Creative X-Fi "Music Creation" Mod

Mainboard On A Tray

Almost there. I just need to drill out the rivets joining the motherboard tray to the chassis rear panel. Hmm, I seem to amassing a fine collection of scrap metal. It may come in handy I guess!



Here you can see the chassis rear panel and disassembled motherboard tray. I removed the PCI backplate because I needed to cut down the motherboard tray first so it would fit in to its new case. The PCI backplate will be re-attached after this has been done, using rivets.



Before removing the PCI backplate I marked where it was on the motherboard tray so I could replace it in exactly the right position later. It was to be altered and I wanted to make sure all the PCI slots accurately lined up again.



A uATX motherboard was used as a template for marking around. The motherboard tray was then cut down to the markings using the tin snips. The razor sharp edges were then cleaned up with a file.



With the motherboard cut to size, the PCI backplate needed some work before it could be re-attached. One end was originally folded inside and I needed it to be folded the other way so I flattened it using a hammer…



…and then folded it outwards using a pair of pliers. Now the PCI backplate formed a tray which could be “sunk” into the new case.


Batten down the hatches…