Case modding
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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. Cases may also be modified to improve a computer's performance.
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[edit] History
When personal computers first became available to the public, the majority were produced in simple, beige-colored cases. This design is sometimes 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. A new market for third-party computer cases and accessories began to develop, and today cases are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Today the business of "modding" computers and their cases is a hugely profitable endeavour, and modding competitions are not uncommon.
[edit] Common modifications
- 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 (CCLs), 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. Although not as common, they are also placed in cases without a window, allowing light to shine through any holes or gaps of the case which add subtle aesthetics to an otherwise plain looking case; this is also done for practical purposes such as to make a computer double as a night light.
- 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, or removing a restrictive fan grill. 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 mineral oil to the case. These modifications are often performed by overclockers either looking for better cooling for hot components or sound reduction.
- 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.
[edit] Less common modifications
- Automotive paint & other finishes: Automotive paint refers to the paint typically seen on cars and trucks. This type of finish requires a compressed air source, such as an air compressor or CO2 tank, and a spray gun. It is more expensive than a finish using spray cans, but in when done skillfully it can be better looking and much more durable. Other methods of painting can include powder coating which is highly durable though not quite as aesthetically pleasing to many modders as automotive paint. Electroplating can also be done on steel computer cases and parts. Aluminum cases can be plated or anodized as well, and processes are available to plate plastic cases. Plated coatings can range from nickel to chrome and even gold. More elaborate finishes can be crafted by using a combination of techniques, such as chrome plating with a transparent color 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 with a paste catalyst the filler hardens in a short period of time and can be sanded, ground or cut to a desired shape. An alternative system uses fiberglass resin (catalyzed with liquid hardener) and either fiberglass cloth or mat to fill holes and form shapes. Lacquer based Spot Putty is often used to fill smaller imperfections before the application of primer. Typically, a case modder uses a combination of these materials to obtain the desired result. More often than not you will see this work on the front plastic bezel of a computer case to give the case a new look.
[edit] Types of case mods
- Peripheral mods: Peripherals like the keyboard, mouse, and speakers are sometimes painted or otherwise modified to match the computer. Some system builders, in an effort to make their system more portable and convenient, 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.[citation needed] Such systems frequently include phase change, thermoelectric/Peltier and liquid nitrogen. However, some of these systems are noisy and expensive. They are rarely used for extended periods of time.
- Case building: Some people even build entire cases from scratch. Some make it into a work of art. Others make it appear to be something else, like a teddy bear, wooden 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, 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). Laptops may also be turned into digital photo frames. 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Console case modding
This refers to gamers who modify the case of their game consoles. The most common console to modify is the Xbox and Xbox 360, and this is because there is much more room inside to customise it with items such as lights, fans, etc. There are several companies that sell transparent Xbox cases and various cooling and lighting equipment for it. Console modifying started in the early 1990s when the NES, Sega Genesis, and Sega Saturn were released, and many customers simply put pictures or stickers on them until the PlayStation was released. Many case modders started to change hardware, for example by altering them to play copied games (known as 'chipping' the games console). The most common modification for the PlayStation was the 'chipping' process mentioned above. When the Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 was released, many chipped them, styled them, and cooled them down even as far as changing hardware itself. When the Xbox and Xbox 360 were released, many modders personally customised these too, for example using neon lights, transparent cases, fans, and PC hard drives (as opposed to Xbox branded drives). Many modders found modifying inside the Xbox 360 was difficult due to absence of a power cable which normally attached a standard hard disk Drive. Modders also found a way to power neon lighting and other powered equipment by using the DVD-ROM power supply, which caused freezing during disk access on most consoles due to lack of power to the drive.[1]
![[1]](http://www.xbox-modchips.com/img/xcm-360-blk2-limited-big.jpg){kind=link}