Case Modding Help Thread

[Looney]

Ok, I figured that there are folks out there interested in this kinda stuff so lets get on with it. :D I have enough cases and spare drives around here, I will be doing some brake downs and showing how to paint a drive, Case, with pics, as a guide.

@Tyberious, I will show you with pics and create a guide here for converting the lights and wiring up a switch.

I'm hoping that others add some ideas for case Mods here or post a realy cool case mod you have seen. Maybe this will inspire some others to get down and chop up there cases. ;)

Painting:
There are allot of ways you can go with it. Spray, Brush-on, Air Brush. What I want to talk about here is, how to paint and what brands I like using and why.

Types of paint I use most often:
First off I use Krylon (http://www.krylon.com/) whenever possable. It drys quickly and has less tendancy to drip and run. I also use Testors model paints, they come in wide variety of colors and most Hobbie shops and stores carry it. (atleast here in the US anyway) Testors will drip and run very quickly, so always use multipal thin coats letting each coat dry before adding the next.

Painting with spray paint:
The first mistake most people make with spray paint is trying to put it on in one coat, or as I call it "Rush Painting" Spray paint is thin, and if applyed to thick, it will drip, run, and look like crap. There are ways to remove a run but I will talk about that later.
Always Use Multipal Thin Coats For Best Results!
Always take your time and don't rush the job, it will be worth it. Now, when appying the coats, Paint in the same driection as you apply the coat, But, alternate the direction you apply it each time you add a coat. This will give you even coverage.

Example:
If you are spraying Right to Left for the first coat, the second coat would be applyed Top to Bottom.

When doing your strokes over the object you are painting, start the spay off the object, and then move the spray over the object and stop when the spray is off the object. If you start spraying the paint on the object it can cause drips and runs.

Don't forget to Rotate the object you are painting as you paint it. You don't want to do all this work and realize you missed a key spot!. ;)


Next post will be wiring in a switch and converting the 12 volt automotive neon and other lights to work in your comp.

[Looney]

hummm hope I'm not wasting my time here.

[Shakadi]

Nope, your not wasting time. I've already bookedmark this thread incase I want to mod my next case.

I would mod the one I have now, except its missing it's door, and the screws arnt there to keep the case shut. :p

[Looney]

Nope, your not wasting time. I've already bookedmark this thread incase I want to mod my next case.

I would mod the one I have now, except its missing it's door, and the screws arnt there to keep the case shut. :p
Cool :D

Converting a Y Spliter Cable To Work For Your Lights:

http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/plug2-1.jpg

http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/plug2-2.jpg

Converting Automotive Lights To Work In Your Computer:

http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/liteplug2-1.jpg

http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/liteplug2-2.jpg

Wiring A Switch:
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/plug1-1.jpg

Wiring W/O Switch:
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/nsplug1-1.jpg

These drawings are pertty self explanitory, but, please ask questons if you have any.

Notes: You will need this tool or one like it, Wire Cutter/Stripper/Connector Crimping tool, (http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/64/64-2984.jpg) if you have wire cutters and small jawed plyers, you'll be all set. You will need butt connectors (http://www.crowbarelectricalparts.com/Butt_Connectors.htm) to splice with (Or best is to soder, I will go over that later) You will also need a Y spliter cable (http://images.tigerdirect.com/SKUimages/medium/C184-03166.jpg) or re use one from a burnded out fan. A switch (http://www.nkkswitches.com/switchcategory.asp?S3=13), and a light.
http://www.streetglow.com/products/images/an-.gif

[Tyberious]

that works for me, I wonder if there are any stribe lights because I thought that would look neat with the lights and fans. :D

[Looney]

Yes there are strobes .. Some are battary powered so you can stick it just about anywhere.

