Completely new to Case modding

[moOmL]

I've decided to build myself a gaming computer, and i'de like to start case modding. I've looked around at other threads but i have a few questions.

What is the easiest material to work with? and I have a lot of different tools in my garage, but what tools are best for case modding.. in your opinion? You know, for cutting and shaping and such.

Also which case should i be looking at. I kinda like this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119068

..but is that a good case to start with? I've seen alot of Lian Li links around this site. Would something like this..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112025

..be better to work with than the first case i posted?


I'm still not sure what kind of theme i'm gonna go for. I am a PC gamer.. games like Half-Life2, Counter Strike, Day of Defeat, and Battlefield 2 are my favorites.

I wasn't looking to go for anything too crazy. I've seen some of the rediculous mods on this site. I wanted to go for something more simple. I'de like to do some custom paint.. like the rusty look or something but i have no idea how to do that. If i did want to paint anything on my computer, what paints should i be looking at?


Thanks in advance for taking a look at my post. :D

[Vaantal]

Big price difference between those 2. I am working on a mod now that is based from a lian li case. My suggestion would be to think about what your vision is for the mod and find the best value between cost and features you can afford. Maybe go for aluminum because it's a little easier to work with IMO. But there a A LOT of fantastic mods that start as clear acrylic cases. Good luck, and happy modding:)

[vectran]

If you have the cash I buy a nice well-built case (Both look great!).

I am planning (Havent done it yet) to buy a 2nd hand case for my first mod in case I muck up!

Therefore I wont kick myself If I make a mistake and It should still look nearly as good as if I had a Lian Li case (I want one!).


For paint I found this site really great (how do you do links?) http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-1/

It seems to make your case look nice and shiny :)

[unknownconcepts]

acrylics are good for rusty looks.
use montana dupicolor or kylon.
and wetsand if you want a nice glossy look

[qoou]

if you are new to modding i do not recommend modding a lian li case just yet, unless you are just installing lighting.

for first timers i recommend:
case1 (http://xoxide.com/chieftec6.html)
case2 (http://xoxide.com/xg-t-thermally-advantaged-chassis-silver.html)
case3 (http://xoxide.com/vtechcase.html)

good luck on your modding!

[bigbaddog]

if you are new to modding i do not recommend modding a lian li case just yet, unless you are just installing lighting.

for first timers i recommend:
case1 (http://xoxide.com/chieftec6.html)
case2 (http://xoxide.com/xg-t-thermally-advantaged-chassis-silver.html)
case3 (http://xoxide.com/vtechcase.html)

good luck on your modding!

I agree, all these cases are great for first time modders. I also like this Cooler Master (http://ateck.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=453057268)-it is a light color and easy to paint if you want.

[moOmL]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm just curious.. but what makes lian li's harder to mod?

[vectran]

I am not 100% sure, but I think it could have something to do with its material structural integrities 8) and the price!

[qoou]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm just curious.. but what makes lian li's harder to mod?

they are just really expensive and if you screw up well...your screwed.

[moOmL]

Although i'm an avid gamer, i think i came up with a better idea for a case mod. I'de like to do a star trek theme.. like borg stuff. With Half Life and Battlefield 2 i can't imagine what i would want my case to look like. But with the borg theme.. i can think of exactly what i want.

I realize this is a tough theme choice to start but i guess i'll just really have to try not to screw up. :rolleyes:

Well i guess i should get a case first. I really like the cooler master that i first posted.. but i still don't know if that's good for modding? Anyone wanna help me out on that?

[Malatory]

Although i'm an avid gamer, i think i came up with a better idea for a case mod. I'de like to do a star trek theme.. like borg stuff. With Half Life and Battlefield 2 i can't imagine what i would want my case to look like. But with the borg theme.. i can think of exactly what i want.

I realize this is a tough theme choice to start but i guess i'll just really have to try not to screw up. :rolleyes:

Well i guess i should get a case first. I really like the cooler master that i first posted.. but i still don't know if that's good for modding? Anyone wanna help me out on that?

any case is good for modding.. its more the question of is this case going to cut me and make me scream as I put a computer in it. I would say the cooler Master is a nice case. The Side pannels might be Steel and not alum. as it only states the front bezel is alum. Steel just takes more time to cut through and in some cases that might be better to start off with.

you wouldn't want to use a Hot knife to do detail work on your butter sculture.