jdbnsn
03-27-2009, 12:04 AM
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/jdbnsn/meetthemodders/meetthemodderstgs.png
Allow me to introduce myself; I'm Jon, one of the proud administrators of thebestcasescenario.com. Forums regulars know me as "jdbnsn". I stumbled upon the world of custom computer modding in 2005, while trying to fix a stubborn problem. Computer modding, or simply 'modding', is a fascinating yet relatively unknown art form with enormous potential for creative expression. Over the years I've had the privilege of getting to know some of the most skilled and prolific modders in the world. In a new series called "Meet The Modders" we'll be talking with some of the most celebrated modders in the world and finding out just what the art of custom computer design means to them.
This month we're interviewing 'TheGreatSatan', or as we like to call him, TGS. He's legendary in modding circles for his unparalleled productivity; with an amazing portfolio of tributes, parodies, mad-cap ideas and incredible original content, there are few who know as much about modding as TGS.
I'll be asking TGS about his motives, methods and dreams in order to find out just what gives him such an insatiable hunger for modding. It's time to learn a little more about this enthusiastic character and his artwork, so let's jump straight into the interview.
_____________________________________________
To my knowledge, you have built more mods than any other modder. How do you find the time to accomplish this?
Oh my. A lot of them were done while I was just going to school and had nothing else to do. These days, I stay up till 2 or 3am to accomplish what I need. I have many nights with 4 hours of sleep.
You're an extremely dedicated modder indeed. Exactly how many mods have you built?
The Cuda 440 (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17470) I'm doing right now is the 28th. There at least three mods that I did early in my experimentation that I have no visual record of. I can get you a list later...
Where do you get your ideas? What inspires you when choosing themes for your projects?
It's really weird. I like going to Lowe's and oddball speciality stores just to browse. I can usually think of a couple at one store.
Can you remember what first enticed you into the world of modding? What was your first glimpse into the art?
Back in 2002 I literally knew nothing about computers. I was not into them. I had an eMachine, and the heat sink fan had died. I went to Best Buy and geek squad and they quoted me like $40! I knew it couldn't be hard so I researched it on the web (while a mini oscillating fan kept my system cool). That's when I discovered modding. I modded that eMachine that same week, and I still have it as my Family Room PC, with modern upgrades of course.
Then you are "self taught" in computer mechanics?
Totally. I did go to college and got two PC related degrees, but I was already very aware and helped instruct the class.
Does your job involve working with computers?
Yes. OD technology sales and software fixes.
OD?
Office Depot. I’m a full-time tech guy.
Do you have a favorite mod from your collection? Do you have a favorite mod from another modder?
Actually, I love my Thinner ATX (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17923). The current system of how cases are designed seems flawed. To get maximum cooling on air my Thinner ATX seems the way to go. I'm actually planning a Thinner ATX 2.0 where I'll make a new one a lot taller and thinner.
My favorite mod is Mashie’s Y2K Bug (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=95684&postcount=5). I was brand new to modding at the time and never knew you could put a computer in something that’s clearly not a case.
When you were first learning how to break systems down and build your mods, did you find any particular source for info or tips useful?
Measuring. I have spent far too much money buying supplies to replace the supplies I cut too soon and measured all wrong. These days, I usually measure one day then walk away and measure again another day before I cut. Second, be flexible; you'll need to make changes that you never expected to have to make to your design in order to make it work.
CaseModGod (http://www.casemodgod.com/) and TwistedForums (no longer online) were my starter points.
You also have a reputation for generosity, such as holding contests in which the winners receive some great prizes. How many contests have you sponsored now?
At least a dozen or two. I've given away hard drives, cases, heat sinks, and even a projector once!
Any plans for the next contest?
Not at the moment. I would love to do a real case modding contest, but I understand not everyone has a lot of money or time to compete. The prize would have to be historic, of course.
Do you have any advice to people who are new to modding and are unsure about how to get started?
Join lots of computer forums. I'm a member of 10 or so. I have e-met some amazing modders out there and whenever I visit a new site, there's always someone I didn't previously know. Coolermeister is the most recent 'great' modder I've chatted with. The insane wealth of ideas around these places is mind boggling.
What is your favorite modding forum?
TBCS. It's not a joke. I spend so much time on this site. PCApex (http://www.pcapex.com/) would be second, and then Bit-Tech (http://www.bit-tech.net/) would be third.
With 28 mods under your belt, are you finding it hard to find room for the new ones?
No, not at all. I have a green spiral notebook with about eight mods I'm considering. It comes down to what I 'feel' I need to do.
Where do you store all of your projects?