[Looney]

Using the methods above, and another trick, I added Neon to my door.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/doorneon2.jpg
What I did was buy some Neon Wire,
http://www.streetglow.com/products/images/el-.gif
and threaded it into some clear vinyl tubing.
http://store6.yimg.com/I/sidewindercomputers_1784_7644932
Why do this... It makes the Neon wire look more like the glass neon but Very flexable!
My case had a groove that was just perfect so all I had to do was make a couple holes to feed the Neon through and it was done.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/doorneon1.jpg
(I'm still thinking of a way to dress up the back of the door and hide the light)

[Doom_Dude]

This is an awesome post Looney. I can use this wiring info when it comes time to modding my case. Keep up the good work and thanks. :D :D *spin*

[Looney]

Thanks Doom_Dude. Glad it has helped you. :D

[Doom_Dude]

I can always bug you if I need more wiring info. Hehehehe. Meanwhile have a look at this cool case mod called biohazard..

http://thebestcasescenario.com/case_gallery.php#biohazard

[Edit] This ALIEN one Rules!!!!!

http://thebestcasescenario.com/case_gallery.php#alien

[Looney]

Thanks Doom_Dude for those links! Those are not only Awesome mods, there is a tutoral video that shows how some of it was done! This is a must watch for anyone thinking of a Case Mod!!!!!!

http://thebestcasescenario.com/tutorials.html

This is strange!
http://thebestcasescenario.com/Matrix%20Pics/rebirth_1.jpg

[Doom_Dude]

No prob Looney! I'm downloading that video now,. Ummm, yeah that matrix one is pretty strange. Parts of it are cool tho. ;)

[Looney]

There are some good ideas and helpful hints on that site. I was reading trough it today. :D I was thinking they were using auto body filler in these mods. I have another case here that is just screaming Mod me, my 750mhz, I just may do a radical mod with it.

[Planky]

Why would you convert automotive neons when you could just buy neon lights made for pc's? They are just as cheap...

[Tyberious]

actually the autos are cheaper, last longer, come in a wider range of colors and you can mod them too, plus they come in more sizes then the pc versions. ya might want to research that. *book*

[Looney]

Not here Planky, I went to the comp store to look at lights. Cost of a 12" black light $29.99 (ready to plug into comp). Also looked at the price of a Y spliter, $1.50.
Price at Dept store for the same 12" black light for automotive use $19.95 + cost of spliter $1.50 = $22.45 total little work, ready to go. It is always a personal choice Planky, but it is true that you can find much better lights for cars and trucks, than you can find in any comp store near by me. I had a choice of 3 lights at the comp store, at the Dept. Store, I had a choice of 25. Now I ordered some lights off the internet for my comp, the electronics burned out in a few hours, got replacments, they burned out in a few hours. I have some automotive lights that still work after 1 1/2 years. I chose to convert the automotive one. :D

[Looney]

Here will show you how to wrap wires.
First you will need some things:
Wire to wrap
What you plan on using for wrap
Scissors
Wire Cutting Plyers
Tape
Something to finish the wrap with like... Electrical Tape, Foil Tape, Shrink tubing, Supper Glue

In pic (1) you will see what I'm going to wrap. I had already wrapped one side to see if this stuff I was going to use would work. (a test piece) I thought it would be a good thing to use as an example.
In pic (2) you will see I use a piece of transparent tape to hold the wrap in place as I start to wrap. (This just makes it easyer to start and will be covered up when you are done.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/wirewrapping1.jpg

In pic (3) it shows how I hold the roll up tight to the wire and at about a 40-45 degree angle to the wire. You want to add enough tension to slighty strech the wrapping tape as you go around the wires.
In pic (4) you will see where there is a wire Zip Tie, I cut them off as I go this way it keeps the wire together as I start the wrap, once I'm up to it there is no more need for it. besides, it will make a lump in your wrap.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/wirewrapping2.jpg

In pic (5) is showing the end of the first wrap, from here I will start wrapping back the other way. This will give a more finished look. The second wrap is always put on with more care as well so it looks nice.
In pic (6) I have finished wrapping and ready to finish it off. Cut the wrapping tape roll off.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/wirewrapping3.jpg

In pic (7) I fold the two edges over to mamake a small tab that I will tape to. This also helps leave a clean finised look.
In pic (8) I took a piece of tape to temporarily hold the wrap in place while I cut a piece of foil tape to finsh. (or what ever you decide to use to hold the wrap in place)
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/wirewrapping4.jpg

Pic (9) shows the Foil Tape and Electrical Tape I used.
Pic (10) shows the finnised wrapping. with both the Foil Tape and Black Elec. Tape. Just carefuly secure the end with tape or what ever you want to use, and your done.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/wirewrapping5.jpg

