MODDING NOOB!
 

Hey everyone,
I am a modding noob. I saw a mod of a computer case in a recent episode of the screen savers on techtv. I am hooked. I want to mod my computer. Where do I go? Where do I start? I wanna put all my things in a black case with a window on the side. I also want a color to cycle in the window. I saw a window with a light inside displaying the color blue, but I want mine to cycle through a few colors. If someone can help me out, I'd GREATLY appreciate it!

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Well you should start by cutting any holes that you will need for fans or a window. Than sand it and paint it. I don't know about the changing light though

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Hi ModNoob, Welcome to the new cyber-crack, Modding.  There are many things you can do, so look around and make a plan.  Visit the Galleries you can find at such places Voided Warranty, and read the reviews so you don't do like I did and buy the wrong things first.  The reviews can point you to good stuff and alert you to crap, saving you big bucks. Good luck modding and post pics. ;D  Here is a link to pulsing lights: http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/frozencpu/ele-18.html  It uses LEDs, so high intensity would be needed for case lighting.  Since there are 4 LEDs possible, and they go in sequence, you could use different colors.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

in order for those LED to work with your fan, there are many things that you could do in order that they rotate with it.  I would use some sort of bearing to make to LED stay with your fan. I would say that the biggest part of the whole moddin procedure is your imagination.   ;D Drelems often come in hand as well  ;D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Yes the dremel is your freind. I also recomend a saber saw and some paint

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Hey,
Thanks a lot for all your help. I really like the FrozenCPU site. I think I'm going to buy a already modded case. Mostly because I dont have the money to screw up a bunch of cases.  However, the second I CAN afford to screw up some cases, I'm going to mod the hell out of one. Not just the appearance, but the functionality.  I saw a modded case with 5 consoles fitted in there + 1 bad ass comp.  Maybe mine will have a toaster :P.  Well thanks again for all your help, this place is cool. ;D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Hey, anytime my friend!  That's what we're here for, heck that is why i joined this forum, to solve my problems that i cand figure out and for answers to FAQ's.  Keep those posts comming, and there will always be a response, lata!

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Hey guys,
I found the tower that I want, but its watercooled. I have no need for a water cooled system. Can anyone tell me where I can get this tower http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/frozencpu/cas-13.html .  I want the tower, the window, and 2 120mm fans (1 on top, 1 on side). If anyone can help me out, I'd appreciate it.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

OK. Buy the antec 1030B and go get a window kit or something. Or better yest just buy the molding and make your own window. To tell you the truth I think that you should get the water cooled case. It looks great, even greater with a little paint. That would be perfect for you. Actually now that I think of it, you should just buy it and give it to me

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

I was thinking about getting the water cooled, but I really dont need it. I have a P4 1.6 ghz. 384 rdram. ati radeon 64 meg. 60 gig hard drive. dvd, cdrw. Also Im afraid of the water leaking and I dont want to spend more money on water blocks.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Let case gallerys inspire you... thats what i did :)

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

^ ^ THE MOTHER AMD CASE MOD!!! ^ ^ im lovin it!

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

I was going to say, Rivergod if you got the money to blow on a Lian Li, have at it.  But I got to stand up for my buddys at Nikao, so far I have seen nothing but Mod inspiration from them, infact there one of the first companys to offer a pre windowed case.  But the kicker is not only do they have bad ass cases they have decent prices if you look on Pricewatch or go to srsystems.com.      

Check out the cases at www.nikao.net and Frank should like since there out of BC  ;D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

I went to antec's site, but I noticed that the color of the tower I want is different from the antec one.  How do I paint a case to have the same metal, factory made kind of look? I mean, anyone can just slap on some silver paint, but modders make it look good.  ;)

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

My Lian Li was the first case I spent more than $40.00 for.  My cherry mod was done on a generic $35.00 case, because I didn't know better.  Now when I got into modding, about December of last year, I found there was a plethora of cases out there.  Options.  Most reviews and forums talk about Lian Li as one of the best cases out there.  You know something, they were right.  It has the best fit and finish of any case I've worked with.  I just bought two Zues cases for $55.00 each I plan to mod one for me, one for Mom.  Will I buy another Lian Li?  Maybe.  Will I give up this one?  Never.  The bottom line is to buy the case YOU like, and fits with the final mod and use of the case.  I overclock, aluminum is a nice feature.  I'm gonna keep this case, so an extra $100-150, won't mean much in the total system cost.  The Lian Li was worth it for me, but it is not the best case for everyone.  I love the Antec tower, just don't have room for it. The Zues just had so many possibilities, I couldn't pass it up.  Different cases for different mods.
PS Nice case mod Frank! ;D ;D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

