Has PC case modding gotten too easy?

[Dmack_901]

I think the Pc modding "scene", has gotten away from it's roots. Now you can just buy this part, and this add on, a light and call it a mod. I think the Xbox Case Modding Scene is better caus you pretty much have to make most of the mods. That's just my opponion.

[tony_j15]

Yes, it is getting very easy to mod comps these days, but that the capitalist system in action. Like you said, we got all these n00b running around with case windows and LED fans going: look! I modded my case! I would disagree that the xbox scene is better, but that just IMO. The REAL modders are still going strong, and its their designs that are still pushing modding. they are just a bit harder to see, do to all the premodded crap flying around.

[teengeek88]

modding should be all about originality.....when i put a new case fan in my computer i dont exactly consider it a mod but thats IMO

-Rob-

[linear1]

modding is the application of artistic ability and craftsmanship to solving technological problems.

Sticking "modware" in your case, that's not really the same thing. And I think that's what your main point is, Dmack. Most of the hardcore guys don't shop at the places that sell modder stuff, they get supplies form hardware stores, auto parts stores, just about anywhere really.

Good mods are technical. They involve a technique that maybe you haven't seen done before (like routing a lip in an acrylic window insert so it sits flush with a panel, or painting the back of an acrylic sheet, or using some product in a way that goes beyond how it was intended).

Good mods show a sense of design. You can't just whack together a bunch of products and get a great case, it's about conceptualizing a theme and executing the theme. Even if the mods are really simple, the theme can make it a distinctive case.

Good mods show craftsmanship. You can't just scrawl some crap on your case with a sharpie. You learn (or invent) a technique, and you practice the technique on test pieces, and then ultimately you execute it as part of your finished mod. Anybody who's tried a paint job knows the second one's a lot better then the first. You learn and gain skill, and you do work that shows your craftsmanship.

Good mods solve problems. Why were blowholes so radical when they first appeared? not because they were intensely technical. They solved a cooling problem in an elegant way. Lots of problems remain. I read zillions of forum posts from peeps bitching about how they don't like the functionality of their rig in some way. Those are opportunities.

See the world the way a real modder sees it. Put your stamp on the things you mod. Every store is a mod store, and every project is a mod project.

[Wild_Ani]

I totally agree with you linear. Ever since i got started modding my first case I keep getting ideas from everywhere. In the end I feel I'll have a truly unique design. It can be easy if you want it to be, It all depends on the modder and how much customization you want to achieve.

[HeadBand]

its not really modding anymore its more like decorating but i guess thats what i'm gonna do since i was horible in shop class and i'm too poor to risk scerewing my case up but i completley understand that its not modding i feel the same way when people who know html call themself coders

[tony_j15]

Applause for linear1! My thoughts are the same, only I dont take the time to say them......too busy moddin

[Dazbo666]

I'll go with linear too - I never get any "premod kit" for my case, I prefer to use some imagination, planning, and if appropriate learning new skills to mod my case in a way that's unique to me...

I agree that it's possible to fit retail stuff onto and into your case, but for me, that's not really a true mod....
I get my basic materials from local DIY stores, and get LEDs, switches and electrical components from a nearby electronic components supplier etc

[TKP]

now im not horribly into modding yet, being a highschool student i dont have a lot of time to turn my current rig (water cooled) into a WWII radio or an xbox or any of that, so as for right now, my idea of modding is taking stock cases, and making them look pretty cool with a nice element of functionality. I enjoy seing where i can cut holes to put a new LED fan, crank the speed of my old ones, mount some cathodes, and trying out new fluids in my resivoir.

To me, modding is what you make it to be, let it express you. If you do a *deleted* job installing a fan, scratch marks, bad spacing/airflow, so on and so forth.. thats fine. if you want to do the minimum... then do so. (i sound like the guy from chotchkys in office space dont i?) If you want to deck out your whole case in diamond plate (which is one of my current ideas) and it looks badass, then be proud. Youre hardcore, and you know it.



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[hugorudd]

I'm all for having the stuff available for people to get into the modification scene. I'm totally new to it, but already I have a few neat ideas I'm going to begin work on very soon.

What's wrong with allowing people to be individual in an easy way?

Incidentally, my plans involve building a case from scratch from the pieces of toy construction sets. Anybody got any advice?