Pics 11-12 are showing some of the wrapps I did for my comp. Oh yes and the wriring in Pic 12 was wrapped with 1 long piece of wrapping tape. ;)

Note: Another use for the foil tape is to cover your drive doors, I used it on the 3.5 floppy and Zip drive doors, as well as the 3.5 floppy eject button.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/drivedoors1.jpg

[Doom_Dude]

Nice job on the tutorials Looney and nice job on the mod. :D

[Looney]

Thanks Doom_Dude. :D I have been having fun doing it. :D

[Doom_Dude]

It does looks like you've had fun doing it. :) So what's next?

[Looney]

Hummmmmm Don't know.... Got any ideas? :D

[Doom_Dude]

How about a window jobby tutorial. hehehehehehe. :D

[Looney]

Hummmmmmm I don't have any good metal cutting tools yet, I have a Dremal I just need to get an attachment to be able to make clean cuts. But I will be doing it when I have what I need.

[Doom_Dude]

Sounds like a plan. :D I can't think of anything else right now.

[Looney]

Me either, I'll think of something I can do. Maybe, painting a drive. :D

[Planky]

I cut a case window into my pc with a dremel. I would recommend practicing on something first, you don't get second chances when cutting metal...

How about installing additional fans (with an on/off switch)?

[Tyberious]

not only that but measure twice and cut once.

by the way looney, your tutorials rock! *bang*

[Frades]

...or post a realy cool case mod you have seen. Maybe this will inspire some others to get down and chop up there cases. ;) Well.. here's one you probably would like to take a look at:
http://members.home.nl/gis/

http://members.home.nl/gis/blackmesa126.jpg

This is one of the most interesting case mods that i've seen.

[Looney]

Thanks Tyberious :D

That is cool Frades, I like the Lego case too. :D hahahahahahahaha
http://212.61.68.76/rebels/modpage/lego31.jpg

[Frades]

I liked the shoebox from that site you got the lego case. But not how the final product looked like. In my oppinion it was better without those lights and transparent parts in the front.

[Looney]

Yeah that was interesting, but I prefer a more ummmm durable case design. ;) hahahhahahahahaha

[eX_Do0mY]

Hmm, the HL2 one is pretty cool. Now, someone make a DooM 3 one that is cooler.

[Looney]

Doom Dude was thinking about it. :D

I was thinking of a retro DooM/DooM II case. I have a 500Mhz Comp that would work well for it. If I do do one, a Doom/Doom II case, I will be posting about it here as I do it.

[Tyberious]

that half life case has some awesome ideas in it, I liked the internal cage and some fo the other things. Makes me think.

EDIT: horrible typo fixed

[Looney]

Ok, been thinking about it, and I think that a Classic DooM case is what I will do next.

Before I get started, are there any comments or sugestions...?

[Tyberious]

uhhh for the operating system you should replace the startup music with some doom midi music isntead and are you going to do the "doom moniter mod"? :D

[Looney]

Stratup music? you mean Wave files. ;) I'm going to put more time into what I want the case to look like, more than the O/S atm. ;) As far as the monitor... I really don't have a spare that would work well. All I have for a spare is a 13" :p. I will do a Keyborad and Mouse though. :)

[Doom_Dude]

I can't think of anything cool right now. It's hot and I have some kinda mental blockage. :p

Here is a cool looking skull case. Errr scroll down the page that loads from the link...

http://www.techworthy.com/TechEdge/August2003/PCs-Gone-Wild.htm?Page=3

[Tyberious]

maybe make it looke like a lost soul and have some neat lighting effects?

[Looney]

Hummmm Maybe, or a Caco purdruding out the front or a side. (Doom_Dudes idea from earlyer on ICQ) I'm kinda thinking about doing a battle scene on the top with Doom Guy fighting somthing.... Of course, I will hand sculp it first..... Lots of work there. ;)

[Doom_Dude]

Thats my trouble. I suck at sculpting anything. I can draw, paint and other stuff but sculpting a doom marine or a Caco head? Good luck with that Looney. ;)

[Looney]

I have done some wood carving and other sculpting projects in my past. I'm sure I can do it, But, Thanks for the luck. :D

[Doom_Dude]

I once carved some initials in a tree. :p

[Looney]

I have it!!!!!!!! I know what I want to do and will be awesome!!!! I will build a Spider Mastermind computer, with luck it will have servos and you will be able to make it walk as far as your cables will allow.

