I had a personal experience with this issue when I upgraded my PC with a brand-new RTX graphics card. As I was closing the cabinet with the tempered glass side panel, the glass broke in my hand, causing serious injury and a lot of blood. From that point on, I decided to avoid glass-based products for their stylish look, but I still wanted a transparent side panel.
After some research, I found a great alternative: acrylic sheets. This material is transparent like glass but is made of plastic and is much stronger and not easily breakable. The only downside is that it is not scratch-resistant, so you need to be careful not to scratch it intentionally. Acrylic sheets will not be affected by overheating and will protect your CPU components from outside objects.
Making an acrylic sheet side panel is easy. First, measure the height and width of your CPU cabinet and buy the acrylic sheet of the right thickness from a local store or online. Then, take the sheet to a laser cutting shop and ask them to cut it to the measurements you need. Finally, mark and drill four holes for screws, and your new side panel is ready.
- Benefits of Using Acrylic Sheets: Apart from being more durable and less likely to break than tempered glass, acrylic sheets also have other benefits. For instance, acrylic sheets are more lightweight than glass, which means that they will put less pressure on your CPU cabinet. This can help to prevent damage to your cabinet and make it easier to move your computer if you need to. Additionally, acrylic sheets are more resistant to UV rays than glass, which means that they will not yellow or become discolored over time.
- Tips for Measuring Your CPU Cabinet: Measuring your CPU cabinet accurately is essential if you want to get the right size acrylic sheet for your replacement side panel. To do this, you should use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of your cabinet. You should also take into account any screws or other fasteners that are holding the side panel in place, as these can affect the overall size of the panel.
- Choosing the Right Thickness: When choosing an acrylic sheet for your replacement side panel, it is important to choose the right thickness. Generally, thicker sheets are more durable and less likely to break. However, thicker sheets can also be more expensive, so you should consider your budget when making your choice. It is also worth noting that thicker sheets may require different types of fasteners or mounting hardware than thinner sheets, so you should check with your local hardware store or laser-cutting service before making your purchase.
- Other Uses for Acrylic Sheets: Acrylic sheets are a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications beyond just computer side panels. For example, you can use acrylic sheets to create custom displays, signs, or even furniture. Acrylic sheets are also popular for use in aquariums and other types of enclosures, as they are more shatter-resistant than glass.
I hope this article helps you find an alternative to tempered glass side panels that is both stylish and safe. If you liked this post, please subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube channel for more helpful tips and information. Thank you for reading!