How to: DIY Modded Computer Case

I was bored and decided to make a modded computer case. I did all of this by myself with the help from a few people for cutting the case and plexiglass. I hope this helps anyone wanting to mod their computer, but are a little skeptical. This is my first instructable so please comment and tell me how I did. I am only 15 so it may not look professional.

Needed materials:

Plexiglass - about 8 bucks (Local hardware store)
Screws $1.00 (Local hardware store)
Jigsaw (You can buy one online if you don't have one)
Drill (I had one)
Electrical Tape (pretty cheap at target)
Cold Cathodes, Lazer LEDs, and a LED Fan - with tax and shipping, $19.97 (www.jab-tech.com)
A computer hopefully and some hard work and time. :D

Thanks for checking it out and I hope you enjoy.

Step 1 Start making the window...

The First thing you need to do is measure the case and find a good size for the window. Then decide how big you want it to be, I chose 10 x 9 in. for my window. I went to my local Ace Hardware store and got a piece of plexiglass cut right there for me.

Comments

[skatermatt]

nice mod man small bit of advsie tidy those cables up and that will look sweet will keep your temps down aswell

[Madrias357]

Gotta give kudos, that's one way to make an old Systemax Venture look nice (yeah, I know the case, I had one once), and at one point, had done similar to mine (I used a crapton of blue LED's and fans, but that was how I was back then). Didn't have as big a window, though.

[kyismaster]

My God, why do you need soo much cathodes, i mean, it looks like your computer came from silent hill or is on fire, or turning into molten steel.

[AustinDrago]

Hello. I was wondering why you have two disk drives?

[manzi]

for a variety of reasons.

mine's for speedier media backup and cd/dvd burning & cloning.

in my old rig i had a CDRW/DVDR and a DVDRW. cds and dvds have different burn speeds. so i burn cds with the cdrws and dvds with the dvdrw. i experienced less burn fails this way. considering the hardware is almost 10 years old. newer models have no problems with speeds.

[dzyubin]

I am thrilled to do this to my old Sony Desktop. So I will be starting very soon and I will most likely post some pictures thanks for a great Tut.

[eomonkeyboi24]

Thanks for the compliment. I hope all goes well with your project. I can't wait to see what others can do.

[dzyubin]

I have a question today i have started my project and first thing was to clean all the nasty dust from my computer. How can I cut a window in my metal cover up sheet, is it possible for me to use a dremmel? I don't wanna buy a jigsaw just for this project. Thanks -Dzyubin-

[eomonkeyboi24]

you could try a dremel. im sure it would work. just be carefull about the blades breaking.

[zack247]

running over the cutout a couple tmes is better than trying to cut through all at once

[Kasm279]

Ubuntu is nice, but Kubuntu is better!

[Arbitror]

I have to go with openSUSE!

[guthix0009]

 yes openSuse FTW haha

[M8R-9kie08]

Even better, use the alternate install CD of ubuntu and build everything from scratch. =D

[spasysheep]

If you want to do that, at least do it properly and install Gentoo

[Kasm279]

Yeah, but i much prefer the GUI install of Kubuntu/Ubuntu/Xubuntu...

[Arbitror]

Actually, I agree with you.

[apr1694]

i have the same light rods but in blue which looks good with silver

[Mavamaarten]

NICE :D there is only 1 thing I would do if that was my PC... Please re-arrange your cables ! It looks very messy... Still a very nice mod ! If I had a dremel, I'd mod my PC just like you did, but with blue lights xD

[FagnerFS]

Pretty good project! Your computer looks cool now, mine also gonna looks cool.

[jishua9]

lol i have an ubunto and apple stickers on my computer

[it_dont_work]

nice build and idea. the only let down is your horrible cable routing job :P its a jungle in there. clean it up abit and it'd look awsome...and your pc would run alot cooler with some air flow

[abadfart]

are you running Ubuntu or just have the sticker

[deadkiba]

Uhhh thats a sexy computer.

[tigerdog330]

dude thats beast

[dzyubin]

what other tools you think i could use?

[eomonkeyboi24]

um a good sheet cutter. thats easy to cut.

[robots199]

I have a Dell Dimenmsion 4550 and the side of the case is impossible to make a window in. Help please!

[markmc99]

Dell motherboards and components are proprietary and you will have a tough time putting them in a different case.

[robots199]

Never heard that before. Hmmm forget that. Thanks

[acaz93]

You may want to do what i did , I made a Big hole (1 inch) and with tin snips and a nibbler , cut all around were you want a windows , by this method I achieved to install a case fan into an HP pavillion PC , (belive , The metal of that case is really, REALLY though!)

[robots199]

HMMMM.. That is a good idea... goes out to buy a new pair of tin snips

[acaz93]

Yo may also want the nibbler , since cutting with tin snips leaves sharp edges

[eomonkeyboi24]

What is the material made out of? A dremel should work with most cases. Note that my case is made out of steel. At least I think it is. It was pretty tough to cut.

[robots199]

Yeah I is steel but the side does not come off. It is a clamshell case. Google it. Thanks

[eomonkeyboi24]

My best bet would be to buy a cheap case and replace it. Sorry if I'm not much help. I don't really know what else to say. Good luck.

[robots199]

Where can you get a cheap case. Please point 1 out

[theg00ber]

Geeks.com. They have a load of cases, some with PSU's. A couple even have huge case fans and/or 11 bays!

[abadfart]

newegg

[eomonkeyboi24]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=32&name=Computer-Cases

That site has some pretty cheap (as in 45 dollar) cases. Hope this helps, I bought my computer from them and they have excellent service.