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

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 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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.    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.  

[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
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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.