.

(c) Directron.com, All rights reserved

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