Most of my mods are disassembled shortly after the build and destroyed. That's right, garbage. Projects like Thinner, UFO, Lord of the Rings and Mother-bored were scrapped within hours of my completion photos. Others like Interceptor, Hard Drive PC, Clowned and Care Bear PC are all sitting in my basement/modding area. My Matrix PC was given away to Bucko and I sold my Paradise Lost case.
Really? So how do you decide which of your mods get scrapped, sold, or kept?
I guess I get a little more attached to some mods more than others. Care Bear PC was used by my kids for a couple of years and Clowned was built for my mom, but she doesn't have room for it. Hard Drive PC was the December 2006 Rig of the Month in Maximum PC so there's that lagging feeling that I should keep it. I'll probably be throwing Interceptor away soon.
Do you have any plans with respect to how many mods you would like to complete in your modding career?
No. Life is short and I don't expect to live to 80. It's not depression, it's not morbid, I just never saw myself living for very long. I need to do as many as possible in the meantime. I guess I can realistically shooot for about 3 to 5 mods a year and maybe to shoot for at least 50 in my lifetime. I may expand that number later. If a week goes by and I don't post, I'm probably already dead.
I know that you have modded peripheral components like a UPS into the Spaceballs Winnebago (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16842) before, what other peripheral devices if any have you modded?
My first peripheral device was a DVD player that looked like a car (http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/car1.jpg). UFO is one, my Lord of the Rings (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7982) castle case is another and the Craft Stick Airplane PC (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8134). A lot of people hated that one, but I felt that it 'needed' to be done.
Which mod did you find to be the most challenging project?
The ones I never completed. I had attempted a Briefcase PC (http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/grills.jpg.w300h200.jpg), a Toolbox and my Dumb Terminal (http://www.pcmodhouse.com/imagelib/sitebuilder/misc/show_image.html?linkedwidth=actual&linkpath=http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/closed.jpg&target=tlx_new) mod.
Do you have any tools that you consider essential for building mods? Most people attribute the Dremel as the modder's essential weapon, what is yours?
My most essential tool is a Dremel...well, kind of. I absolutely love having an EZ lock (http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-EZ402-Mandrel-Rotary-Tools/dp/B000FBLRWE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1236910393&sr=8-3) set. It gives me the ability to finish one blade and quickly replace it with a brand new one in a couple seconds.
You have your own website dedicate to modding, don't you? What's the address of your site?
It's at www.pcmodhouse.com.
_____________________________________________
Allow me to introduce myself; I'm Jon, one of the proud administrators of thebestcasescenario.com. Forums regulars know me as "jdbnsn". I stumbled upon the world of custom computer modding in 2005, while trying to fix a stubborn problem. Computer modding, or simply 'modding', is a fascinating yet relatively unknown art form with enormous potential for creative expression. Over the years I've had the privilege of getting to know some of the most skilled and prolific modders in the world. In a new series called "Meet The Modders" we'll be talking with some of the most celebrated modders in the world and finding out just what the art of custom computer design means to them.
This month we're interviewing 'TheGreatSatan', or as we like to call him, TGS. He's legendary in modding circles for his unparalleled productivity; with an amazing portfolio of tributes, parodies, mad-cap ideas and incredible original content, there are few who know as much about modding as TGS.
I'll be asking TGS about his motives, methods and dreams in order to find out just what gives him such an insatiable hunger for modding. It's time to learn a little more about this enthusiastic character and his artwork, so let's jump straight into the interview.
_____________________________________________
To my knowledge, you have built more mods than any other modder. How do you find the time to accomplish this?
Oh my. A lot of them were done while I was just going to school and had nothing else to do. These days, I stay up till 2 or 3am to accomplish what I need. I have many nights with 4 hours of sleep.
You're an extremely dedicated modder indeed. Exactly how many mods have you built?
The Cuda 440 (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17470) I'm doing right now is the 28th. There at least three mods that I did early in my experimentation that I have no visual record of. I can get you a list later...
Where do you get your ideas? What inspires you when choosing themes for your projects?
It's really weird. I like going to Lowe's and oddball speciality stores just to browse. I can usually think of a couple at one store.
Can you remember what first enticed you into the world of modding? What was your first glimpse into the art?
Back in 2002 I literally knew nothing about computers. I was not into them. I had an eMachine, and the heat sink fan had died. I went to Best Buy and geek squad and they quoted me like $40! I knew it couldn't be hard so I researched it on the web (while a mini oscillating fan kept my system cool). That's when I discovered modding. I modded that eMachine that same week, and I still have it as my Family Room PC, with modern upgrades of course.
Then you are "self taught" in computer mechanics?
Totally. I did go to college and got two PC related degrees, but I was already very aware and helped instruct the class.
