Guide to case modding
Article by Craig Ferrie, Moraytech Mods
Building a PC is easier than ever. Even if you’re a complete newcomer, you can follow a guide like ours and have a PC up and running in a couple hours. But building that PC is just step one. Step two is making it beautiful.
Introduction
Your Consideration List:
- GPU
- RAM
- Motherboard
- LEDs
- Watercooling
- Cables
- Paints
- Decals/Stickers
PCGamers Magazine spell out very good article:
How to build a gaming PC: a beginner’s guide , by
A beginner’s guide to case modding October 07, 2015
GPU
The GPU takes centre stage in a gaming build, so making the right choice is a critical first step to creating the look you want. Some GPUs are easier to modify than others.
RAM
There are some crazy RAM modifications out there, but matching your RAM color to the rest of your build is a good starting point.
Motherboard
Armour-plated motherboards are ideally suited to modding. The Asus Maximus Formula, or the Asus Maximus Hero pictured above, is a good example: just remove the armour and you’re ready to paint.
LEDs
Internal lighting and under-glow case lights really add life to your computer. Our personal favorites are the Bitfenix Alchemy LED strips, which are bright and available in waterproof and magnetic varieties.
Watercooling
Liquid cooling your PC leaves you wide open to customization. Choices include: what tubing to use, hard-line (rigid) or PVC; what colours of fittings and coolant; which fittings; and what reservoir is best suited for your project.
Cables
Savvy, stylish cable management is a key part of any custom PC build. You can customize cables yourself, but that means a major investment of time and dollars into specialized tools.
Paints
Painting the case and/or components is a pivotal part of PC modding, but it can be a challenge.
Decals / Stickers
So you’ve got a pretty epic looking computer, using good branded components, and want to add that extra flourish to the look.
Making a Better Case Mod
Creating that master piece is not just done by power tools alone. There are many things to take into consideration such as how much time you really want to dedicate to build. No you are not going to construct a killer mod over the weekend or in an hour like the cars and bike shows. Items like tools and materials you have available to you to use can also determine what you can accomplish, but there is one equalizer: hard work.
Ideas:
Running a drill press and other tools needed is old hand to you but you lack the most important aspect for a mod, an idea. Man this may be one of the hardest things to do if you do not already have a plan. The easiest type of mod to build up is a theme mod. We all have our own favorite movie, TV show, game, sport team or etc. Find something that you like about that particular theme and go with it. Here is an example. I was asked a few years ago to make a mod that CPU Magazine could giveaway at QuakeCon, talk about pressure. Anyways I did some hard thinking about it and began an idea process…”Lets see QuakeCon, id software, Quake4, Enemy Territories: Quake Wars… That’s it!” At that time they were just coming out with ET:QW and it was going to be previewed at QuakeCon, but what to base the case off of? After tracking down the limited screen shots of the game I found what I was looking for. One the human solders was wearing a radio pack. PERFECT! It was in the basic shape of a computer case so I ran with it.
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