Modding

Project Panzerbox: A Tribute to Wolfenstein

custompcmax — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:42:19 GMT

Modding Questions

Jedo — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:49:03 GMT

I see that there are a lot of very creative modders and projects here in this forum section, which is why I'd like to ask..

What are simple things I can do to make my rig unique/stand out (exterior)?

First PC Build, wondering if someone could help.

CAPTJTK — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:17:19 GMT

As stated above, I am now doing my first ever pc build, and i am generally new to this world. I know basic stats listed in, say, video cards and processors, however i am new to terms such as 'PCI', and 'I/O' ports. But at least I am trying. I have tried reading up on new egg's learning center, but this is a lot of information to intake.

Anyway, I already have my list of items on newegg.com that I am thinking of getting, however I am wanting to do a compatibility check so to speak and make sure that I have exactly what I need. The following are names and links to the items I have chosen. Whoever posts on this, if you wouldn't mind to check and make sure all of my parts are compatible with each other, as well as identifying exactly what my needs are. I am only wanting a PC that is for media purposes, such as playback of HD movies, and use of music software. As well as perfectly outfitted for office use. But i also desire to run games of quality such as l4d2, Half Life 2, Borderlands, TF2 ETC, on high.

Thank you so much.

Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128378

Graphics card:HIS H487FN1GP Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161269

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Green WD5000AADS 500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive (have two of these)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136358

DVD/CD Reader/ burner: PLEXTOR 22X CD/DVD Burner Black IDE Model PX-870A LightScribe Support (is this one also a reader where it can read game discs?)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827249053

The I have not found a 5.1 sound card that is suitable yet. However suggestions would be great. If anything could be better for less, or anything needs to be replaced, i would love suggestions on that as well. My budget, only for the tower, is between $800 and $900. The moniter and assecories are soon to come.

Again, thank you all so much.

Water (meh) Cooling in an mATX Case

stefan — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:04:10 GMT

Hey y'all,

It's been a while since I've posted anything of interest here. Around the new year, I upgraded my gaming rig, centering around the AMD Phenom II 940 (detailed specs below). From the get-go, the 135W Phenom was way too hot. My old Athlon X2 5600+ idled at a cool 34C and loaded around 42C under my precious Thermaltake Blue Orb. However, the 5600+ was a much cooler chip. So, after seeing 58C, 59C, 60C on HWMonitor during a simple game of TF2, I realized that the 940 needed some relief. If you glance at some of the pictures, you'll see that a larger and more effective air cooler was totally out of the question for my little Q-Pack. While complaining about this problem in chat, the helpful (but very critical of my mATX setup) sparker366 sent me a link to the Corsair H50 pre-built watercooling kit. Newegg deactivated it, so I grabbed one over at zipzoomfly. I had to go through Corsair to special order the AM2/3 bracket, but I was quickly ready to go.

Laid-out and ready to install

Notice how fan peeks above case? Required hack-saw, cordless drill, and file

Radiator, mobo, vid card go in

PCPC 750w drops in

Final product front

Final product back

Good news! Idle temps, with corsair's TIM, are down to high 30's, and I have yet to hit 44C on full load. I appreciate any and all feedback about my system. BTW, sorry for the links, I have no idea how to incorporate images into posts...

Thanks,

Stefan

Dark Knight Mods

Trae32566 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:12:58 GMT

I know many people have Dark Knights, so I'm sure there are many mods to do to them, but i tried one in particular (Ducttape mod) and it seemed to work for me. has anyone else tried it succesfully?
on a side note I need to get some extra of the little rubber anti-vibration things that hold the fan on...was wondering if anyone knew where i could get those?

Prob should have given you a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8JhcWQvZsQ .
and yeah...you just put duct tape on it :P

EXTREME PS2 MOD

DGD — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:39:11 GMT

Well.....i mean extreme when i say extreme PS2 MOD. The main thing is to put the PS2 main board in a Computer on a PCI slot or PCI express(w/e). I have 3 PS2 that lens dont work. I would like to use the Computers DVD drive to read the PS2 games, and everything to be used by the computer(the PS2 will process the data as if it was a regular PS2, with alot of mod chips xD). As for the Power it would be using a 6pin or a molex with a transformer to reduce the volts to 8.5v or the required volts. The video/audio would be using a video chip like on a video capturing device or something. The ethernet would be connected to a chip too. The control slots would have extensions to the back of the computer to connect PS2 controllers and memory slots would be connected to the computer to use the HDD as storage for save files. The power on and off would be controled by a program and the program would be used to use the PS2 xD. Everythind should be connected to a main BIOS chip or idk......i dont even know what im doing.... I would like some help on understanding how PCI slots work....drivers....and everything else i need to know.