Come on now, Is that a Kick ass Idea or what?

[Doom_Dude]

hahahaha sounds cool. I wanna see this. :D

[Looney]

Yeah I do too. :D HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I'm going to attempt it. I know I can fabracate the Mastermind, but the Servos and Robotics is new territory for me.... in some ways. I do have some experiance with hydrolics.

[Doom_Dude]

I always wanted to mess around with robotics but never did. ;)

[Looney]

Yeah I will have to study up on it a bit. I'm sure the Net will provide the info I will need or I will find a book on it. I did see a couple on Tech TV.

[CyberG]

Sounds Awesome!

[DOOM_GOAT]

I like the idea of the whole system just walking away when it gets fed up.

[Doom_Dude]

I think if windows crashes the spider should fall over like it died. :p

[Looney]

I like the idea of the whole system just walking away when it gets fed up.
I think if windows crashes the spider should fall over like it died. :p

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA That would be funny, but I don't think I could do that. When a comp carshes, nothing works, so therefore, the command to make it fall over, wouldn't work. :D Maybe I could have the Brain area deflate or somthing on a system error, somthing don't cause it lock up. I think my hands are going to full just trying to make it a walking robot. :D HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Sounds Awesome!
Thanks CG :D

[Shakadi]

Haha, you could have the "Brain" area just a baloon with little air getting out, so when the computer starts, all teh air coming in with the fans goes up, fills up the baloon, and voila!

It may cause some over heating problems though. :D

[Looney]

Haha, you could have the "Brain" area just a baloon with little air getting out, so when the computer starts, all teh air coming in with the fans goes up, fills up the baloon, and voila!

It may cause some over heating problems though. :D

Hummmmmm, I was going to do the brain with laytex... If I did it thin enough.... :D

[Tyberious]

mmmmmmm laytex :p

[Looney]

Yeah there is a guy here in town that makes masks. He showed me how to use the stuff and bake it. ;) It pays to be chatty at times. He was really interested in what I wanted to use it for, few years back, and gave me tour of his shop and made had me make a jaw bone for the makeup job I was working on for Halloween that year. Anyway I will go back there to get what I need. :D

[Looney]

I was playing around with some of the tips in that Alien mouse tutorial video, and did this
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/testcover1.jpg
I know it isn't much, but, it is just practice. :)

[Doom_Dude]

I like the texturing on that jobby. ;)

[Looney]

Thanks Doom_Dude :D
I started going through my old model parts and added some stuff just because... no perticular reason but to play. :) anyway, here is a pic:
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/testcover2.jpg
The pipe thing is made from a scrap parts tree.
http://www.doomwadstation.suhost.com/ltd/postpics/casemod/testcover3.jpg

[Doom_Dude]

Hey that looks neat. I like the pipe jobby. :D

[Looney]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Thanks again Doom_Dude :) Just took a little sanding, a little heat, and a little paint. :)

[Doom_Dude]

Could be a start for a Quake case. ;)

[Looney]

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA Naw what I will probly do is take the xacto knife and sander to it and try somthing different :)

[Doom_Dude]

Ooh I see.

Goodbye little tank jobby. *sick*

[Looney]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I will keep the little parts just in case I decide to use them else where.

[Looney]

Been doing some thinking on the "Spider Mastermind" project. This is going to take a while, to say the least. I have decided to fully document the whole project which will add time. Also, I have several old 486's computers laying around here, and have decided to design the spider as a separate robot, using one of them. I'm not sure how I will work out the power cords yet. :p May look for an older laptop with good batteries, and with USB and infrared support. The base will be in the design of a level area, and the Spider Mastermind will set on the base. I will add a handmade Doom Guy in as well, but, he will not be robotic. It will have a computer capable of running DooM III built into that base.