Does your job involve working with computers?
Yes. OD technology sales and software fixes.
OD?
Office Depot. I’m a full-time tech guy.
Do you have a favorite mod from your collection? Do you have a favorite mod from another modder?
Actually, I love my Thinner ATX (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17923). The current system of how cases are designed seems flawed. To get maximum cooling on air my Thinner ATX seems the way to go. I'm actually planning a Thinner ATX 2.0 where I'll make a new one a lot taller and thinner.
My favorite mod is Mashie’s Y2K Bug (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=95684&postcount=5). I was brand new to modding at the time and never knew you could put a computer in something that’s clearly not a case.
When you were first learning how to break systems down and build your mods, did you find any particular source for info or tips useful?
Measuring. I have spent far too much money buying supplies to replace the supplies I cut too soon and measured all wrong. These days, I usually measure one day then walk away and measure again another day before I cut. Second, be flexible; you'll need to make changes that you never expected to have to make to your design in order to make it work.
CaseModGod (http://www.casemodgod.com/) and TwistedForums (no longer online) were my starter points.
You also have a reputation for generosity, such as holding contests in which the winners receive some great prizes. How many contests have you sponsored now?
At least a dozen or two. I've given away hard drives, cases, heat sinks, and even a projector once!
Any plans for the next contest?
Not at the moment. I would love to do a real case modding contest, but I understand not everyone has a lot of money or time to compete. The prize would have to be historic, of course.
Do you have any advice to people who are new to modding and are unsure about how to get started?
Join lots of computer forums. I'm a member of 10 or so. I have e-met some amazing modders out there and whenever I visit a new site, there's always someone I didn't previously know. Coolermeister is the most recent 'great' modder I've chatted with. The insane wealth of ideas around these places is mind boggling.
What is your favorite modding forum?
TBCS. It's not a joke. I spend so much time on this site. PCApex (http://www.pcapex.com/) would be second, and then Bit-Tech (http://www.bit-tech.net/) would be third.
With 28 mods under your belt, are you finding it hard to find room for the new ones?
No, not at all. I have a green spiral notebook with about eight mods I'm considering. It comes down to what I 'feel' I need to do.
Where do you store all of your projects?
Most of my mods are disassembled shortly after the build and destroyed. That's right, garbage. Projects like Thinner, UFO, Lord of the Rings and Mother-bored were scrapped within hours of my completion photos. Others like Interceptor, Hard Drive PC, Clowned and Care Bear PC are all sitting in my basement/modding area. My Matrix PC was given away to Bucko and I sold my Paradise Lost case.
Really? So how do you decide which of your mods get scrapped, sold, or kept?
I guess I get a little more attached to some mods more than others. Care Bear PC was used by my kids for a couple of years and Clowned was built for my mom, but she doesn't have room for it. Hard Drive PC was the December 2006 Rig of the Month in Maximum PC so there's that lagging feeling that I should keep it. I'll probably be throwing Interceptor away soon.
Do you have any plans with respect to how many mods you would like to complete in your modding career?
No. Life is short and I don't expect to live to 80. It's not depression, it's not morbid, I just never saw myself living for very long. I need to do as many as possible in the meantime. I guess I can realistically shooot for about 3 to 5 mods a year and maybe to shoot for at least 50 in my lifetime. I may expand that number later. If a week goes by and I don't post, I'm probably already dead.
I know that you have modded peripheral components like a UPS into the Spaceballs Winnebago (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16842) before, what other peripheral devices if any have you modded?
My first peripheral device was a DVD player that looked like a car (http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/car1.jpg). UFO is one, my Lord of the Rings (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7982) castle case is another and the Craft Stick Airplane PC (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8134). A lot of people hated that one, but I felt that it 'needed' to be done.
Which mod did you find to be the most challenging project?
The ones I never completed. I had attempted a Briefcase PC (http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/grills.jpg.w300h200.jpg), a Toolbox and my Dumb Terminal (http://www.pcmodhouse.com/imagelib/sitebuilder/misc/show_image.html?linkedwidth=actual&linkpath=http://www.pcmodhouse.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/closed.jpg&target=tlx_new) mod.
Do you have any tools that you consider essential for building mods? Most people attribute the Dremel as the modder's essential weapon, what is yours?
My most essential tool is a Dremel...well, kind of. I absolutely love having an EZ lock (http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-EZ402-Mandrel-Rotary-Tools/dp/B000FBLRWE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1236910393&sr=8-3) set. It gives me the ability to finish one blade and quickly replace it with a brand new one in a couple seconds.
You have your own website dedicate to modding, don't you? What's the address of your site?
It's at www.pcmodhouse.com.
_____________________________________________