Case modding

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An X-Dreamer II case with LED-fans, a window, and a computer inside.

Case modding or Case modification is the modification of a computer chassis (often just referred to as the case). Modifying a computer-case in any non-standard way is considered a case mod. Many people, particularly hardware enthusiasts, use case mods to illustrate a computer's power, and for aesthetic purposes. Modified computers are often found at LAN parties where their owners display them. Case Modding is also about self expression and showing what you as the modder can do, many case mods are built around a theme.

Contents

1 History
2 Common Modifications
3 Less Common Modifications
4 See also
5 Case Modding Contests
6 Notes
7 External links

History

When personal computers became mainstream, the majority were produced in beige colored cases. This functional design was often called a beige box. Although this served the purpose of containing the components of the personal computer, many users saw their computers as "tacky" or "dull" and began modifying their existing chassis or building their own from scratch. Case modification later became more accepted when the Apple iMac was released, which had a design in stark contrast to the beige box. As the price of computers fell and competition increased computer makers began selling cases in black, charcoal, and other colors. A new market for 3rd party computer cases and accessories began to develop. Computer cases now come in a large variety of colors and styles.

Today the business of "modding" computers and their cases is a hugely profitable endeavor for some. Modding competitions are commonly held at gaming events and prizes awarded for categories like the most original mod. Some of the most non-computer related items have been used as housing for computers (usually called artistic modding where anything goes). Most competitors attempt to make something unique and different and consider their creations works of art. And since case modding, or now that the term is quite established casemodding, has been commercialized, many casemodders say that it isn't casemodding if you buy it. You have to make it yourself.

Common Modifications

Window Mod: Putting a window within one of the panels of a computer case. This is most often done to the left hand side panel, and less often to the top panel. This modification is so popular that many of the major case manufacturers offer cases with the windows pre-installed, or replaceable side panels with a window installed. Some companies even offer entire cases made out of transparent materials. A window kit may be modified to hold an LCD screen. [LCD window kit.]

Lighting Mods: A lighting mod, is done when users put lighting in or on their computer cases. This is done with Cold Cathode Lights, LEDs, or EL Wire lights. The lights are sometimes paired with sound controllers that make the lights pulse in time to sound. CCLs come in long tubes and generally produce a little bit of heat. LEDs come in many sizes and forms, most often seen in bars similar to CCLs or within fans, called LED fans. EL Wire, takes the form of a small light rope, often embedded in cables such as SATA cables. Lighting modifications are often paired with window mods to help show off the components.
Cooling related Mods: There are many modifications that can fall into this category. The most common one is simply drilling an opening for a new fan. Others involve air ducts, water cooling, filtering, the sealing of openings to promote better air flow, and even the adding of a tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to the case. These modifications are often done by overclockers either looking for better cooling for hot components or sound reduction. Modding kits are available, and some companies sell pre-made cases modified for better cooling.

A hand built computer modded for airflow and a minimalist approach for appearance.

Unique cases: Some modifications do away with the traditional case entirely and use small form-factor motherboards like the Mini-ITX. A modern PC can be installed into a case of older computers, game consoles, or gumball machines. A few take these modifications a step further and modify the connectors, to fit the theme of the box. An example of this is building a computer in an ammo box and modifying the peripherals to use more rugged connectors seen in older military hardware.

Less Common Modifications

Computer built into a Microwave

Peripheral Mods: Peripherals like the keyboard, mouse, and speakers are sometimes painted to match the computer.
Unusual Cooling Mods: Hardcore overclockers often install cooling systems just to achieve performance records. Such systems include phase change and liquid nitrogen. However, some of these systems are noisy, and expensive. They are often not used for long periods of time and just used to find the fastest possible speed.
Case Building: Several people have built entire cases from scratch. Some make it into a work of art. Others make it appear to be something else, like a teddy bear, wood cabinet, or a shelf mounted on a wall. Still others pursue a retro look, like a Macintosh Plus or an old Atari 2600 video game console.
Component Modding: This type of modding, as the name suggests, involves modifying the PC components themselves. An example is the relocation of buttons on optical drives. This is often done in combination with "stealthing", which hides the drive's visibility. Windows have also been installed in CD or DVD drives to make the disc viewable while in the drive. A riskier modification involves installing hard disk windows. Since even the smallest airborne particle can cause a Head crash some modders attempt it for the recognition.
Integrated Peripherals: Some system builders, in an attempt to make their system more portable, install speakers and small LCD screens into the case.

Case Modding Contests

Many sites and companies run contests for case modders, awarding prizes and accolades to the winners. Some of these contests are sponsored by computer enthusiast magazines such as Maximum PC and CPU magazine as well as companies who specialize in selling parts to modders such as AC Ryan. Other companies like Bawls, which makes a "High Energy Drink" also run a monthly contest. Still, others, like computer parts E-tailer Newegg, ran case modification contests in 2005.

Notes

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External links

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[Virtual-Hideout] The world's first case modding site!
[GruntvillE] Case Modding, Overclocking, Hardware Reviews, & Gaming.
[Hard|OCP] Offers news and tips to help achieve maximum PC performance.
[Mashie Design] A professional modder who does exceptional computer mods.
[KoRaZu] Quality casemodding by dutch modder Koradhil.
[Mini-ITX.com]
[Gideontech.com] Modding and hardware review, notable for its forums.
[PCApex] Modding and Overclocking forum.
[BurnOutPC.com] Casemodding & Overclocking.
[capsa casemodding community] A Casemodding & Electronics forum.
[CaseModGod] Frequently Updated Site on Case Modding.
[Overclockers Australia PC Database]
[Dragonsteelmods] Various mods including Hard Drive Window Mod and The Mystery Machine Case Mod

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