You, too, can make this Aperture Science PC case that's straight out of Portal

At a glance:

• DIY Aperture Science PC case brings Portal’s in-game lab aesthetic to life with non-invasive 3D-printed mods
• Build cost around $120 using a DeepCool CH360 WH as the base chassis
• Files shared on Printables for community replication and customization

The Final Millennial’s Portal Pc Case

Portal’s sleek lab aesthetic still charms nearly 20 years later, and a DIY Aperture PC case brings in-game consoles to life with authentic Portal styling. The project, showcased by user TheFinalMillennial on the pcmasterrace subreddit, modifies a DeepCool CH360 WH using non-invasive 3D-printed parts to recreate the iconic look without drilling or permanently altering the original chassis. This approach keeps the build reversible and preserves the clean lines that made the game’s design so memorable, offering a practical way for fans to live inside the Aperture aesthetic.

Ever since I was a kid playing Portal, I loved the PC case design! While similar looking cases are available for sale, they're all quite expensive. A few people have already made custom cases that look spot-on, but none shared printable files. Two months ago I decided I'd have to do it myself. I found a free CAD software and made my first ever project. The case is mostly just various sizes of circles and rectangles so it wasn't too complicated to make. The last image is what I used as reference. The creator didn't want to start from scratch, though, so they modified a DeepCool CH360 WH to get the job done. Their main focus was to make the mods without doing any permanent damage or changes to the case, meaning the end result is non-invasive and doesn't involve drilling things you may feel uneasy about damaging.

Once the project was done, the total cost came to "$40 in 3D prints, $40 for the case, and ~$40 in misc supplies." So, around $120 for the lot, which is pretty respectable for a case that looks as cool as this. If you'd like to make your own, you can grab the modifications needed over on Printables. The DIY appeal here lies in combining affordable off-the-shelf hardware with community-generated files, lowering the barrier to entry for Portal-themed setups. It also highlights how enthusiasts can personalize their rigs without investing in expensive proprietary custom cases, keeping experimentation accessible.

Design Choices And Community Sharing

The choice to adapt the DeepCool CH360 WH was pragmatic, leveraging a readily available mid-tower that offers decent airflow and layout compatibility with Portal’s visual language. By avoiding permanent modifications, the build remains flexible, allowing builders to revert to the original chassis or upgrade components later. Files are distributed through Printables, a common hub for maker-driven content, ensuring that anyone with a 3D printer can reproduce the side panels, signage elements, and subtle accents that evoke Aperture Science. This model of sharing aligns with broader maker culture practices where iterative improvements and remixes fuel rapid refinement.

Such projects reinforce the cultural longevity of beloved games, turning virtual aesthetics into tangible setups that resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike. The community response on pcmasterrace suggests strong demand for more game-inspired DIY builds, especially when they balance authenticity with affordability. As more users share their iterations, the repository of printable assets will likely grow, enabling further customization while keeping the core design faithful to the source material. This grassroots approach to modding keeps the spirit of Portal alive in everyday computing environments.