[Doom_Dude]

That sounds awesome Looney. :)

[Looney]

Thanks Doom_Dude :D
The Spider Mastermind will be set up to play vanila DooM and DooM II. But, I have been thinking, and I do have a DX50, 20 meg Ram laptop here, it just don't have any USB ports. I know I can get LPT and Seiral port converters so I may use it for the spider. I will have to have the battaries rebuilt though, It will only last 15 min on the battaries right now.

[Doom_Dude]

Cool. Did you investigate any of that robotic stuff yet?

[Looney]

Yeah, Mostly looking for distributers. Found one place and got the catalog yesterday. It contains 29 companies... It's frigging Huge. There are servo's in it but haven't looked that far yet. :)

Mouser Electronics (http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?handler=catalog._ShowForm&mode=new)

RC Servos (http://www.epanorama.net/documents/motor/rcservos.html)

Googeled "Servos" (http://www.google.com/search?q=Servos&sourceid=mozilla-search&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8)

[Tyberious]

thats sweet, can't waitt o see the final product. Good Luck! *thumbs*

[Looney]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Yeah me either, I just hope it turns out as cool as I have it in my mind. :D

[Doom_Dude]

Even if it's not quite what you want it to be I think it'll still be cool. :D

[Looney]

Thanks Doom_Dude :D My latest problem is where to put the Laptop Monitor on the Spider Mastermind so it can still be used as a computer to play Doom I/II. I'm thinking of hiding it just under the Latex brain. The Brain being latex would just fold back out of the way. But, then it would be harder to put servos in the arms to make them move. If I put the monitor on the bottom of the spider, it would be too hard to use, flipping it over I mean.

[Looney]

Right now I'm setting up a work area in my basement to work on the Spider Mastermind and other computer related projects. I'm calling it "My Dungen" I will post some pics after I get it setup. I will also post some pics of the tools I will be using in the mods. The area is nothing fancy by any means, but, it works, and I can work down there without anything having to moved to eat dinner or work at my desk up here. :D

[Doom_Dude]

Do you get you dinner put through a shoot from upstairs when your down there? ;)

Hahahhahaha sounds like a good setup idea. It's ideal to have a place to work on your stuff that you can just leave and not have to worry about moving it all.

[Nomad]

lololol hey guys look at this wiked awsom kase mod lololol

http://img27.photobucket.com/albums/v82/digital_nomad/coolmod.jpg

heh. Please note, that this is only temporary until we can find an ATX PSU that's small enough to fit in my case properly :)

[Looney]

Do you get you dinner put through a shoot from upstairs when your down there? ;)

Hahahhahaha sounds like a good setup idea. It's ideal to have a place to work on your stuff that you can just leave and not have to worry about moving it all.

Yep have a slot in the door and a hole in the floor. :D hahahahahhahahaha

Yes it is indeed. :D I should have some pics this week of the work area and I will show some of the tools I use for case moding.

lololol hey guys look at this wiked awsom kase mod lololol

http://img27.photobucket.com/albums/v82/digital_nomad/coolmod.jpg

heh. Please note, that this is only temporary until we can find an ATX PSU that's small enough to fit in my case properly :) LOL Looks Awesome Nomad. ;) You gota do what you gota do. ;) I haven't seen to many small PSU's anywhere except that are already in a case. I have a couple here but are only 150 and 200 watt PSU's. You would probly have an easyer time finding a new case to fit your Hardware, than a small PSU to fit your case.

[Doom_Dude]

How come I don't see an image. :p

[Looney]

I think the server is down that hosts the image. It was an awesome shot of a PSU (Credit) Taped on the top of the case. :D hahahahahahahahahaha

[Doom_Dude]

Yikes! It IS down as I checked my photobucket shots and they're not available. :p

[Nomad]

hehe. It's not just sitting there; it's taped up there. Give me a LITTLE credit, will ya? :D

[Looney]

LOL :D Credit given. ;) HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Doom_Dude]

lololol hey guys look at this wiked awsom kase mod lololol

http://img27.photobucket.com/albums/v82/digital_nomad/coolmod.jpg

heh. Please note, that this is only temporary until we can find an ATX PSU that's small enough to fit in my case properly :)

Nice tape job. :p

I like these clear case mods a LOT.
http://www.moddin.net/gallery/231/htpc2.jpg

And this one is..... funny. :)
http://www.bluesmoke.net/case_gallery/images/entry496a.jpg

