How to Secure Your Computer Case - Quick and Easy

The Raven 3 has a curled edge along this side of the panel which would capture the metal shavings.  I used some masking tape to cover the gaps.  This is a very important step if you are trying to keep things clean.

Next drill the hole and check that your rivet fits.

At this point all of the fabrication is complete and you can move on to cleaning.  Carefully remove the paper towel and masking tape.  I was confident that nothing made it into my case but you can vacuum the area if you want. 

Don’t use compressed air!

This next part is quite fun.  Make sure your system works and that everything inside is how you want it.   Considering that the only way into your case will be to drill the rivet I took the liberty to put some masking tape under the hole inside the case.  That way when I do need to get back into the case I won’t have metal shavings flying about. 

Install the side panel and secure it with the normal case screws. 

Then install your rivet.

You case is now secure.

The biggest problem with this type of security is how permanent the solution is.  If you have a serious hardware problem or need to reset the CMOS you’ll be breaking out the tools.  This increases the risk that metal can get inside your case and depending on your situation that may be a calculated risk you can afford. 

For instance, bad roommates or party patrons may be tempted to harvest your video card for some quick cash and will quickly get discouraged if they cannot remove the side panel.  In these instances you will also want to lock the case to something solid to keep the tower from walking off as well.

Of course with anything security related you need to weigh the risks.  Obviously preventing the situation where something might happen to your computer is the easiest solution.  If that cannot be avoided then you might look for a case with security provisions or do something quick and easy like this.