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Case modding
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===Appearance=== ==== Peripheral mods ==== [[Peripheral]]s 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. [[Image:Casemodding microwave.JPG|thumb|300px|Computer built into a [[Microwave oven]]]] [[File:"Exotic Touch" Custom Case by O. Lüscher.jpg|thumb|A bamboo custom case]] ==== Case building ==== Sometime modders build entire cases from scratch. Some may attempt to treat the case as a work of [[art]]. Others make it look like or appear to be something else, like a teddy bear, wooden cabinet, a shelf mounted on a wall, or antique equipment such as a [[Macintosh Plus]] or an old [[Atari 2600]] [[video game console]]. Relatively few case [[modders]] or builders make their computer cases from scratch; those who do sometimes put hundreds of hours into their work. The [https://web.archive.org/web/20060830220936/http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2006/05/22/wmd_part2_g-gnome_case_mod/1.html WMD case], [http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28&page=6 Project Nighthawk], and [https://web.archive.org/web/20060927003012/http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=76374&page=1&pp=20 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 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 [[hard drive]] windows which show the platters and mechanism, which must be done in a [[clean room]] without significant dust. Few people have attempted it and results seem to vary. {{Citation needed|date=June 2007}} Some hard drives, including the [[WD Raptor]], now come with a window as standard. [[Image:PC case mod lights.jpg|right|thumbnail|A computer with an LED fan]] ==== Window mods ==== This refers to a window placed within one of the panels of a computer case.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=CrazyPC LLC |title=Windows Kits |url=http://www.crazypc.com/products/casemods/windows.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119220611/http://www.crazypc.com/products/casemods/windows.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-19 |access-date=2009-05-07 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |publisher = Antec, Inc. |title = Antec - Nine Hundred |url = http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MjM |access-date = 2009-05-07 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110707145345/http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MjM |archive-date = 2011-07-07 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Some companies even offer entire cases made out of transparent materials. A window kit may be modified to hold an LCD screen.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Jared Bouck | title = LCD Window Kit | url = http://inventgeek.com/Projects/LCDWindow/LCDWindow.aspx | access-date = 2009-05-07 }}</ref> [[Laser engraving]] can be done on [[Acrylic glass|acrylic windows]] to add a distinct look to a modded case.[[Image:Saibotcaseside.jpg|right|thumbnail|A computer modded with different colored [[Fluorescent lamp #Cold-cathode fluorescent lamps|CCFL]]s and [[LED]] fans ]] ==== Lighting mods ==== A lighting mod refers to lighting in or on the computer cases.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = MNPCTECH | title = Case Mod Supplies | url = http://www.mnpctech.com | access-date = 2009-05-07 }}</ref> This is usually achieved with [[cold cathode]] lights (CCLs), [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] [[case fan]]s,<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Xoxide | title = PC Case Fans and Cooling Fans | url = http://www.xoxide.com/casefans.html | access-date = 2009-05-07 }}</ref> 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 produce heat. LEDs come in many sizes and forms, most often seen in bars similar to CCLs or within fans. Electroluminescent wire, which takes the form of a small light rope, is sometimes embedded in cables such as [[Serial ATA|SATA]] cables. Lighting modifications are usually paired with window mods to help show off the components. As well, case fans, CPU heatsink fans, and power supplies themselves may feature lighting, thus enabling [[plug-and-play]]. ==== Paint mods ==== Painting a case is another method that case modders use to distinguish their system from others. [[Spray paint]] is the most common method preferred among amateur modders.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Rob 'linear' Arnold | title = case mod 101: how to paint your computer case | url = http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-1/ | access-date = 2009-05-07 | archive-date = 2009-04-30 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090430225742/http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-1 | url-status = dead }}</ref> There are many spray painting guides for amateur modders. This finish cannot be compared to automotive paint or [[powder coating]] {{xref|(see also: {{slink||Less common modifications}})}}, but it is a simple way to change the look of a case. Re-coloring the plastics of a case, keyboard, mouse and speakers with vinyl dye is another method that case modders use to highlight their own system, making them different from the rest. Vinyl dye has the advantages of ease of use like spray paint, but it is much more durable as it does not chip or scratch off. It also does not create a ‘layer’ like spray paint or similar. ==== 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bit-tech.net/guides/cable-sleeving-an-introduction-to-the-tools-and-materials/1/|title=Cable Sleeving: An Introduction to the Tools and Materials {{!}} bit-tech.net|website=bit-tech.net|access-date=2018-12-05}}</ref> ==== Laptop modding ==== [[Laptop]]s 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 frame]]s. 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.
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