[Looney]

I like this one :D
http://www.bluesmoke.net/case_gallery/images/entry714b.jpg

[Doom_Dude]

Yeah that's cool. :)

I really like these clear case mods like this one....
Clicky Here (http://bit-tech.net/images/article/135/Front800wWMk.jpg)

[Tyberious]

omg nomad lol! Maybe I should piggyback powersupplies like that for extra power. Maybe when i get a full tower that I can modify, maybe one for my graphics card and raid array and the other one for whatever else I need. Gave me a good idea though, but both of the power supplies will be INSIDE the case lol. That is pretty funny and I love the tape job lol.

[Doom_Dude]

Why not just get yourself a 600-800 watt power supply?

[Looney]

Why not just get yourself a 600-800 watt power supply?

That is what I would do, you splice two PS together and your asking for a burned up system. ;)

[Doom_Dude]

Yeah I wouldn't trust using 2 power supplies in any config.

By the way everybody here should check this out. It happens to be one of the coolest case mods I've seen so far.....

Clicky Here (http://www.voidgamers.com/channel/HirstArts/HADD3/b.168.r.192.html)

[Looney]

Thats is Cool :D

[Doom_Dude]

Just found this one... check it out Looney.

http://www.eugenesargent.com/case1.htm

[Looney]

That is real cool, just have one question.... Does it make shakes? :D HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Looks like something that would bee in an old 50's style diner. HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

[Doom_Dude]

I was looking for some other weirdness and that popped up. Hahahahaah. Yeah it looks like something out of a diner from Happy Days. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA :D

[Looney]

Hey..... *thumbs* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA The Foz, wonder if it will turn on with the snap of the fingers. :D

[Doom_Dude]

Hahahahaha. I want a soft icecream now. :D

[Looney]

http://www.dairyqueen.com/NR/rdonlyres/16BA9915-F809-4981-96A1-12BC324C27E7/0/sungrpsm.jpg
*passes Doom_Dude a sunday from DQ
:D

[Doom_Dude]

Yay! DQ rules!

[Looney]

Hey Tyberious, Found you something you will be interested in, Check this out!

http://kmcsonline.com/casemod/dual_psu/index.html *dark*

[PumpkinSmasher]

I should have taken a picture of my computer, when we pulled it all apart. We had to do some major surgery on it.

[Looney]

Damn what all happened?

[Doom_Dude]

Cool dual Power Supply tutorial Looney.

I took my Radeon 8500 out of my olde rig.... the fan was almost completely covered in dusty filth. Hahahahaha it's wonder all the crap in there didn't stop the fan. :P

[Looney]

Yeah... Not sure if Tyb saw it.... Oh well :P

[Doom_Dude]

Hard to tell when he didn't say anything, heh. ;)

[doomdiz]

dang it!! Im tierd of my ugly biege tower. I think im gonna use whats left of my summer to completely rebuild the case....... *bang* I wonder if its possible to build the shell out of plexiglass (dont got any sheet meatal tool-age). *uhh*

EDIT: ahh, nevermind. The computer guy just told me that my comp is as dead as a doornail. nothing short of black magic will bring it back to life....or lots of money *turvy*

[Looney]

Yep, I have seen several, Just make sure you have a good ground through out the case. to all parts. Run grounding wires if you have to. I would a metal frame from an old case as a base.

[Tyberious]

I am terribly sorry! I been busy with tech support from loads of people (it can be quite lucrative whenw orking with family, hince tax deductibles and being paid up front with no tax being taken out unless you are working on non family member's machines then ya can't do that.) College and studying, setting up the computer office (we are all doing autocad so we need a way to easily see everyone's machines at a glance and easy communication since we are all freelance civil engineers). Then busy helping people out with advise as well as household responsabilities and all the other crap I can mention, but I think you guys get the point ;).

I just read the dual power supply setup but wish it were more in depth, it didn't really explain what a power out plug was (do I have to get a main motherboard power to 4 pin 12v molex connector?) But its a good idea, I will do it when I get a Full tower dragon case since it can accomodate 2 power supplies. Right now im saving my money up for the following, these are in order of preponderance.

