An Industry Overview

» Computer modifying, aka computer modding, is the aftermarket manipulation and modification of computer cases and the parts they contain. Whether it be as simple as putting a window in the side of a computer case, or a fancy new paint job, to completely reconstructing and fabricating a computer case or components to make the computer itself look substantially different. Computer mods as they're called, have been steadily showing up over the past few years, with each project pushing the limits as to not only what can be "modded" but also how they're modded. Recently, we've seen some Modification Experts "Modders" take center stage in both print and televised media, for their creations, usually taking the extent of modifications to the extreme, completely redesigning not only the shape, size and color of the computer, but spawned a whole new generation of computers called HTPC's or Home Theatre Personal Computers, which look like stereo components, and function as multi-function media units capable of displaying everything from picture CD's, to the latest high-end video games and every possible format of video files including DVDs.

The market in fact has jumped so significantly, that mainstream computer retailers like DELL, SONY, Compaq and Hewlett Packard have been retailing their own systems with such enhancements as windowed cases, and LED status displays and light effect enhancements. Gone are the days of simply going to the store and seeing a wall full of beige boxes with parts crammed inside them. Today we see cases of all shapes and sizes, with different colors, case designs, and even windows with lights inside them. Online custom computer retailers such as Alienware have even moved to designing their own custom computer case, that befittingly looks like something from an alien environment.

The computer hardware manufacturers have not only recognized the trend, but also the demand for "ready made" or pre-modded parts for today's computers. With companies such as Sunbeam, Coolermaster, Thermaltake, ASUS, V-Tech, Raidmax and others making pre-modded computer cases, the industry has not only recognized the demand and interest in computer mods, but met it head on, with products ranging from computer cases, power supplies and cooling fans, to the cables that hook everything together, and lights to show everything off. In fact, there's hardly a part available for computers today, that isn't able to be modded in one shape or form.

With that being said, the sales for these products are staggering. Men and women from the ages of 13 - 35+ are getting in on aftermarket modding, and doing so with a passion, spending over $6.3 billion a year on aftermarket computer parts alone, and that number is rising steadily as some analysts are saying that this market has yet to reach a plateau.

Ranging in stature from school kids, through IT specialists and technical experts, the popularity of computer modding has grown to international proportions with modding taking place in over 47 countries.