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Case modification (also called simply Casemod) is the practice of modifying a computer chassis, most often done for aesthetical purposes. Popular modifications are painting the case, the use of colorful neon lights, fans and wires, and transparent windows in the covering. The motivation is that the traditional beige computer case is seen as boring (although many are now black in colour). Adding fans or extra grills help cooling inside the computer, this is important with the latest CPUs and graphic cards, which cause the inside of the case to become hot.
These modifications are often seen at the larger gaming events, such as LAN parties, where the modder brings the machine to show it off. Many of the gaming hardware oriented magazines, and websites have regular features for modded machines. There are even entire magazines dedicated to case modding.
It was only in the late-1990s, as the price of computers fell, that computer owners started modifying their cases. Those who carry out complex modifications often document the details on the web, with pages of digital photos and instructions.
There are now companies that will sell pre-modified computers, with the colorful lighting and a transparent window installed.
Some do away with the traditional case completely and use small form-factor motherboards like the Mini-ITX. People have built modern PCs, utilising obsolete computers and games consoles as chassis. A few take these modifications a step further and modify the connectors, to fit the theme of the box. For example building a computer in an ammo box, and modifying the peripherals using more rugged connectors often seen in older military hardware.
Common Modifications
- Window Mod: Putting a window within one of the panels of a computer case. 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, offers cases with the windows pre-installed, or replaceable side panels with the window installed. Some companies even offer entire cases made out of transparent materials.
- Lighting Mods: A lighting mod, is done when users put lighting in or on their computer cases. This is done with Cold Cathode Lights, LEDs, or EL Wire lights. The lights are sometimes paired with sound controllers that make the lights pulses with noises or music, producing interesting effects. CCLs come in long tubes, that generally produce a good amount of heat. LEDs come in many cases and forms, most often seen in bars similar to CCLs or within fans, called LED fans. EL Wire, takes the form of a small light rope, often embedded in cables such as SATA cable. Lighting modifications are often paired with window mods, to help show off the components.
- Cooling related Mods: There are many modifications that can fall into this category, the most comon one, is simply drilling an opening for a new fan. But the modifications vary on the situation, and can include, air ducts, water cooling, filtering, and the sealing of openings to promote better air flow. These modifications are often done by either overclockers looking for better cooling for the hot components, or quiet computer users, looking for more efficient cooling. Kits are available, and some companies are selling pre-made cases modified for better cooling, but most modifications are user made for their particular situation.
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