Window Side Panel Case Mod Guide Silverstone Alta T1, Alta T2 Premium Aluminum Frame Super Tower Case
Here's Mnpctech's How-To Guide To Add Window To Your Side Panel For Silverstone Alta T1, Alta T2 Premium Aluminum Frame Super Tower Case.
Want to show off the hardware inside your SilverStone ALTA T1 or ALTA T2? Mnpctech’s step-by-step guide walks you through cutting your existing side panel and installing your own window. Owners have told us they’re waiting for SilverStone to offer a windowed side panel, but we don’t have a confirmed release date to share. Many purchased their cases before a window option was available. If you’re ready to tackle the modification yourself, this easy-to-follow guide covers the process, from measuring and marking your opening to cutting the panel and fitting the window.
Tools Required:
Marking Pen.
Measuring Square.
Dremel or Rotary Tool.
Jigsaw Hand Power Tool with 18 TPI bi-metal blade.
Rounded Side Hand File.
Supplies Required:
24" x 24" x 1/16" Polycarbonate Shatter Resistance Clear Sheet
1.5" Reinforced Cutting Wheel.
Mnpctech U-Channel Black Window Trim.
This is the factory side panel for the SilverStone ALTA T1 and ALTA T2 Super Tower Case. Silverstone has stated they will offer factory window version of the panel, but hasn't announced release date at the time of this guide.
Cover the entire panel with the masking tape. This is so you can measure and draw location for the window and avoid scratching the finish on the factory side panel.
Use measuring square to draw out rectangle shaped window. You want 2" of space between window and the edge of panel.
Place roll of tape in 90 degree corner you drew to and draw rounded corner as shown above.
Use Rotary Tool with 1.5" reinforced cutting wheel to make the inital cut into the panel. Then use the Jigsaw with 18 TPI bi-metal cutting blade to cut-out the window.
Use rounded side hand file to debur the cut edges for the window opening.
Press fit the Mnpctech Black u-channel trim onto the edge of the side panel. It will be held in place later between double sides tape and the window sheet.
You've finished installing the Mnpctech Black u-channel trim, next onto cutting the actual window.
Measure out window you'll be cutting with 1" overlap from the polycarbonate clear sheet.
Use Tin Snips to cut the polycarbonate clear window you measured from the sheet.
Cut and apply the double sided 3M 4010 tape around perimeter of window u-channel.
Remove film from one side of the window. Attach that exposed side to the adhesive tape and apply pressure.
Remove remaining film from backside of the window.
Re-attach the side panel. Stand back and admire your work!
I remember when SilverStone’s Temjin TJ07 was a dream case for a custom water-cooled builds. I was only Youtube channel to highlight it's history by inviting Silverstone as guest to share it's origin story. The Silverstone ALTA T1 brings back some of that appeal with its thick, wraparound aluminum unibody and clean exterior. For those of us who enjoyed modifying those older SilverStone towers, the family resemblance is easy to appreciate. That broad aluminum surface also gets the imagination going if you’re someone who looks at a new case and immediately starts planning modifications.
At approximately 43 pounds empty, with steel internal components, this is a serious tower before you install any hardware. Add your components, radiators, fittings, and coolant, and those included caster wheels start making sense when you’re moving it around your shop. Anyone who has carried a fully assembled water-cooled tower downstairs will understand why wheels can be useful.
If you prefer your tower sitting on stationary feet, Mnpctech also offers replacement case feet for the factory casters. It’s another way to customize the case to suit your setup and the appearance you want.
The ALTA T1 measures roughly 26 inches tall with its casters and offers 99 liters of internal volume. You’ll want to check the space beneath your desk before committing to one. This is the kind of chassis you buy with a specific build in mind and enough room to work around it.
Inside, there’s support for large workstation motherboards, multiple graphics cards, dual power supplies, and up to three 420mm radiators. Eight expansion slots accommodate configurations such as four dual-slot professional graphics cards or two enormous quad-slot consumer cards. An adjustable GPU support assembly helps secure those heavy cards, which is especially useful when moving the completed system.
Cooling takes a different approach from the usual front intake layout. The solid front preserves that uninterrupted aluminum appearance, with ventilation through the sides and top. SilverStone includes three 140mm fans in the lower section and a rear 120mm exhaust fan. Additional mounting locations provide plenty of options for builders planning their own cooling arrangement.
There’s also a dedicated front bracket for a water-cooling distribution plate. That gives custom-loop builders another option when laying out tubing and deciding how to use the space. Separate upper and lower side-panel sections provide access to the main hardware and basement compartment.
You’ll need to plan your layout carefully. Installing a second PSU sacrifices some cooling and storage space, so don’t assume every maximum configuration can fit together. The same applies when choosing radiators and graphics cards: generous dimensions still require checking clearances. There’s plenty of room behind the motherboard tray for cables, although more individual tie-down points would be welcome. We always appreciate having more places to secure wiring neatly. The weight, cost, and lack of a window panel may give some enthusiasts pause. That missing window caught our attention. When you put hours into your build, cable routing, and cooling loop, you want to see your work. A large solid panel is also an opportunity to choose a window shape and placement that suits your particular build.
Mnpctech has provided a how-to guide for cutting and installing your own custom side-panel window in the SilverStone ALTA T1 and ALTA T2. You don’t have to wait for a factory window option to make the case your own. Between adding a custom window and replacing the casters with Mnpctech feet, there’s plenty of opportunity to put your own touch on this tower.