Tag: window mods
Computer Modding Basics: The Case
by admin on Jul.24, 2009, under modding
This is where every mod starts. Now not all mods are built into a case, some are done in toasters, and microwave, and so on, and some are even fully custom built cases, but the majority are done from older computer cases and even some current ones.
Links: Toaster1 - Toaster2 - Microwave
If you’re new to modding, but a computer enthousiast, the best route to go is to take an old computer that you have sitting in your attic. Most people have atleast one that has been retired, but since they spent so much on it back in the day, they couldn’t deal with simply throwing it away.
If you don’t have an old computer and want to buy a new case, don’t get one thats a crazy premod. The reason I say this is, windows are common, and easy to put in. Most the time if it comes with cool lightup areas, it’s lighting up their logo. And the last reason is, you’ll be spending a lot more for their premod, and you don’t even get to put any of you’re own ideas into the design.
So if you’re going either route here’s some tips for picking the case, first make sure it’s ATX if you’re digging it out of the attic. lol there’s not much point in modding a computer case if you won’t be able to put anything current into it. Second, ignore the color, thats the easiest problem to solve. Lastly, an all metal case is perfect since it provides a good solid ground to do some work on it.
This is a great started case. It’s under $25, has a nice aluminum body, but i’ll bet it’s still thin enough that you can cut though it like butter. It has 4 bays, and a cool looking front fan vent.
The tools, you’ll want a dremel. I’d reccommend avoiding the battery power dremels just because you won’t get enough work time out of them.
Now to start the modding. Suprisingly, almost anything you’ll even decide to mod a computer with, can be found at your local hardware stores. Places like Ace, Home Depot, and Lowes all have what you’ll need.
The basic ideas are always paint. Come up with a nice color theme. A lot of people will do the outside of the case, but it always looks incredible when you take the time to paint the inside frame of the case as well, just make sure you save this till after you do some cutting.
One of the most common mods is putting a window in your PC. I say this is where you can get creative. Don’t do that borring square cut, etch something in there that’d take some time and make it your own. Also, don’t feel limited to just putting a window on the side, get creative, add a window the your PSU, add a window to the top of your case.
To keep from getting into a post dedicated to a full window modding post, I’ll just show some supplies, ideas and other cases I’ve seen. These all touch on the basic principals.. Painting, lighting, windows, they are all some pretty sweet cases, and I think the perfect way for me to wrap up this post.
Here are some of the links from above…
Mesh window with Fan
Air Supreme EvO
Project Celtic Dragon PSU
Monster Rig
Tribal Server
Fire PC
And as a final note, I’d love to see any mods you guys might have done. Also, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate. I’ve been modding for many years now and have maintained an active part in the tech community, so I can likely field any questions you might have.
I hope you guys enjoyed this post!