New video card (mine died, im going for most likely a MSI 6800NU, maybe a 6800LE or maybe a 6600GT.)
water cooling (external kit since an internal kit wont fit in my case)
*500Mhz ram (1GB in 512x2 form so I have room to upgrade to 2GB or 3GB)
Processor with Hyperthreading and 800Mhz FSB
2 WD740 10,000RPM raptor hard drives in raid 0 configuration for fast boot times and fast overall performance (this is now a gaming and a work/office machine so the performance boost is welcome.)
a Good PSU upgrade (Turbocool 510 PSU)
That basically sums up the upgrades that I want since I want a fast, reliable performing machine for work/gaming purposes, I also forgot to mention asthetics to make it look more appealing.


*(since I want the headroom for overclocking, I will mod the memory heatspreader to use artic silver 5 paste and a copper plate instead of the copper spreader and the frag tape (which started to melt on the current memory I have) I done this before and can make a FAQ on how to do it easily, works nice for overclocking, helped stop my memory from throttling and stabilized it. I also am going to use active cooling with 1 or 2 80MM fans (maybe 2, one for sucking air and one to blow cool air. I am going to use shrowds to seperate airflow so there is no air infinite loop.

hopefully we can all brainstorm on modding ideas since I will mod my PSU to have a UV reactive look with blue cold cathode fans and UV reactive green cables. I am going to try to mod the cooling to use copper heatsinks instead of aluminum heatsinks for better heat disipation (maybe try a tri-fan configuration.) Any ideas for case mods and asthetic appeal is welcome.

[Looney]

Just wanted to update those wondering how the Spider Mastermind project it coming. I finaly have my first major item, The Brain. I had a Seiberco AIM 4000 for the job sitting on the bench. This all good providing you have the software to program it with. Well, this where the problems began. I did many searchs, asked people, and final my persistance paid off. My Dad, the one that gave it to me, had thought he had given the program so wasn't looking in his stuff for it. I had scoured my house and could not find it. He recalled the name over the weekend. It is called Procomm. So, I get home and do a search to no avail. Tonight I stopped by their house and went through his old software. I not only found the ellusive software on a 3.5 floppy from 1989. :p I had worried that the disk may be bad after sitting all these years. :( When I got home I stuck it my old DX 50. This is the comp his company used to program it in the first place and the main body of the bot project. I couldn't believe my eyes when copied to the HDD with no errors! :D Fucking SweeT! :D So now, I need to start learning to program it for the 4 walking legs. I think I will start out easy and just build a simple wheeled bot to start with.

[Doom_Dude]

What the heck is a Seiberco AIM 4000? ;)

Sounds cool tho. Glad you got that software jobby. Hahahahaaha just realised your post is from July.

[Looney]

HAHAHAHAHAHA Thats ok,

A Seiberco AIM 4000 is basicly a robot brain (Controler)

[Doom_Dude]

Ahhh ok. So you got an old brain?

Funny that a google search for the Seiberco AIM 4000 brings up this topic first. ;)

[Looney]

Well as some of you know my gaming comp, Frankie, died. The PS blew the MB and CPU. Well Frankie is about to be reborn. I'm rebuilding him from the case up.

The new specs:
MB/CPU
Asus A8N-SLI 939 Socket
AMD 3800+ Athlon 2.4 GHZ
http://usa.asus.com/100/images/products/382/382_l.jpg
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=15&l3=0&model=382&modelmenu=1

RAM:
2 Gig Kingston DDR 400Mhz
http://images.tigerdirect.com/SKUimages/medium/kingston-generic-ddr.jpg
http://images.tigerdirect.com/SKUimages/medium/kingston-generic-ddr.jpg

Video:
2 ASUS Extreme N6600GT 256meg Series Cards
http://usa.asus.com/100%5Cimages%5Cproducts%5C362%5C362_m.jpg
http://usa.asus.com/100%5Cimages%5Cproducts%5C362%5C362_m.jpg
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=2&l2=6&l3=0&model=362&modelmenu=1

Onboard 3D Sound
Etc......