What im trying to do is:
Play PS2 games without buying a tv tuner/capture device on a monitor.
" " faster with a PC DVD rom.
all on a PC's PCI slot and some other stuff which i forgot.

Think its not possible?!??!?! WELL IT IS......it's just complicated xD.

Anyone think thay can help?

Thinking of this Mod! Computer Desk with...

Jahaziel — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:37:06 GMT

Thinking of making a computer desk with a see-thru glass. Making it around 3 feet wide and 2 feet wide.

The glass will have two or more Gas compressed door opener so it can open and upgrade with ease. Hopefully have a removable motherboard tray. That slides out from the side. More ideas to come.

Ill maybe post a picture of my idea some how.

Suggestions?

How do i make custom plastic parts?

Jahaziel — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:40:57 GMT

How do i make custom plastic parts?

I got a old Compaq 5868 Want to mod the case.

Jahaziel — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:16:21 GMT

Not sure what atx form it is. How can i find out? Thinking of modding it.

Project CrossFire/Wolfenstein

AMDRick — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:16:26 GMT

Original Case:

Primered Right Panel[Forgot picture of sanding]

First Coat of Paint[After 3 coats of primer, sanded imperfections away with 1500 grit. Cured 48 Hours]

-I dont know why it looks like I covered half the case, from the eyes the whole case was painted, my guess is the flash showed areas that were not as heavy as other area's.

Second Coat of Paint[Wet Sand 1000 grit any imperfectiors after 48hr cure]

Third Coat of Paint[Wet sanded any dust, specks off with 1000 grit]

Final Coat of Paint[Wet Sanded 1500 grit on third coat, 72 hour cure]
[Uploading off Camera currently][Saving]

GLOSS Final

PCI Slot Covers Painted Red
[Sanded lightly, Primered with one layer, cured 12 hours]

1st Coat of Paint

and

Second Coat of Paint, Using a priority box as a spray booth

[Uploading Final Pic]
Final-

Practicing Stencil Painting and Cutting[Plan to do on actualy case next weekend]

Painting HD Cage Red
[Sanded with 400grit, primered with 3 layers, cured 12 hours, light sand, wash, paint]
Final Color[Did not take pictures for previous color layers, five light layers in total]

Painting Bolt Heads that Hold Acrylic Window

[Interior of Case to be painted this weekend]

Simple Raidmax Smilodon re-color Mod

AparoidX — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:09:31 GMT

Hey there. I've never modded anything before, except maybe a DS Lite, but what I have in mind sounds fairly simple. Basically, I want to take a Raidmax Smilodon Black case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078) and swap the color scheme from Green to UV/Purple. I like the green theme and all, but I think UV/Purple would look way cooler. Now the reason I think it's simple is because it's just changing the secondary color of the case to a different color. This would essentially mean re-dying/painting the green plastic parts on the inside, and then swapping out the front LEDs.

Since this is basically all I need to do to make the mod complete -- aside from adding in the UV cathode kit and fans -- I was hoping to just confirm my plans. I understand that a common way to re-color something is to just paint over it, usually if it's metal. However, since the only green things in the case are plastic tool-less design pieces, I figure it would be simpler to dye them, using this tutorial: http://www.gideontech.com/content/articles/202/1

I haven't personally looked at any other tutorials for dying since I figure this one is already pretty good. He also has a point: painting plastic parts isn't really effective. So reading through his tutorial, I'm thinking I would prefer to use vinyl dye on the plastic parts. (I'm fairly sure that all the plastic parts are removable, as well.) So now I've got the internal green stuff down, just onto the LEDs. (By the way, I would plan on dying the plastic either a similar purple shade or possibly a UV reactive color; maybe just white)

I'm not familiar with LEDs or pretty much any electrical engineering at all, so this is my main issue. I want to replace the LEDs in the front bezel, but the only problem is finding LEDs with the same specifications as the ones that came with the case. If I can figure out what these specifications are (frequency, etc), I can just disassemble the bezel, de-solder the old LEDs, and solder in the new ones.

Finally, once the plastic is re-dyed and the LEDs have been replaced, I would put aftermarket UV case fans in, and maybe a dual UV cathode kit in the case as well, completing the look I'm aiming for.

