LED mod--for an old dell (any computer will work) by Gazoogleheimer
I decided to make my old Dell (now a linux box) some bling(ish) so I grabbed some LED's, a switch, a terminal block, and some wire, a molex, and some resistors. You only need one (value depending on 12 v or 5 volt--I had 6 because I did not have a correct value) Very simple mod, but soldering skills were required. I just hotglued the LED's to the front panel of my case, and drilled a hole for the microswitch. A $10 mod that is very simple and looks very good.
 
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Step 1: This is the original computer

This is the original computer. Any computer will work, but the grille in this computer is perfect for invisibly making it glow.
sorry for the sideways--just turn yer head
floryzzz says: May 25, 2010. 10:19 AM
 I have the same computer(not used anymore ofcourse)
ColdFusi0n says: Jan 16, 2010. 5:12 AM
 I was Thinking about using usb so it would be controlable from your computer to turn them on/off
chemicalvamp says: Sep 23, 2009. 3:06 PM
... and black, and transparent.. : )
andrewmystery says: Oct 2, 2008. 5:54 PM
DELL DIMENSIONS make great linux pcs! I had the same model. It worked great! But my mom made throw it out! Whaaaaah!
0xCyrusx0 says: Feb 25, 2009. 10:12 PM
Your mom made you throw out a perfectly good, working computer? Can I stab her?
albylovesscience says: Jul 27, 2009. 6:11 PM
i know i hate when my mom makes me throw out perfictly good things whaaaaaah!!
andrewmystery says: Feb 26, 2009. 1:04 PM
Noooo.... You may not stab her, and yes. Our basement was flooded and the insurance replaced it. It was not damaged by water at all though.
Gamer917 says: Feb 23, 2009. 6:06 PM
I had one but i never put linux on it
andrewmystery says: Feb 25, 2009. 3:40 PM
IT was much faster with xubuntu. My mother threw it away, so now I have moved on to a Panasonic toughbook (CF-72)!
Patented says: Mar 21, 2009. 6:36 PM
I also switch my old dell inspiron 5000 to xubuntu and it goes much faster!
andrewmystery says: Mar 22, 2009. 8:49 AM
It is good isn't it?
scifipenguin says: Oct 30, 2008. 9:56 PM
now just add the raving fan mod, id be pimpin
http://www.instructables.com/id/Raving-out-your-Computer/
Yerboogieman says: Feb 12, 2008. 5:32 PM
i have an emachine, time to break out the drill, evil laff
livesteamfan says: Aug 13, 2008. 11:26 AM
Me too. What model do you have? I have the E-tower 500 is and it's a piece of junk!
Yerboogieman says: Aug 13, 2008. 6:59 PM
i dont know about yours but mine is fast great, never crashed and plays games great.
Yerboogieman says: Aug 13, 2008. 6:59 PM
emachine T2862 3.8 ghz Celeron D 2gb ram
bwpatton1 says: Sep 3, 2009. 7:25 PM
oooohhh i has a slightly older......or maby newer model its a 3.33 with 512ram
brandon20904 says: Aug 31, 2008. 9:24 PM
I have a emachines too! Yesterday I just painted the case and a week ago I cut out a window.
Xellers says: Apr 25, 2008. 7:16 PM
I found like five of these in the recycling center, and this time, I got away with them.
poobajones says: Jan 11, 2008. 6:33 PM
Cool I have that SAME exact computer too! Dell Dimension 4100
Xellers says: Feb 22, 2008. 7:13 PM
I found one in a recycling center with a DVD burner, RAM, CPU, and Hard Disc, but I was kicked out before I could take it!
!Andrew_Modder! says: Sep 1, 2007. 10:07 AM
lol i got that same puter, plugged in incase a friend spends night or so and wants to get on it. just my on-off button doesnt work no more ...idk y. anyway this looks cool and i might just do this! ... by the way do you know how many watt psu that pc has?
locofocos says: Jul 19, 2007. 8:29 PM
I did this with some Christmas tree lights. It works very well with compaq cases because they have lots of vent grilles and holes.
hondagofast says: Jul 13, 2007. 12:46 PM
Good idea. Blue works better with the beige plastic though.
Gazoogleheimer (author) says: Oct 19, 2006. 3:26 PM
I could have also used an LED stick with R G and B.
saites2001 says: Oct 14, 2006. 9:51 PM
This is a neat project, but I think you should work on your instructable a bit more. For instance, you may want to orient the pictures correctly and add a little more detail for less experienced builders. I like the effect it gives. It would be neat to do it in several different colors.
bleachworthy says: Oct 13, 2006. 11:36 PM
nicely done. I would add about 20 more of those LED's along there, to get a nice, even, and bright, lighted front panel.
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