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).

Connect Your Laptop To Your TV With Ease!

With streaming video services like NetFlix and Hulu, watching high quality movies and television shows on-demand are just a click away. But how comfortable can it be to watch them sitting in your desk chair on a cramped computer screen? Nothing beats snuggling up with your loved ones on a couch across from a large, high-def screen.

So how do we bring the convenience of internet broadcasting together with the comfort of the living room theater? It’s easier than you think, and in fact there are dozens of ways to do it!

A lot of people will build a dedicated media center PC that stays connected to their entertainment center. This is a great option, but that kind of hardware can be bulky and incredibly expensive.

We recommend taking advantage of a laptop for this setup. They’re compact and mobile, so they won’t take up too much space in your entertainment center. If you already have a laptop, you’ll save money by getting extra use out of something you already own. And if you don’t have a laptop, they’re fairly inexpensive and you get the dual benefit of having an excellent media device and a portable computer!

Now it’s time to hook it up! The first question is how to connect the video. Laptops typically have a video output of some kind built into them. Older laptops may have a Composite or S-video connection. Newer laptops are readily equipped with DVI or even HDMI (which is the best option). Just about all will have a VGA output. If your laptop doesn’t have DVI or HDMI, then VGA is possibly your best option since it’s still able to support higher screen resolutions.

If you have a high-definition television, you’re in luck because most new HDTVs have input connections for just about all forms of video input. In some cases you may need to get an adapter. For example, if your HDTV doesn’t support VGA, you can get a VGA-to-DVI or VGA-to-Component adapter. For older TVs, you may have to get an S-video-to-Composite adapter.

Of course, one of the best options is to use a laptop docking station or port replicator for your laptop. A laptop port replicator expands the capabilities of your laptop, giving it the full array of connections found in a full-sized PC. For example, the Dell Precision E/Port Plus port replicator has two DVI outputs, allowing for a simultaneous dual-screen setup with high-definition displays.

A laptop port replicator will also give you more audio options. Most laptops will only be equipped with the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Laptop docking stations can have better audio options, including optical connections for the best quality digital sound. In some cases, the headphone jack of a laptop is rigged to double as a digital coaxial output, so you may need a 3.5mm-to-RCA digital coaxial adapter. Or, there are external USB soundcards that will come with the connectors you need.

Once you have the hardware together, it’s time to boot up! If the picture doesn’t show up on your TV right away, you may need to adjust the video software settings on the laptop. For machines running Windows, simply right-click on the desktop and click on the Properties option. In the Display Properties, click on the Settings tab on the right. From there, you can either set the TV as an extension of the laptop’s screen, or set it as the single primary display.

All that’s left is to pull up your favorite video, full-screen it, and hit Play! With this set up, you can also play your favorite games, give presentations, or watch photo slideshows.

Energy Star Revises Computer Monitor Requirements

Energy consumption is a serious concern for both the environment and the economy. Energy resources are a precious commodity; one not to be wasted.

With the advancement of flat panel technology, the Environmental Protection Agency is adjusting its requirements for its Energy Star program, tightening energy consumption standards for computer monitors by October, 2009.

The Energy Star program is a combined effort of both the EPA and the United States Department of Energy founded in the early 1990s to reduce energy waste. The Energy Star program is completely voluntary for companies looking to make their products more energy-efficient, though it is required for any products sold to the United States government. Products that meet with the Energy Star standards will display the Energy Star logo, as well as a yellow EnergyGuide label featuring the product’s estimated annual energy cost.

Approximately 45% of computer monitors in production meet with the current Energy Star standards. With the upcoming Version 5.0 of the program (which require LCD displays to consume 20% less energy than under the current version), it’s expected that the number will drop to 25%. Advancement in the use of LED backlights is the inspiration for the EPA’s decision to revise its criteria, in the hopes that more companies will cultivate this energy-efficient technology.

Along with more efficiently managing energy resources, the Energy Star program also benefits the consumer. In the current economy, more consumers are trying to either reduce their energy costs or maximize the rewards for what they already pay. The new Energy Star requirements will make it more affordable for those looking to either upgrade to a larger computer monitor or take advantage of a dual-screen setup.

For more information about the Energy Star program and its benefits, please visit the Energy Star homepage. Triangle Laptops, LLC is a “green” company that cares about the environment. We currently sell energy-saving CFL lightbulbs, which is another great way to save on your energy bill and help out the environment!