So you might be thinking, "Great, this guy is just talking to himself in this post", which is essentially true. But, judging by the other threads in this forum I know you guys know what you're doing, so I want your input on the idea. The main things I'm unfamiliar with is recoloring plastics and replacing LEDs. I don't think I can screw up the plastic part too badly, but I'm just plain unsure about what to do with the LEDs.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Tutorial: Painting a Case

mazy — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:15:15 GMT

I have had many questions before of how to paint a case and all the different techniques you can use to do it so here is a tutorial i made for ya'll.

Step 1: You want to clean the case first (preferable a new one but nothign is worng with using an old case) They are easy to clean, you just want to get any dust, dirt, etc out of the case. I use Lysol Cleaning wipes. Soap and water is good too, just put some on a cloth and wipe down the case, inside and out. I will not be covering sanding a case in this tutorial.

Step 2: Picking your paint, I only use Duplicolor car paint for my cases, it is a very good paint. You want to use a metal paint which you can get at almost any autostore or even homedepot/lowes. There are 3 types of paint you need: Primer, the actuall color, and clear coat. Always stick with the same brand for all 3 to ensure they bond well.

Step 3: Apply the primer, now before you go Rambo and paint like theres no tomorrow, listen up. Use THIN, LIGHT COATS. I cannot stress that enough. If you do not, the paint will run and you will be kicking yourself later. You want to use a sweeping back and forth motion when spraying on the paint. The first coat of primer should barley cover up the exsisting color on the case. Wait 7-10 minutes between each coat of primer to ensure it bonds well. You want to be in a low humidity environment that is well ventelated such as a gerage with the doors open. Never paint outside as dirt will stick to the paint. I use 3-4 coats of primer untill the case is compleatly covered. It should take about 3-4 coats to do this. Now, you can wet sand between each coat of primer but thats only if you want a "showroom mirrior finnish" which I will not be covering in this post.

Step 4: Applying the color. This step is very simmiar to spet 3, except you are using color, not primer anymore. Wait 30 minutes between the last coat fo primer and the first coat of the color. So again THIN LIGHT COATS. Use the same sweeping motion you did before. The first coat should barley cover up the primer. Wait 7-10 minutes between each coat. It should take 3-4 coats to cover the case. If it takes more, thats fine but it should take a minium of 3, if it doesn't, then you applied the coats too thick, which is bad.

Step 5: Clear coat. This is probably the most important coat. Clear coat is essentually liquid plastic as i see it. It protects the color fomr fadding, chipping, etc. If you do not apply clear coat evenly, the color will not look uniform, hense the importance of clear coat. So once agian, 3-4 coats, sweeping motion, 7-10 minutes between each coat, you get the deal.

Step 6: Let it dry! Let case dry for 12 hrs after you finnish painting it. A low humidity environment is the best.

Step 7: Clean. Just wipe the case down again to remove anything that may have settled on it. Use the Lysol wipes or soap and water, what ever metls your butter!

YOUR DONE! congrats! If you followd my steps you won't have a problem, if you do, just PM me anytime. Good luck all!

-Mazy

EDIT: one thing I obmited, do not paint when raining....please, I painted a case in my gerage while it was rainging once.....paint peels now. mazy=sad

TY newegg for helping me build my boom box mod

jjsky5000 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:34:05 GMT

i7 965   purchased from Newegg
Foxconn Bloodrage MB
6GB Crucial Ballstix
2 * EVGA 280 GTX SLI  purchased from Newegg
DANGER DEN watercooling
X-Fi Pro SC with 750 Gigaworks Speakers
28" Hanns   purchased from Newegg
300GB velociraptor purchased from Newegg
1.5 Tb storage
Tagan BZ Power supply

Light ~-^v^v^v^v-~ ZAP ~-^v^v^v^v-~ Light?

Ghostcrafter — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:56:57 GMT

So, I'm working on finally customizing my proto rig ...custom wiring, lighting and such. Simple, effective, unique ... these are my goals.

That being said, my new lights came in today ... not the Sunbeam Tech Liquid Neon's that I ordered, but instead Logisys. (Clearly this is what I get for not ordering from the Egg, but hey they didn't stock them! Now I've had a few run-ins with Logisys before this, none of them pleasant. However, due to wanting to finish the lighting on this rig, I decided to give them a test run, and...

~-^v^v^v^v-~ ZAP, electrocuted my freakin-self! ~-^v^v^v^v-~

Which leads me to ask ... where can I find lighting for my system, that isn't going to zap the hell out of me, and my rig? Logisys is junk, knew that before I was sent this trash. Sunbeam is supposedly better, although CoolerGuys states that it's the same product from the same factory.

