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. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 450 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (485 × 646 pixel, file size: 364 KB, MIME type: image/png) Image of my modified pc case, taken by myself. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 450 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (485 × 646 pixel, file size: 364 KB, MIME type: image/png) Image of my modified pc case, taken by myself. ... A tower case featuring a modern design. ... A tower case featuring a modern design. ... “Game console” redirects here. ... It has been suggested that Peripheral be merged into this article or section. ... Aesthetics (or esthetics) (from the Greek word αισθητική) is a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty. ...

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. A large (approximately 300 people) LAN party in a sports hall in northern Germany A LAN party is a temporary, sometimes spontaneous, gathering of people together with their computers, which they network together primarily for the purpose of playing multiplayer computer games. ...

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. Generally, functional refers to something with and able to fulfill its purpose or function. ... This article refers to beige boxes in personal computing. ...

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. Apple Inc. ... The original Bondi Blue iMac G3 was introduced in 1998. ...

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. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x3072, 2312 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Case modding LAN party Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2048x3072, 2312 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Case modding LAN party Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner... Laser engraving is the practice of using lasers to engrave or mark an object (it is also sometimes incorrectly described as etching, which involves the use of acid or a similar chemical). ... Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or poly (methyl 2-methylpropenoate) is the synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. ... Diagram of a copper cathode in a Daniells cell. ... “LED” redirects here. ... Electroluminescence is an optical phenomenon and electrical phenomenon where a material such as a natural blue diamond emits light when an electric current is passed through it. ... First generation (1. ...

• 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.

Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with vegetable oil. ... AMD Athlon XP Overclocking BIOS Setup on ABIT NF7-S. FSB frequency (External clock) has increased from 133 MHz to 148 MHz, and clock multiplier factor has changed from 13. ... Image File history File links Hcw_before_after. ... Image File history File links Hcw_before_after. ... Spray painting is painting using a device that sprays the paint. ... Powder coating is a type of dry coating, which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. ...

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.

Powder coating is a type of dry coating, which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. ... Electroplating is the process of using Davd lloyd current to coat an electrically conductive object with a relatively thin layer of metal. ... Bondo is a two-part putty used to fix dents in cars, created by Bondo Corporation. ... Bundle of fiberglass Fiberglass (also called fibreglass and glass fibre) is material made from extremely fine fibers of glass. ... A bucket of primer. ...

Types of case mods

Example of a scratch built custom case

Computer built into a Microwave oven

• 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.

Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (600x708, 58 KB) Batman Begins custom case. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (600x708, 58 KB) Batman Begins custom case. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into articles entitled Microwave oven and Microwave heating. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Computer hardware. ... LCD redirects here. ... AMD Athlon XP Overclocking BIOS Setup on ABIT NF7-S. FSB frequency (External clock) has increased from 133 MHz to 148 MHz, and clock multiplier factor has changed from 13. ... In its most common usage, the term phase change indicates that a substance has changed among the three classical phases of matter: solid, liquid and gas. ... General Name, Symbol, Number nitrogen, N, 7 Chemical series nonmetals Group, Period, Block 15, 2, p Appearance colorless gas Standard atomic weight 14. ... This article is about the philosophical concept of Art. ... The Macintosh Plus computer was the third model in the Macintosh line, introduced two years after the original Macintosh and a little more than a year after the Macintosh 512K. It originally had a beige case, but in 1987, the case color was changed to the long-lived platinum color. ... The Atari 2600, released in October 1977, is the video game console credited with popularizing the use of microprocessor based hardware and cartridges containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor dedicated hardware with all games built in. ... “Game console” redirects here. ... Typical hard drives of the mid-1990s. ... The WD740GD The Raptor is a high-end hard disk drive series produced by Western Digital, that managed virtually single-handedly to create its own niche: The enthusiast and smaller server market. ... For the band, see Laptop (band). ...

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

• bit-tech
• Hardware hacking
• Overclocking
• SketchUp

bit-tech is an online magazine for computer hardware and modding enthusiasts, based in the UK. It was founded in 2000 by a small team of enthusiasts and in 2005 became a fully professional online publication. ... Hardware hacking is a technically-oriented hobby enjoyed by many people around the world. ... AMD Athlon XP Overclocking BIOS Setup on ABIT NF7-S. FSB frequency (External clock) has increased from 133 MHz to 148 MHz, and clock multiplier factor has changed from 13. ... SketchUp is a 3D modeling program designed for professional architects, civil engineers, filmmakers, game developers, and related professions. ...

Casemodding oriented sites

These sites made casemodding related articles and reviews long before the huge increase of commercialization in casemodding. Before removal or submission: See the discussion page. Commercial or unsuitable links will be removed.

• Bit-Tech UK
• BurnOutPC.com
• HardOCP.com
• MetkuMods
• ModTheBox.com
• Modders-Inc.com
• PCApex.com (Formerly known as PimpRig)
• Virtual-Hideout.net