[quote author=soccer_stud link=board=voided&num=1022992675&start=0#12 date=06/03/02 at 13:07:13]
^ ^ THE MOTHER AMD CASE MOD!!! ^ ^ im lovin it!
[/quote]  
Why thank you soccer_stud!  I am rather proud of it.  Cutting the rounded part of the D was the toughest.  Next time I'll use a saber saw on rounded stuff.  I love AMD and thought I'd show it. ;D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

[quote author=ModNoob link=board=voided&num=1022992675&start=0#14 date=06/03/02 at 15:31:58]
 How do I paint a case to have the same metal, factory made kind of look? I mean, anyone can just slap on some silver paint, but modders make it look good.  ;)
[/quote]
A Guide to painting I borrowed from a friend at Modthebox.com.

I’ve made this guide to answer the constantly repeated question in the forum "how do I paint my case?". In this guide I will include everything you need to know to get started painting your own computer.  

Step one: Planning.
This may be one of the most important steps of them all. Know what you want to do and the colors you want to do it with. There is nothing worse than getting your case all painted and then decide you dont like the layout or the color choices. It can be removed and started all over again but that costs valuable time and money.  

Step two: Preparation.  
Some people like to sand to the bare metal, I don’t fine this necessary. I start with 180 grit 3m AutoPak wet/dry sand paper. Sand under running water until the texture is gone. Then use 800 grit in the same brand paper. this shove give you a smooth surface to start painting on.  

Step three: Spraying information.  
There are a couple factors in this step. First off use the right kind of good quality paint (read below). Second, don’t paint when its real humid outside - it will cause the paint to mess up and not stick right. Ok, now that we got that out of the way always spray past what your painting. This means start spraying before the spraying the object and keep spraying until the paint has past the object. Paint in a steady strait motion. This will reduce uneven coats and insure a good job.  

Step four: Primer.
Spray the first coat of primer keeping the nozzle about 10-12 inches from the surface of the area painting. Don’t spray it thick, several thin coats are much better than one thin coat. Let cure for one to two days. Just because its dry to the touch doesn’t mean that its cured. Once cured wetsand with 800 grit sand paper, the same grit you used to finish smoothing the surface.  

Step five: Paint.  
Spray the first thin coat in the same manner as the primer. After it has cured wetsand with 1000 grit sand paper, repeat. Spray another coat of the same color. Let cure then wetsand with 1200 grit sand paper. Spray another coat. Let cure, sand with 1500 grit wet sand paper. Let set for a day to insure that all is cured and ready for clear coat.  

Step six: Clear Coat.  
Spray thin coat of clear gloss coat, let cure for two days. Wet sand with 1800 Grit sand paper. Spray one final coat of clear, let cure. Wet sand with 2000 grit sand paper.  

Step seven: Rubing compound.  
To remove the 2000 grit scratches use a rubbing compound. Follow instructions on bottle.

Step eight: Waxing.  
Basically follow the instructions on bottle/can. Don’t wax in direct sunlight it will make it melt to the case which is not good. Also use a good wax (read below).  


Things you will need:
Primer
Paint
Wet Sand Paper- grits 180, 800, 100, 1200, 1500, 1800, and 2000
Rubbing Compound

Paint
Use a good quality. Buy either automotive paint, model car paint (spray kind, not the kind in the little jars), or Rustolium paint. Using paint that’s not high quality will make your case look like crap.  

Curing
Curing is the process of the paint hardening. if you start sanding before the paint is cured than you will mess up the paint job. Just because it is dry to the touch does not mean that it is cured. I always let paint set for at least 1-2 days, this may seem like a long time, but its worth it.  

Brand of product
If you start with one brand of paint, use that brand for the whole project for the best results.  

Wet Sanding
You may be asking "why do I need to sand all those coats?" well the reason is because you want the best quality for your case. Why would you spend the time to and paint it if you were just happy with a cheep paint job that is going to make people laugh instead of stand back in awe. Basically wet sanding takes off all the high spots and makes for a much smoother higher quality finish. To wet sand you want to get your sand paper, something to lay your panels and bezel in while sanding, and running water (ie facet, water hose) let the water run over the surface your sanding (don’t have to be a lot, but a small steady flow). Hold the sand paper in your hand and sand it don’t, but don't apply much pressure. Let the grit do the sanding not the pressure of your hand, the idea is not to remove the paint it is to smooth it.  

