Thursday, September 24, 2009

Coolest PC Case Mods


Computers are like sports cars for geeks. It's the meter by which we judge each other and establish our geeky status.

It's not always about who has the hottest technical specifications... Many times, it's about personal style! If you can't have the most powerful computer, it's just as good to have the most unique. Hardcore computer geeks with an artistic talent (and a lot of time on their hands) turn their computers into fun projects. Think of it as Pimp My Ride, but for PCs.

The key to an impressive PC case mod is—as the saying goes—thinking outside the box. In order to fit all the necessary hardware into various unorthodox shapes, most PC case modders use laptop parts, due to their compact size. The most common parts used are laptop optical drives and laptop motherboards.

Here are some examples of the craziest PC mods that we've found across the web! Some of the engineers that created them were also kind enough to supply detailed instructions for how to create your own!


Hamster PC


We all like to joke that our computers are powered by a hamster wheel. Will Knier from Raleigh, NC decided to bring that vision to life! He converted the top sections of a full-sized PC tower into an actual home for his hamster. The living compartment of the PC case is split into two rooms, connected by PVC pipe, and are visible by translucent walls.


NES PC


One popular case mod converts an old 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System into a slick retro PC design. The NES's cartridge loading bay is an ideal spot to install the optical drive, often using a laptop CD-ROM drive. The power and reset buttons can easily be used for their PC tower counterparts.


Similar PC case mods have been produced using the bodies of other classic video game consoles, such as the Commodore 64, Super NES, and even the portable-sized Nintendo Game Boy.


Victorian All-in-One PC


This case mod (created by Jake von Slatt) is made with state of the art hardware, but given a classy, antiquated look. It's also been nicknamed the "Steampunk PC", since it harkens to the type of science fiction that places modern technology in old-world eras.

On the inside, the creator of the Steampunk PC mounted the system hardware onto the back of the 19in LCD monitor. The DVD-ROM drive is installed inside the base, hidden on one side. As icing to this nerd-tastic cake, Jake added matching custom-made keyboard and mouse.


Batman Begins Batmobile PC


There are few pop culture icons that rank cooler than Batman. He has the neatest gadgets, hottest car, and can master any puzzle with his sharp detective mind. A veritable geek god.

In homage to the caped crusader, a PC case modder known only as "batfan06" assembled an impressive case mod in the form of the tumbler Batmobile from the recent Batman Begins film. What's especially cool about this case mod is that the case itself is a simple remote-controlled Batmobile toy found at Walmart!

Mr. batfan06 took great care to make all the ports, drives, and vents easily accessible, yet tactically hidden from casual view. LED lights were added to make the Batmobile PC quite the impressive sight in the dark. At first glance, you wouldn't expect it to be a fully-functional desktop PC; it would just look like a really sweet Batmobile model.


Microwave PC


This may be the most clever way to disguise your computer as a common household appliance. The front window of the microwave has been refitted with a flat-panel LCD monitor. By opening the microwave's door, you'll be able to access the system hardware, housed inside the food compartment. The control panel on the side has been revamped with PC controls and switches, while maintaining the style of a traditional microwave oven. Oddly, the optical drive is mounted on the top of the microwave, where discs are fed in vertically, though it doesn't detract much from the overall coolness factor.


For any questions or suggestions about PC hardware, please contact us via email or by calling 1-800-620-6886. We offer a wide variety of replacement laptop parts that you may need for your own custom PC case mod, as well as laptop repair services (in the event of a modding mishap).

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