My requirements are few...

- Must be Blue in color

- Must NOT pose a shock hazard to my system or myself.

- Something a bit different the normal would be preffered. (Such as Bubble effect, Lava, or Liquid Neon)

Any help is appreciated!

~-^v^v^v-~ GhostCrafter ~-^v^v^v-~

P.S. Thanks a lot CoolerGuys, for not sending me what I really ordered! Lost my business on the first order!.

Show off 'ya rigs!

mazy — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:17:52 GMT

modded p182, window, paint, stealthed drives, CM mods, fan mods, etc...

so lets see what you got!

Making an I/O shield for Antec 1200

Kentech0023 — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:44:09 GMT

I want to put one of my motherboards in an Antec 1200 but it doesnt have an I/O shield does anyone know how I can make one and with what parts?

(btw as you can tell im a n00b at modding)

painting plastic

Geometry — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:17:26 GMT

I have this Acer laptop that i picked up around christmas for 250 bucks its a full size laptop with a dual core 4 gigs of ram and a 320 gig hd and a 14.5 inch screen.... the entire laptop is this slick black and dark dark grey but the top of the lid is a stupid glossy blue to black fade with with word acer stamped into the top then filled with silver

this weekend i want to remove the shell and paint it a matte black and fill in the pressed acer logo so it is smooth, i just need to know what i need to get to fill the logo, i am assuming i will need a primer, the flat black, and the flat clear coat... I am planning on getting a box and some plastic to use as a spray box so dust and stuff doesnt get on it... please let me know what a good brand of paint is and possibly some tips to make this come out as good as possible

Project: 'Monster' Gaming Rig by CustomPCMAX

custompcmax — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:13:49 GMT

Hey all - Nate from CustomPCMAX here,

Here is another mod project I am working on. This is going to be a massive gaming PC using some of the highest quality parts. Along with that, we are going to be modding the case (a SilverStone TJ10B-W) with some custom paint work.

Here is a stock photo of the case:

The SilverStone TJ10B-W was chosen for this build because of the sheer quality of the case. It is made of sturdy aluminum and has a design that promotes good airflow. The structure of the case is architecturally very sound as well. This is the type of case that you keep your whole life. Everything about the case is made of quality material, no junk plastic or anything. Which is why we thought it was a perfect fit for a 'monster' gaming PC and a worthy candidate for some custom artwork.

The paint work is going to be done by Bill Owen at MNPCTech. The case will be dismantled and there will be an application automotive high gloss enamel paint as base color, then airbrush artwork the right side panel. The interior chasis is going to be painted a shade of blue that will match to the artwork going on the side panel. Final step will be to clear coat the entire case.

Here is the artwork for the right side panel:

FYI: This is the window version of the TJ10 we are using.

Now, you ask... what about the guts to this thing? Well, here is the current plans for it.

   System:
1   Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Edition Bloomfield 3.33GHz Quad-Core
1   EVGA E760 CLASSIFIED Intel X58 EATX Intel Motherboard
2   CORSAIR Dominator GT 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 2000 Desktop Memory (12 Gig total)
2   EVGA GeForce GTX 285 Superclocked Edition 2GB 512-bit DDR3
2   Western Digital Black 1 Terabyte 7400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
2   OCZ Summit 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid state disk
1   LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Burner Model
1   PC Power & Cooling 1200W Power Supply
1   AuzenTech Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz Sound Card

   Accessories:
2   Grow Up Japan Inc. - Smart Drive Hard Disk Drive Enclosure Silencer
1   Prolimatech Megahalems CPU Heatsink + Tuniq TX2 Thermal Compound
2   Noiseblocker NB-Multiframe 120mmx25mm Ultra Silent PWM Fan + Clips
5   Noiseblocker NB-Multiframe 120mmx25mm Ultra Silent Fan - For Case

As we move forward with this, I will post some pics and specs of the above parts. But, as you can see this is not going to be a slouch in the performance department. We fully intend to do some OCing of that CPU as well, hopefully getting something around 4 Ghz stable.

Modding Forum

sj1dog — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:39:56 GMT

You asked for it and now you got it ! As mentioned in the original thread, we will keep this forum as a general modding forum for now. If we see an increase in activity and requests for sub forums for a variety of mods, then we will accommodate accordingly. We hope this forum has a lot of activity and that you all enjoy!

-Your Eggxpert Team