Modded PC case with light & switch, perspex window and fan hole
Case modification (commonly referred to as Case modding) is the modification of a computer chassis (often just referred to as the case), or a
video game console chassis. 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 (by showing off the internal hardware), and also for aesthetic purposes.
Another reason to modify a case is to improve the computer's performance, features, or cooling, when purchasing upgrades is
not possible. Modified computers are often found at LAN parties where their owners display
them. Case modding can be viewed as a form of self expression, resulting in some mods being built around a theme.
History
When personal computers became mainstream, the majority were produced in simple, beige-colored cases. This functional design was often referred to as 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, system builders began selling PCs in black, charcoal, and other colored cases. A new market for
third-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 endeavour. Modding competitions are commonly
held at gaming events and prizes are awarded for categories such as 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 consider their creations works of art. [citation needed]
Common modifications
A computer modded with lights
- Window mods: 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 now 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. Laser
engraving can be done on acrylic windows to add a distinct look to a modded
case.
- Lighting mods: A lighting mod refers to lighting in or on the computer cases. This is usually achieved with cold
cathode lights, LED case fans, or electroluminescent 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. Electroluminescent wire, which takes the form of
a small light rope, is often embedded in cables such as SATA cables.
Lighting modifications are often paired with window mods to help show off the components.
- Cooling mods: There are many modifications that can fall into this category. The most common one is simply drilling a
mount for a new fan. Others include air ducts, water cooling, filtering, sealing openings to promote better air flow, or even the
adding of a tank of pressurized carbon dioxide or liters of cooking oil 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.
An example of a case mod that includes paint and lighting.
- Spray paint: Painting a case is another method of distinguishing your work from others. Spray paint is the common method preferred among amateur modders. There are many spray painting guides
for amateur modders. The finish cannot be compared to automotive paint or powder coating,
but is a simple way to change the look of a case.
Less common modifications
- Automotive paint & other finishes: Automotive paint refers to the paint typically seen on cars and trucks. This
type of paint job requires an air compressor and HVLP paint gun. It is more expensive than a spray paint job but is better
looking and much more durable. Other methods of painting can include powder coating which
is highly durable though not quite as nice as automotive paint. Electroplating can also
be done on steel computer cases and parts. Aluminium cases are usually more expensive to plate. Other finishes can range from
nickel to chrome and even gold. Fancier finishes can be had by using a combination of chrome plating and transparent powder
coat.
- Body filler Body filler (or Bondo) is a two-part putty often used to fix dents
in automobiles. Case modders use it to fill and sculpt their own creations. When mixed the filler becomes rock hard and can be
sanded to a desired shape. A stronger version of this filler is fiberglass resin. This is
also a two-part resin that allows users to fill in larger holes using fiberglass sheet. Spot Putty is a less common filler used
as a finishing topcoat over other fillers. It is a softer putty that allows small pinholes to be filled so the user does not have
to use a heavy primer to do so. Typically, a case modder must use a combination of these
fillers to obtain a professional finish. More often than not you will see fillers used on the front plastic bezel of a computer
case to give the case a new look.
Types of case mods
Example of a scratch built custom case
- Peripheral mods: Peripherals like the keyboard, mouse, and speakers are sometimes
painted to match the computer. Some system builders, in an attempt to make their system more portable, install speakers and small
LCD screens into the case.
- Unusual cooling mods: Hardcore overclockers often install cooling systems for
the sole purpose of achieving performance records. Such systems frequently include phase
change and liquid nitrogen. However, some of these systems are noisy and
expensive. They are rarely used for extended periods of time.
- 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. Case modders (or case builders)
who create their computer cases from scratch are few and far between. These people put hundreds of hours into their work. The
WMD
case, Batman Begins
case, Project Nighthawk, and Dark Blade case are a few examples of professional cases built from scratch.
- 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 by masking it with a blank face. A riskier modification involves installing hard drive windows. This is done in a clean room where there is little to no dust. Few people have
attempted it and results seem to vary. [citation needed] Some hard drives, including the WD
Raptor, now come with a window as standard.
- Laptop modding: Laptops can be modified much like a typical computer case. While most
laptop mods consist of new paint or other finishes, others have chosen to engrave or cut out designs into their laptop cover
(behind the screen). These types of mods will typically void the warranty of the device. To avoid warranty issues, skins or
stickers can be purchased that are easily removable from the casing.
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 and others by computer retailers.
See also
Casemodding oriented sites
These sites made casemodding related articles and reviews long before the huge increase of commercialization in casemodding.
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