New Monitor:
http://www.viewsonic.com/images/media/vx2025wm_us_eng_lrg.jpg
http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktopdisplays/lcddisplays/xseries/vx2025wm/

Base Case Before Mod:
http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/T925-2070-main.jpg
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1389580&Sku=T925-2070

PS:
http://www.antec.com/images/400/NeoHe_q.jpg
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=28550#

Not sure how I'm moding the case out yet but I will be doing somthing with it. I don't want say much yet because I'm only in the planing stages.

[Doom_Dude]

Looks cool Looney. :D Hopefully you'll get all that stuff soon...

[rustyslacker]

*eek*

That's awesome!

[Looney]

Thanks :)

I just got the MB/CPU and RAM today, In the next few weeks will be getting the rest.


I plan on selling my old case on EBay, Plasma ball and all.
http://www.consultapctech.com/images/Frankie_Plasma_Case.jpg

[Doom-Dork]

Don't forget the TV card, so you need never miss your favorite progs.

[Looney]

I just started painting the case this week. It will be dark metalflake blue and silver and will be coated it with 6 coats of clear laquer.

http://www.krylon.com/images/products/large/xmetals_color.jpg

What parts I have done are looking sweet! I stripped it down to pieces by removing all the rivets. The rivets will be replaced with chromed screws with soft washers to protect the paint. I sould have the case ready to re assemble in a few more days.

[Doom_Dude]

Good thing you have patience. ;)

[Looney]

Nabbed on the video cards today:
http://www.asipartner.com/ocadmin/images/47659.jpg
Graphics Engine -GeForce 7600GS
Video Memory - 512M DDR2 Each for a total of 1 gig Video RAM*drinky* *spin* *grin*
Engine Clock- 400MHz
RAMDAC- 400MHz
Bus Standard -PCI-Express
Memory Interface -128-bit
Max Resolution -2048x1536
VGA Output- Yes
TV Output -Yes, via HDTV-out cable
DVI Output - DVI-I
2nd VGA Output - Yes
Adaptor/Cable bundled - HDTV out adaptor, DVI-to-2nd VGA adaptor
Software Bundled - ASUS Gamepack 2, ASUS Utilities Driver

[FATAL]

snob snob snob! :p

[Looney]

I was able to get it built and loaded over the last couple days. I have every option on in Oblivion, Maxed every video setting including HDR, running 1280x1024 res and It has 0 slowdown

[Doom_Dude]

I was able to get it built and loaded over the last couple days. I have every option on in Oblivion, Maxed every video setting including HDR, running 1280x1024 res and It has 0 slowdown Excellent! *grin* Hope you have a good time playing. ;)

[FATAL]

I was able to get it built and loaded over the last couple days. I have every option on in Oblivion, Maxed every video setting including HDR, running 1280x1024 res and It has 0 slowdown
SNOB SNOB SNOB!

[Looney]

Jealous needs to be added to your sig Fatal. ;) LOL

[FATAL]

Damn you! *sulk*


Just remember: you'll have to sleep sometimes. *diablo*

[Looney]

*Powers up BFG *Click *Whurrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Come and try.*guilty* *rofl*

[The Undertaker]

Only this could play Oblivion with no slowdowns (well maybe some outside an Oblivion gate).
http://www.techreport.com/etc/2006q2/ati-meatstack.jpg

[Looney]

Besides being wrong.... ;) hahahahaha Quad SLI's blow that out of the water.
http://images.tomshardware.com/2005/12/14/sneak_preview_of_the_nvidia_quad_gpu_setup/intro.jpg
http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/12/14/sneak_preview_of_the_nvidia_quad_gpu_setup/

[conorkirk]

I seriously need to get a new computer.

I have a Pentium 3 Dell *cry* optiplex gx110 running at 730 MHZ *cry* with one nvidia geforce 2 64MB *cry* , and an ensonique pci sound card.*cry*

then there is my 17 inch monitor.*cry*


Even the xps we have sucks.


Dell Xps 200. *cry*

[Doom_Dude]

Besides being wrong.... ;) hahahahaha Quad SLI's blow that out of the water.four vs three.... yeah that's fair. :p Looks like overkill to me. Haha.

[Aliotroph?]

Quad SLI sounds like a fun waste of money. :D

[Doom_Dude]

Quad SLI sounds like a fun waste of money. :DWhat I read says it's a bit buggy.