Assembling a PC usually ends with the user trying to choose not only a powerful hardware, but also a beautiful wrapper. Relatively recently, a huge amount of jewelry for the chassis has become available to the buyer. Previously, there were no color coolers and highlights on the components, so many decided on modding the case.
Definition
Modding is the introduction of changes to the design of an electronic device. This is done to improve the appearance, and sometimes the technical component. The most commonly used modding is the PC case and peripherals. If they work with changing the appearance of a mobile phone, they use the concept of “mobbing”.
The term appeared thanks to the English word modify, which means "modify."
Modding terminology
As mentioned earlier, most often the PC case is modified. Modding is not the only concept used in this process. The modified case is called a “casemod”. In this case, they take the usual chassis in the store, and then at home they redo it and decorate it.
Sometimes users prefer to make the case on their own. In this case, it is called a “custom case”. If the user works with a monitor, keyboard or mouse, then these devices are called mods, and the specialist himself is called a modder.
The beginning of the story
Modding of the computer case was discussed at the end of the last century. Although the exact date of origin of this process is not. The very idea somehow arose simultaneously among specialists from the USA and Western Europe. After a couple of years, modding appeared in the CIS countries.
There is an assumption that the first changes happened when someone decided to make a hole in the case for the cooler to work effectively. Of course, now this solution seems strange, because almost all models have the necessary holes for the normal operation of the cooling system.
At that time, such devices had to be done independently, since normal CO was only in expensive server stations. But modding the case is not just an improvement in the technical parameters of the system, but also creative work on the appearance.
In the late 90s of the last century, sites began to appear in the United States on which detailed instructions on how to modify the case were posted. Added to similar resources and a gallery with examples of the work of other users. Many began to be inspired, but someone decided to make money on it.
Modding in the CIS
In the CIS countries, a modification of the PC chassis appeared a bit later. In 2001, you could already find sites that also helped enthusiasts work on the look of their computer. Such resources did not last long for people. Many understood the principle of modding, it only remained to turn on imagination and do something extraordinary.
So, in 2004 there was a peak of modification. From that moment, this industry began to develop. In addition to information resources, commercial sites began to appear. On some, they sold all the necessary parts for modding the case with their own hands, on others they offered a similar service for money.
Modding development
Of course, such a process is of little use now, since it takes a lot of time and money, while it is much easier to spend finances on an already finished product. In addition, a huge number of bright, unusual cases are sold on the Internet. They can shimmer with different colors of the rainbow, blink and spin.
You can choose a chassis of unusual shape or materials. Especially popular are LED backlighting, a transparent side wall and water cooling with bright tubes. Fans of different colors are also often used. The power supply or video card can glow.
At the peak of popularity for modding, it was possible to purchase all kinds of lights, stencils and other accessories. It was possible to buy a kind of designer, which already contained all the necessary details. It was enough to just put everything together.
Modding nowadays
Of course, now modding the case is not as popular as before. But many enthusiasts continue this business, because they can not find the desired design in the online store. Modders use their own slang, which not everyone will understand.
Those who have been engaged in device modifications for a long time can now create an unusual design for our familiar equipment. Some gadgets take on a brighter and more attractive look, and some can become very unusual and change beyond recognition.
Many devices have lost the usual white-black colors. Modders felt that not all users are conservative. Many are ready for experimentation, which means they just need vibrant color solutions.
What are they doing with computers?
But since modding is more associated with modifying the PC case, this should be given more attention. Modders spend a lot of time on processing the familiar chassis, which contains all the components of the system. They try to make the most of changes so that the user does not have just a boring gray box, but an elaborate “robot”.
Specialists cut walls to make them transparent, additional sensors and regulators are built in. They work with the installation of a water cooling system. Try to remove excess system noise.
The modding of the old building also includes decorative ornaments. Therefore, various patterns or patterns, spraying, stamping, carving and much more appear.
Directions: design
During the existence of this trend, a pair of directions have already been formed that can describe the overall style of the finished product. Of course, all these topics are rather arbitrary and the modding of the case can be very individual. Nevertheless, it is still possible to highlight some varieties of changes.
For example, post-apocalyptic has become popular. So, the hulls began to be redone for equipment that supposedly survived a nuclear war or other global catastrophes. Many modders are inspired by popular games like STALKER and Fallout.
A popular hi-tech is also used, which many love so much for clear boundaries and a certain minimalism. PCs began to look ultramodern, futuristic. This current has appeared thanks to the film "Tron".
Unusual look have computers in the steampunk style. This trend brought the era of steam and Victorian England. Modders began to use leather and brass elements. Sometimes gears or tubes appear in the design that could be found in the design of a Stirling engine or a steam engine.
Many users prefer to use themed modding of the PC case with their own hands. So they manage to make their computer unusual and individual. For this, someone uses for example his favorite films or series, computer games and books. Someone can take as an example protagonists or antagonists, and someone can use music.
Another area of modding was advertising. Typically, such cases are made to order. One of the manufacturers offers all the components for the system, and a case is made under its logo or brand. In this case, branded colors, names and graphic elements are used.
Sometimes for cool modding it is not necessary to have a case. Some modders have come up with a direction - embedding. In this case, instead of the usual case, unusual equipment is taken, where all the system components are embedded. In addition to equipment, you can take any item, the main thing is not to forget about safety measures. In this case, the components can be in a soft toy, a microwave, or in one of the pieces of furniture.
"Ghetto" is the current that made modders look for various trash. In this case, they try to make the case intentionally sloppy. Of course, poorly assembled PCs that seem ugly and awkward can also be attributed to this style.
Directions: technical equipment
Home Theater Personal Computer is a great theme for modding an old PC case. This modification has the main task - the creation of a silent system. Typically, the computer in this case is used as a home theater. The changes mostly concern passive cooling.
Another area is technical modding. One of the most popular. In addition to its modern appearance, such a case receives the best technology. Often this type of modification is called a "shopmod." Modders are working to increase the performance of the cooling system. Although initially all this should be in conjunction with the selection of system components.
It will be difficult to achieve good results if there is weak hardware inside. Therefore, for starters, the purchase of powerful parts is considered, and after that - their installation in the case. In this case, overclocking is not always used. The emphasis is on providing excessive cooling inside the chassis. Therefore, in some cases, you have to sacrifice appearance. It is also worth adjusting the noise level.
What use?
As already mentioned, depending on the design idea, you can use a huge number of accessories for modding a computer case. But there are some tricks that are quite familiar for this process.
For example, modders are often involved in painting or airbrushing. This affects the appearance of the case to a greater extent. Many also work with engraving. Sometimes the chassis is glued with foil or a braid of cables is used, the so-called rounding.
To improve the technical component, water cooling and the installation of various regulators and sensors can be used. In some cases, backlighting, artificial aging, and changing the shape of the body become popular.
Materials for processing can be aluminum, steel, plexiglass, wood and much more. If you go to a specialized store, you can find special curly ventilation grills, fanciful screws and nuts, backlit ribbons, unusual buttons and toggle switches.
Modding is an art
Of course, it is difficult to deny that this is an absolutely creative process, if we are not talking about technical modification. Nevertheless, it is also important to understand and know the principle of the system, since improper installation of one of the components can lead to breakdown of all parts. In addition, using unusual materials, it is important to follow safety precautions.
Modding can not do everyone. Of course, carefully following the instructions, something good can happen. But as in any other business, experience is needed in this. If it is not, you can not rely on the fact that the first result will be cool.