Matrimony Mod

[mj007]

So... I decided last month it was time to make my relationship with my girlfriend of 5 years official. An earlier plot of mine to propose to her had been thwarted when she began to suspect something, so on the train one day in December the following idea hit me: change gears and somehow incorporate a mod into the proposal. I envisioned making an all white PC with "bridal" accents for her, and using that as a visual aid for the proposal. I planned out all the stuff I was thinking on the train and got to work.

This was very opportune timing, as she told me a few months ago that she needed a new PC for work because her Pentium II just wasn't cutting it anymore. There was no money in the company budget to upgrade her PC so I told her I'd build a PC from the spare parts I had laying around. I used the following:

AMD Athlon XP 1700+
Asus A7S333 Motherboard
256MB DDR-2700
40GB Western Digital 7200rpm HDD
Apollo GeForce 4 MX420
Lite-On 52x CDRW
350W PSU
3Com NIC
Onboard sound
2 Cold Cathodes
White LEDs
White rounded IDE cables
Window kit
Some old Codegen case

I wanted to get it done ASAP to do it before Christmas so, sadly, there is no project log- just the final pictures. I ended up cutting a side window (which I hand etched with the words "will you do me the honor" with my trusty Dremel), a front window (custom crafted out of some plex I had- matching the curve of the case was FUN!) below the 5.25" bays (which I then attached a cake topper I purchased on the net in front of it), painting the entire case white (inside and out, as well as the PSU), vinyl dyeing the CDRW, wrapping EVERY wire with white wire wrap and heatshrink (and highlighting the wires with string pearls I picked up at a craft store), adding lace from said craft store to the PSU and side window, and as the piece de resistance, I created a fake 3 tiered wedding cake (out of those round wood boxes from craft stores) decorated with mini ribbon roses attached to the top of the case (the top tier of the cake removed to display the ring inserted inside). Also, you can see in the pics that I accented the case like mad with the mini ribbon roses and lacy wedding-ish stuff. Cutting the front window meant that I would need to relocate the power button, so I placed it below the window and attached a 25mm rhinestone to look like a diamond, and when depressed, would power the PC up. I even went so far as to create a desktop theme for her, with a wallpaper of her ring, and matching icons (her "My Computer" was a ring, "My Documents" was another view of the ring, and "Network Places" was a diamond-- unfortunately I have no pictures of that as the system is now at her job).

I was nervous as hell but luckily I surprised her when she came home and she said yes! She was kind of fixated on the PC for a minute or two until she realized that there was a hefty chunk of ice waiting for her in the top of the cake :D . Hehe now she can look at the PC at work everyday and be reminded what a nerd she is marrying... I figured it was representative of me, geekiness and all. Look at the pics below, let me know what you guys think!

http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-full_case.jpg
http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-full_case_front.jpg

http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-power_button_on.jpg
http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-side_light.jpg

http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-etch_close.jpg
http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-close_up_front_window.jpg

http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-cake.jpg http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-open_cake.jpg

http://server5.uploadit.org/files/mikej007-power_supply.jpg

[Prim3]

That is just wow..... Just wow, a lot of damn detial for that too...

[jwill]

very original. you pulled off what you were going for, well done.

[deftone]

lol^^


btw nice

[necodemus]

I'm Not sure I would bring this to a LAN party but it's very original

[DoomDevil]

That has to be ultimate casemoder proposal :D
Nice work! :)

[blackedge]

Very good and original mod! Great job!

[Skier]

It's so nerdy! I love it. And congrats on your marriage! :)

[grjr]

ROFL you are a true nerd! Congratulations :D

[NOTD665]

Gorgeous. I originally thought it looked super tacky, but now I realize exactly where you were coming from with it. You did a superb job. Best of luck on that whole marriage thing. :P

[cgrant26]

Originally posted by necodemus
I'm Not sure I would bring this to a LAN party but it's very original

ROTFL!

Very nice mod and incredibly creative. My first thought was Martha Stewart meets case modding, but I really like what you did here. Congrats on the engagement. :)

[KoZLop]

Too bad I didnt think of this. My sister just got married about 4 weeks ago.

[heyheyhey]

yeah, i'd definatly avoid LAN's at all possible with that... =P

[mashie]

Excellent, I wish you both a long and happy life together.

[skawttieboy]

VERY creative! I love the idea! Nicely done man! :)

[BooyaAchieved]

Wow, I showed my mother that case and she was simply amazed at it, and she hates computers! :p

[Mojo JoJo]

Wow..That is original thinking. Good juob btw, and good luck :)

[nullvector]

Wow. Nice work man.

Congratulations.

Did you OC the box? :eek:

[Master [H]]

Nice, man!

[Steak]

Amazing details. Congrads..

And you, Sir, belong to one of the "If you are a ultra [H]ardcore modder" thread:D

[strid3r]

That's a great job man. Congratulations on the marriage!

