At the expense of getting my sorry butt banned, I'm writing this little tidbit to bring all the new people to modding up to speed. There are things others can help you with and things only you can do for yourself.
Let's talk about your first mod here. I have seen countless posts all over modding forums (not just this one) where new users ask for help with ideas for their first mod. I'm going to break down your first mod for all of you, so you don't need to post 'help me with ideas.'
How to Start a Computer Mod
Before you rip that case apart there are things you need to know.
- Your casemod needs a theme. All case mods have them. You can argue this point until you are blue in the face, so don't bother. How do you choose a theme? That's both easy and difficult - a real paradox. Your theme can be colour based (green and purple, or cool colours, or hot colours, or no colours.), based on a movie genre (horror, sci-fi, western, action, etc.), shape based, based on your favorite band, or television show. You can decide to theme it based on the surroundings (i.e., Make it part of the computer desk, or integrate your box and monitor, or anything else you can think of. This one point is the basis for all modding.
- You need tools to do the job. Chances are, most of you living in the free world, who have graduated high school have taken at least one shop class. This class would have familiarized you with some basic tools. If not, there is very little I or any other modder can do for you except recommend a community college to take a course on shop tools. Below, at the end of this post, you will find a list of the more basic tools you will need to do most modding.
- You need a space to do your work. Like a painter needs an easel to paint on, you need a place to do your masterpiece. The size of the space matters only in that you will need space to move and to spread out your project. You will need space to house your tools, and if you're like me, you'll need space to hold all the excess components you've amassed over the years.
Get a workbench. Don't break the bank, but don't cheap out either. For most modding, a workmate portable bench will suffice, but sometimes that just doesn't cut it. Only you will know what size bench you need.- You need time to commit to the project. This will involve construction, but it also includes research time. Not everyone knows how to solder up LEDs properly, and without proper research, your LEDs will fry and you will be most upset that all your hard work went out the window. Do your research. Though the net is a great resource, remember one thing, most of the sites out there that provide free information are created by people who aren['t paid to provide accurate information. The library, however, contains a resource some of the younger audience may not be familiar with - books. Books are printed to be sold. The information in resource material has been verified by people paid by the publishing houses to ensure validity. Textbooks like highschool electronics are very accurate resources.
- Patience is required. If it feels rushed, you aren't doing it right. Above all else, you've taken on this project as an outlet of entertainment or recreation. When you're on vacation you go to relax. Think of each modding session as a mini-vacation from the outside world. Enjoy each cut, each connection, each pass with the spray can. If you can't enjoy it, don't do it.
- Log everything. Keep a notepad and pen at arms length. When you cut out the rivets holding in the drive cage, write it down. This log will be your roadmap. If you need to refer back to how you did something, you'll be glad if you made notes.
- Safety first. Always wear your safety goggles. I tell people I'd rather look like a nerd in my garage when I'm modding, than a freak when I leave the house. Unplug your tools when you're done. Don't run with scissors, and look both ways before crossing the road.
That covers the basics. Feel free to ask me to clarify, and I gladly will.
Now, as promised the list of tools and such you should not be without.
- A good Mallet
- A vise
- Assorted screwdrivers
- Drill
- Assorted Drill bits for metal and wood/plastic
- Jigsaw
- Safety glasses or full face shield
- Rotary cutting tool (Dremel)
- Torx set
- Assorted clamps
- Random orbital sander
- soldering iron/gun
- File set for metal
- grinder
- drillpress (not entirely necessary)
- tap and die set
Happy modding.