Painting Environment
Paint in an open place with a good air supply. I paint under my carport while spraying then bring it inside in my laundry room while drying so depressed bugs don’t make a death plunge into it. Paint somewhere where there is not a lot of dust or where there is a possibility that it will be stepped on or knocked over. If you’re painting on the ground, lay newspaper down first. Also try not to paint your hand, its easier to do than you might think.  

Tips:  
Soak can in warm water for about 5 minutes before painting to create a finer spray and get a better finish

Paint in a well lit area

ill add some more later

Ok well this is everythig you need to know to get started and more. If you still have any questions email me any time at Silentchamber@ghettoware.net  

This was written by TheSilentChamber, you may pass it on but give recognition where its due.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Rivergod, I value your input. I appreciate everyone's input. I am still tossing a bunch of ideas around. I am backing away from water cooled and leaning towards my own design.  I want to buy a black case. I'm indecisive about the case type (aluminum or steel). I would also definately like to put in a Biohazard Etched window from crazypc.com (thanks for that site!) Along with the window, I would like 2 fans on the side, but NOT in the window. I dont like anything interferring with the design. Then I will put a few fans/exhausts on top (im a noob, pardon my lack of knowledge for what goes on top :P ). Finally, I want to put some LED lights inside and some switches on the pannel so I can change the color of the biohazard window. What do you guys think? PLZ Instant message me on AIM if you have it. I'm MrCrazyTrain13.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

I feel cold cathode lights give excellent area light, laser leds are great for spotlighting, or getting light into where a cold cathode won't reach, say under a video card.  Neons are a bit large, and are not as brite as cold cathodes, but the liquid looking ones have their uses.  Vantek Stealth fans push more air per decible than most fans, and if you plan a lot of fans, you might want to look at them.  A fanbus or rheobus can allow you to control fan speed and noise. Good luck on your mod!  I don't AIM, sorry. You can visit my website, or e-mail for more contact. http://www.rivergodsmods.com
PS- Nice cases at the Nikao site KeyserSose!  I've never seen those before, and they are reasonably priced too?  Worth looking into.  I just checked further, they make the Zues cases I just bought at a show!  You are right, they make a great case at a great price.  I still love my Lian Li too though.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Well said rivergod. :D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Heres the link to the lazer LEDs

http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/mer...ct_Code=PC8460

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

So do you recommend the Lazer LEDs? Cuz I wanna put 4 in there. red,blue,green,and white. and have 4 switches on the pannel allowing me to switch colors.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Sounds cool to me.  Post pics when you get it done.  Watch it though, if I kept my website up to date, I'd be replacing pics almost daily.  Modding is addictive.  Just when I think I'm done, I see something else.  Thats why I bought a case I don't know what computer guts are going in it, I just want to mod it.  Maybe I'll sell it, more likely another gaming station on the home LAN, if I can find a spot to put it.  ;D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Thats a sweet ass case man! We are planning on selling modded cases on the site too. It will be a while but it will get done.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Tell me about it, what a case mod the best ive see by far!  you got a talent there!  it kinda looks like that the green lazer LED's are like the green stuff that Homer Simpson works on, they are all havin a party in there!  i....am....jelous...

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Thanks guys!  I actually stuck to my plan on this one.  I like the light given by the laser LEDs, it is very brite, and I can control more accurately where the light goes.  AMD's colors are Black and Green and White. The case is black, the light is green, the wire loom is white.  It does kinda have a Homer Simpson work-glow to it, never thought about it that way.  Cool ;D Thanks again for your support! 8)

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Great minds think alike.  Nice job on your Zues!  I love glowire, it just has a look that cannot be duplicated.  What is that in the bay above your floppy?  I also like to do mods on the cheap.  My nieces stereo broke and before pitching it I scavenged 14 red tiny LEDs, 8 large red, 8 clear, 4 green, and 17 microswitches.  Don't know how or where I'll use them, but now that I have them I'll find something.  I plan to make an air duct out of some 3" dryer flex duct, as it is un-dented and very shiny aluminum.  Mods come at all price levels.  Sorry I was kinda touchy, I'm not rich, but I do blow alot on modding, I just eat a lot of mac and cheese and peanut butter sandwiches. ;D

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

I want to get started RIGHT away! I'm going to see if my dad has any tool like a dremel. I'll look for a crap comp and mod that if I have to (I wanna get some experience b4 I mod a 200 dollar case) I also need to practice taking apart a computer and putting it back together. Anything I should watch out for?