[IxGOxSOLO]

Haha Nice, never would have thought of that, very original. Great work. Congrats on the marriage too. Great work. They just put it on the front page of the [H]!

[joblo37pam]

Although my wife would probably have been offended at something like that, to each his own, I guess. I'm glad it all worked out for you. Very creative.

[Instigator]

Originally posted by KoZLop
Too bad I didnt think of this. My sister just got married about 4 weeks ago.
You mean you were going to propose to her with something like that if you thought of it? ;)

[eviltommy]

name the kid after me! :D

[CrimandEvil]

Very cool! Congrates! I hope you have a happy life together!

[codeflux]

another modder bites the dust... :D congratulations!

[Terminus]

that's crazy and awesome, gj

[kllrnohj]

Originally posted by codeflux
another modder bites the dust... :D congratulations!

lol,

somehow, i can't help but remember this quote from the big man, homer simpson, "marriage is like a coffin, and each kid is another nail in the lid"

[Zardoz]

HAHAH, Awesome! and you made the front page! grats to you both...

[Matt126]

Make sure to send your wedding pictures so they can bring back this thread when you get married :D

Good luck, and nice work.

[intercollector]

Congrats! Unfortunately, I think it'll be your last case mod ever

[Sole Conspirator]

LOL. Somebody even linked this from over at Anandtech.

Good job. The pics truly did your creation justice. Congrats on the pending marriage :D

[Geek-Qualizer]

What happens when she wants an upgrade?:D

Congratulations!

[PSYKOMANTIS]

Heavy pimp'n

GG!

Psyko M.

[OPUS1]

Have it be part of your prenupt agreement:eek:

Don't woory soon the little ones will need their own and youll be moddin till its over!

Best o Luck:D
PS 25 yrs 4 me:)

[Oldwolf]

I hope he finally got an "I do" outta her? Did she say yes?

[mj007]

Sole Conspirator: you found this on Anandtech too? Where was it? I never sent it there, would be interested in following its trail across the net...

edit: found it!

Thanks to all you who stopped and took the time to wish me well and to leave your kind words about my "labor of love"...

:D

edit: yep, she said yes...

[Gism0]

very original :D

[LilMsCanBeRite]

Woah!!

I sure hope she digs computers....


Congratulations, best wishes, and many pats on the back for an outstanding mod!

[Kay0909]

Nice mod dude :cool:

Congrats !

[dotZIP]

Wait, so the computer is at her work now? Proudly displaying what a nerd her fiancee is? :p j/k

Anyway, awesome mod, good work, and best of luck! :D

[BBnet3000]

o my

[Edwood]

LOL.

I have officially seen it all now. :D

What would you have done with that case if she said no? Hypothetically speaking.

-Ed

[G-daddy]

how very very sad.

hope ya'll make a happy couple.

[Lethal]

Very creative! And congrats on your engagement. :cool:

I'd be really curious to know how her co-workers reacted to it.

[SulSeeker]

I honetly think it's great, would have never thought of it myself!!! GG, GJ, and GL.

[NerdMan]

MORE PICS!!!! (Girlfriend)


LOL :D
Good Luck

[somecallmeTim]

Very well done! Not only is this front page material - I've seen some links on other sites on the 'net.

Good luck to you - March will be 17 years, and the wife is still coming to grips that she married a geek (that's why her computer is better looking than mine :).

Congrats!

Peace,
Tim

[Qtip42]

wow.......just..........wow

[Killermac]

very nice job and congratulations.

Killermac

[Colsey2001]

Good luck is all I can say.

Obviously the mod is awesome but that's hardly the issue here!!

Nice one.

[Nybbles]

Very cool! Congrats!!!! :)

[DivideByZero]

Now bring on the bachelor party mod!!! :D

[TheTyrant]

:eek: my mouth is wide open...nice craftmanship. its impressive case. just impressive...wow..wow..WOW!

[iwearnosox]

Nothing says love like a SiS 745 chipset. :D

If this thing were in a person's cube next to me I'd be quietly laughing to myself all day, then share the funny with everyone else at the office via IM.

[Carnival Forces]

Originally posted by DivideByZero
Now bring on the bachelor party mod!!! :D
lol, really, amazing job man, just cool...:D

good luck with your *wife* :)

[Sokidan]

Damn, that's pretty cool..........!

[DRxAndy]

this house is freakin' sweeeeet
uhh make that case
awesome proposal, and congrats!!!

someone also posted this over at gruntville
http://www.gruntville.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5786

[MasiveMunkey]

I told my girlfriend I was going to do this and she called me a nerd...:(

[Mr_Happy]

LOL - You Gimp !!!

[Northwood]

That is one of the best case mods i've ever seen

[Kared]

Excellent case mod, and very original! Best wishes for a long and happy marriage.

