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LED mod--for an old dell (any computer will work)

LED mod--for an old dell (any computer will work)
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  • boring dell.jpg
  • module3flash.jpg
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 1This is the original computer

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
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27 comments
May 25, 2010. 10:19 AMfloryzzz says:
 I have the same computer(not used anymore ofcourse)
Jan 16, 2010. 5:12 AMColdFusi0n says:
 I was Thinking about using usb so it would be controlable from your computer to turn them on/off
Sep 23, 2009. 3:06 PMchemicalvamp says:
... and black, and transparent.. : )
Oct 2, 2008. 5:54 PMandrewmystery says:
DELL DIMENSIONS make great linux pcs! I had the same model. It worked great! But my mom made throw it out! Whaaaaah!
Feb 25, 2009. 10:12 PM0xCyrusx0 says:
Your mom made you throw out a perfectly good, working computer? Can I stab her?
Jul 27, 2009. 6:11 PMalbylovesscience says:
i know i hate when my mom makes me throw out perfictly good things whaaaaaah!!
Feb 26, 2009. 1:04 PMandrewmystery says:
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.
Feb 23, 2009. 6:06 PMGamer917 says:
I had one but i never put linux on it
Feb 25, 2009. 3:40 PMandrewmystery says:
IT was much faster with xubuntu. My mother threw it away, so now I have moved on to a Panasonic toughbook (CF-72)!
Mar 21, 2009. 6:36 PMPatented says:
I also switch my old dell inspiron 5000 to xubuntu and it goes much faster!
Mar 22, 2009. 8:49 AMandrewmystery says:
It is good isn't it?
Oct 30, 2008. 9:56 PMscifipenguin says:
now just add the raving fan mod, id be pimpin
http://www.instructables.com/id/Raving-out-your-Computer/
Feb 12, 2008. 5:32 PMYerboogieman says:
i have an emachine, time to break out the drill, evil laff
Aug 13, 2008. 11:26 AMlivesteamfan says:
Me too. What model do you have? I have the E-tower 500 is and it's a piece of junk!
Aug 13, 2008. 6:59 PMYerboogieman says:
i dont know about yours but mine is fast great, never crashed and plays games great.
Aug 13, 2008. 6:59 PMYerboogieman says:
emachine T2862 3.8 ghz Celeron D 2gb ram
Sep 3, 2009. 7:25 PMbwpatton1 says:
oooohhh i has a slightly older......or maby newer model its a 3.33 with 512ram
Aug 31, 2008. 9:24 PMbrandon20904 says:
I have a emachines too! Yesterday I just painted the case and a week ago I cut out a window.
Apr 25, 2008. 7:16 PMXellers says:
I found like five of these in the recycling center, and this time, I got away with them.
Jan 11, 2008. 6:33 PMpoobajones says:
Cool I have that SAME exact computer too! Dell Dimension 4100
Feb 22, 2008. 7:13 PMXellers says:
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!
Sep 1, 2007. 10:07 AM!Andrew_Modder! says:
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?
Jul 19, 2007. 8:29 PMlocofocos says:
I did this with some Christmas tree lights. It works very well with compaq cases because they have lots of vent grilles and holes.
Jul 13, 2007. 12:46 PMhondagofast says:
Good idea. Blue works better with the beige plastic though.
Oct 14, 2006. 9:51 PMsaites2001 says:
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.
Oct 13, 2006. 11:36 PMbleachworthy says:
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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