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

[quote author=ModNoob link=board=voided&num=1022992675&start=30#31 date=06/04/02 at 17:28:38]
I want to get started RIGHT away! I'm going to see if my dad has any tool like a dremel. I'll look for a crap comp and mod that if I have to (I wanna get some experience b4 I mod a 200 dollar case) I also need to practice taking apart a computer and putting it back together. Anything I should watch out for?
[/quote]
Thats the attitude!  (Hey guys, we got im)  I'll handle my most expensive lesson.  When putting on or taking off your cpu heatsink.  If you must use a screwdriver to release or set the clip, be very careful the screwdriver does not jump off the clip.  If it does, you get to upgrade your motherboard after the screwdiver crushes and/or knocks off teeny-tiny silver things that are very important.  Downside: I ruined an ASUS A7V266.  Upside: I now own an ASUS7V333.   (Two more weeks of peanut butter sandwiches)

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Beware the static monster  it's not as bad as everyone teaches but it can kill stuff.  I don't wear a wrist strap most of the time.  I just make sure while the case is plugged in I touch shiny metal.  That releases any static I have built up.  If you do it after the cord is unplugged the case isn't grounded so you could fry something.  Basically the static you build up could put to much voltage on a chip or something you touch and short out a chip.  I was taught that even though you may not feel the shock it could be enought to fry a chip.  Which you would have to replace which normally means a new component. Mobo, memchip, processor or the like.  Has any one ever had a problem they nailed down to static.  I've seen it take the blame for stuff but never get convicted of a crime.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

So, I should take my computer apart while its plugged in? Im lost.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Sorry again I got ahead of myself.  I allways touch some shiny metal right before I unplug the cord.  Then I pull the power cord and start hacking.  Sorry about the confusion.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

LoL, dont worry man. I really appreciate ALL of this. No one on earth has been as helpful with ANYTHING I've ever asked before. I hope my mod will make all of you proud! I know I sound like I'm giving off a lot of hot air, but as soon as I get the funds and some experience, I'm going to get to work! I'm always looking at mods and getting ideas. The problem is, I like too much of the stuff out there. I think I'll drop the zip mod mainly because it was just a random thought I had. Plus, I can sell it on ebay and use that money to buy a brand new internal zip.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Trust me I understand the time/money issue.  I got a case 2 years ago and took me over a year to fill it up.  Now I'm just finally gettin' to mod it out like I wanted to a long time ago.  It's got an air filter and a car style ignition switch for a power button.  These things take time.  I've been in computers and electronics longer but I love to mod anything.  Like I said in one post I've even helped my fire dept. mod our fire trucks to a point.  That's some serious fun to now.

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

Have you backed up any important data yet?  Have you ever been inside a case before?  I ask, because I don't want to bore you with details, nor do I want to assume you know something, when you're not clear on it.  Getting inside a box is easy and should not be a problem if you follow the basics.  Clear a workspace, have a plan, ground yourself to your box, then flip switch on the power supply so you cannot accidently turn the machine on.  Some say to pull the cord, (I'm one)  Some say the box is no longer grounded if the cord is pulled.  I pull the cord.  That way there is no power to the motherboard so when I drop a screw on it, it won't short out.  Never use alot of pressure on anything.  Most computer pieces fit firmly, but should never be forced or bent.  If you mess with the CPU fan, before you turn the computer back on, make sure the cpu's fan is plugged in, otherwise you may smell something rare and expensive cooking.  :o  Finally, never put your side back on until you have tested your new mod or up-grade.  I guarantee you will have to remove it again to reverse your floppy cable or something else silly. ;D
Really Finally this time: Read these websites.  Voided Warranty goes to alot of time, expense, and effort to post article and how to's.  Make their effort worth it.  You'll not regret it.  8)

Re: MODDING NOOB!
 

[quote author=rivergod link=board=voided&num=1022992675&start=30#38 date=06/04/02 at 19:49:40]
Finally, never put your side back on until you have tested your new mod or up-grade.  I guarantee you will have to remove it again to reverse your floppy cable or something else silly. ;D
[/quote]

I wish someone would have told me that years ago, I'll be lucky if I don't wear the damn latches and screws out on my case.