Kared

[Ogre Warrior]

HAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[group of people]

I was wondering why this girl asked me to make a giant case in the shape of the letters NO.

now I know.

[tasslex]

If I would have done something like this when I proposed my Girlfriend would have beaten the living shit out of me.

[JungleMan]

Originally posted by Edwood
LOL.

I have officially seen it all now. :D

What would you have done with that case if she said no? Hypothetically speaking.

-Ed
Sell it on eBay. "Marriage proposal for geek chicks, 100% premade and ready to go". :D

Oh, stick some boogers in the floppy drive that were supposedly from Justin Timberlake and that drives up the price $5000. :D

[chrisfrog]

all i can say is wow

[jimbonics]

I want a fucking divorce.

[Fujiwara Takumi]

i think youd be hard pressed to replace a woman that would say yes to that. i suppose the nice thing to say, and the obvious point is that you must be a very lucky man.

[darkmyth]

Congratulations on the wedding. Very very nicely done with the proposal.

[Spleeze]

Congratulations! I wish you both my best!

[Mojo_69]

That's like nothing i've seen before! Can only be good, nice work man :D

[Asazman]

looks great, congrats!

[DRxAndy]

someone posted on sharky extreme forums

http://www.sharkyforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=223772

enjoy

[HitMan-sC]

Congratulations, man!

[MaxiKana]

Wow! Thats a nice case! very impressive and original!

I found this at www.halflife2.net's forums BTW.

This case is spreading like a virus :)


BTWW first post :)

[topslop1]

wow, what a fkin nerd :D amazing mod. happy long life and all that rubbish. just remember though; when you're old you're going to hvae to change eachother's diapers. :p

[theNoid]

Nice work, looks really clean... however if I ever make a mod like this, I'll have jail bars instead of plexi.. hehe..

gj.

[jamezzz122]

Wow wow wow...Looks great and very original...

[SB22]

Very nice job, congradulations ;)

[NecessaryEvil]

Hmmmm...if I still stick with my girlfriend, I'll have to give this method some serious consideration....


she loves the fact I'm a geek...although, I'd probably have to go for a quake 3 themed marriage thing. Get some Crash & Doom as bride & groom? yeah....that just might work. (she's a Quake 3 fanatic :p)

[Numinae]

I came over from an EverQuest message board.

Wow, that is very cool. Being a geeky girl, that pushes all my buttons. :cool:

Congratulations to you and best wishes!

[netgeekgirl]

if i were not a lesbian and you were not in love with your new fiance we could so hook up. why cant i find someone like you - so caring, such a geek. congrats and good luck!!

[DRxAndy]

OMG A GIRL11!!1ONE
AND SHES A LESBAINE!!11ONE

HI2U!!!11

/genmay


:D

sorry, couldnt help it

[Jigna]

^^^ aaahahahaahah

[ullyeus]

just WOW


thats all I can say (in a good way)


WOW

[dess]

That is so awesome. :D That's just as cute as the guy who made a mini-itx system for his gf into a teddy bear. (http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/teddybear/)

Sigh! I keep sending these links to my bf, but does he make me a nerdy modded system? No! Alas.

[phasmatis_nox]

Congrats! The machine looks great.

[GIRLGIRL]

As a girl I think that is so romantic and extremely sweet! The idea is so great and original. OMG, i'm just wowed by it. She's lucky to have someone like you. ^_^ Good luck on the engagement! :)

[Spaz17]

you bring hope to all nerds of the world

[FLECOM]

mj007 you have pm, plz respond asap

[PS-RagE]

heh - I sent him one too ;)

[FLECOM]

Originally posted by PS-RagE
heh - I sent him one too ;)

haha beat you :D

(hurray bored in college classes :rolleyes: )

[darktiger]

That is cool, I gotta remember this for my wedding.

[Cloud15x]

I hope she loves you for doing that

Just tell her to keep it at work ;)

[GuitarWizzard]

sweet, jumping jesus.:eek:

[dementer]

DAMN, thats cool

[vekz]

Congrats for making it in Maximum PC Rig of the month!

[Cloud15x]

Grats

Saw it in Maxium PC also
Good job
Again i hope your life as a married man goes well.

[Anime_Fan]

I can honestly say this is one of the most original mods I have ever seen :) Nice Job!

[Adisharr]

Nice job and congrats on the Maximum PC $ 1000 :)

W00t!

[BatteryAcid]

lol saw that in max pc. sure is um.... original. :p

good job and congrats

[Noah]

I'll add my name to the people who saw it in Maximum PC.

Amazing job. Too bad you won't be the first husband-wife modding team.

[SKiZZ]

I can't see the pictures. Anyone got a site to see them?

[mj007]

Check out my site:

http://www.fury-pc.com/mods/matrimony.html

[wayne]

its great but kinda hard to see surface modding.. meaning i cant see the difference in the paint but still good

good luck to your marriage