Case modding
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Case modification, commonly referred to as case modding, is the modification of a computer case or a video game console chassis. Modifying a computer case in any non-standard way is considered a case mod. Modding is done, particularly by hardware enthusiasts, to show off a computer's apparent power by showing off the internal hardware, and also to make it look aesthetically pleasing to the owner.
Cases may also be modified to improve a computer's performance; this is usually associated with cooling and involves changes to components as well as the case.
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 be as a beige box. Although this met the purpose of containing the components of the personal computer, many users considered their computers as "tacky" or "dull", and some began modifying their existing chassis, or building their own from scratch.[citation needed] One of the original case mods is the "Macquarium", which consists of replacing the CRT screen in a Compact Macintosh case with a fishbowl.
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 endeavor, and modding competitions are everywhere.
Common modifications
Appearance
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 screens into the case.
Case building
Sometime modders build entire cases from scratch. Some may attempt to treat the case as a work of
Component modding
This type of modding, as the name suggests, involves modifying the PC components themselves for a perceived improvement in appearance. 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 is installing
Window mods
This refers to a window placed within one of the panels of a computer case. A lighting mod refers to lighting in or on the computer cases. Painting a case is another method that case modders use to distinguish their system from others. Lighting mods
Paint mods
Cable management
Routing cables, most often in computer cases, to be aesthetically pleasing is also a common practice in case modding. Similarly, covering the cables in a fabric, known as Cable Sleeving can also be undertaken to provide a more uniform look to the theme of the case.[13]
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 (usually behind the screen). Laptops may also be turned into digital photo frames. These types of mods will typically void the warranty of the device, as this requires opening up the computer to do them. To avoid warranty issues, skins or stickers can be purchased, which are easily removable from the casing.
Function
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,[14] or removing a restrictive fan grill. Others include air ducts, water cooling,[15] filtering, sealing openings to make airflow over hot components instead of escaping near where it entered, 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 noise (sound) reduction. Some fan modifications are merely a show of modding skill or talent and have no functional purpose.[16] Hardcore overclockers often install cooling systems for the sole purpose of achieving performance records.[citation needed] Such systems may include water cooling, phase change materials, thermoelectric/Peltiercoolers, and liquid nitrogen.
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
Body filler
Body filler (or
Contests
Many websites and companies feature contests for case modders, awarding prizes and accolades to the winners. Examples include bit-tech's Mod of the Month and Mod of the Year competitions, while some of these contests are sponsored by computer enthusiast magazines, such as CPU magazine or Custom PC Magazine, both of which have monthly modding contests. Other contests are sometimes supported by computer parts manufacturers.
Console case modding
Console case modding refers to the modification of the case of a game console. The most common consoles to modify are the Xbox and Xbox 360, because there is much more room inside to customize them with items such as lights and fans. Moreover, the Xbox 360 requires additional cooling over the factory configuration to avoid overheating issues due to the use of the wrong type of lead-free solder, which was not capable of handling the temperature limits standard solder can.[17][18] These consoles and their controllers are also relatively easy to take apart. For those who do not wish to scratch-build mods, there are several companies that sell transparent Xbox cases and various cooling/lighting equipment for them.
Console case modding started in the late 1980s when the
See also
References
- ^ "Science Fiction Case Mod Contest: The First Winner!". Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. Archived from the original on 2009-05-04. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- ^ "Overclock.net Case Mod Competition 2009". Shogun Interactive Development. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
- ^ Fenlon, Wes (February 14, 2017). "A beginner's guide to RGB lighting your PC". PC Gamer.
- ^ "Pimp your PC with an RGB lighting kit | PCWorld". www.pcworld.com.
- ^ "How to RGB: A system builder's guide to RGB PC lighting – Ars Technica". arstechnica.com. 19 September 2017.
- ^ "Reviews of the Best RGB Lighting Kit for PC in 2019-2020". Nerd Techy. August 3, 2019.
- ^ "Windows Kits". CrazyPC LLC. Archived from the original on 2013-01-19. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "Antec - Nine Hundred". Antec, Inc. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "LCD Window Kit". Jared Bouck. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "Case Mod Supplies". MNPCTECH. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "PC Case Fans and Cooling Fans". Xoxide. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "case mod 101: how to paint your computer case". Rob 'linear' Arnold. Archived from the original on 2009-04-30. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "Cable Sleeving: An Introduction to the Tools and Materials | bit-tech.net". bit-tech.net. Retrieved 2018-12-05.
- ^ "Case Mod-Fans". LegitReviews.com. Archived from the original on 2009-04-30. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "Case Mod Gallery". www.techPowerUp.com. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ "66-fan case mod exemplifies overkill". Weblogs, Inc. 25 November 2007. Retrieved 2009-05-07.
- ^ Alex Pham; Dawn Chmielewski (August 13, 2007). "Coolest electronic gear way too hot for its own good". Chicago Tribune. p. D5.
- ^ "Bbc watchdog reviews xbox 360 ring-of-death". The Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved 2011-10-31.
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