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First time modder

ekorazn

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 28, 2004
Messages
452
Building a new rig for college, but it'll primarily serve for storage. One thing I hate about premodded cases is that they are LOUD. Of course you can find ones that are silent, but they cost a little too much and they just don't have that WOW factor.

Since the computer is for storage, I don't need mad cooling. So I'm kind of leaning towards a no fan computer. I do want a window, but hopefully I'll specifically design it myself.

So the questions are:

1. What kind of paint should I use for the "glossy" finish? or the "brushed aluminum" or "gunmetal" finish?

2. What do I need for a windows kit (tool wise)? I don't have a dremel, but I can purchase one if i need too (I do have a sander though)

3. I thought about cutting a design on one of the cases side, and then putting a plexi to cover it (from the side). If this is possible, what method should I use to drill/glue the plexi to the case?

I believe myself to be creative, but I just lack some of the modding skills (cause I'm completely new at this, but EXCITED!). Any other tips are welcome :).


Oh and I plan on using a plain, cheap beige case, like those Antec server towers.
 
Getting a dremel, jigsaw or nibbler is certainly the first step. As for the side panel, drilling holes and using decent looking stainless screws is alright. Some people just use caulking or something and press the window against the sidepanel until it drys but I like the rigidity of screws myself.

As far as painting goes, you're better off buying a super-cheap case to experiment on. It'll let you get a feel for what you're doing before making a mess of the case you want to use. Check around, there's probably a used computer parts store that could sell you a case for $10-15 if it's in rough shape.
 
ok, do you know any paint that gives that brushed aluminum look or the gunmetal? I want some kind of a paint that can endure scratches, so I kind of ditched the overall glossy case (but on some special parts, it'll be glossy :)).
 
I'm more of a "cut it and leave it" modder... so I'm not the best source for painting advice. Hopefully someone else can help ya out.
 
i use 3M double sided tape to attach my window to the side panel. its like a frameless window, similiar to what Voodoo and Falcon Northwest systems have.

if you want glossy paint, id recommened Dupli-Color Acrylic Enamel Spray Paint. follow this guys guide, its awesome http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-1/

any type of real paint (lacquer, enamel, acrylic) is pretty durable if you use a clear coat, but since its so smooth, any scratch would be quite notieceable. i dont think their is any paint thatll give you a brushed aluminum look, but either way, it would be a type of paint so it wouldnt be that durable. the best choice (if not the only) would be Brushed Chrome Vinyl wrap. its like a skin for your case and looks suprisingly good. check it out here http://www.mnpctech.com/BrushedChromeFilm . if you want the toughest "paint" job, get it powder coated.
 
buy an xqpack. windows, not much cooling can fit 3 or 4 hds and an optical. there are no brushed aluminum finishes you can get from a can. you can buy a crapload of testor's metalizer aluminum and air brush it on, put on about 10 coats, but then you have to rub it down by hand for about 4 hours in between coats, then airbrush a clear acrylic over so you dont craze the enamel finish, then you have to hand rub the clear acrylic for about 20 hours. or you can buy an aluminum case with a brushed finish. you can probably get one from newegg for around $75.
 
Liquid_Cooled said:
i use 3M double sided tape to attach my window to the side panel. its like a frameless window, similiar to what Voodoo and Falcon Northwest systems have.

if you want glossy paint, id recommened Dupli-Color Acrylic Enamel Spray Paint. follow this guys guide, its awesome http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-1/

any type of real paint (lacquer, enamel, acrylic) is pretty durable if you use a clear coat, but since its so smooth, any scratch would be quite notieceable. i dont think their is any paint thatll give you a brushed aluminum look, but either way, it would be a type of paint so it wouldnt be that durable. the best choice (if not the only) would be Brushed Chrome Vinyl wrap. its like a skin for your case and looks suprisingly good. check it out here http://www.mnpctech.com/BrushedChromeFilm . if you want the toughest "paint" job, get it powder coated.

wow, that second link is amazing. I'm guessing I should just buy a plain old case with a window, and just cover it with a cutted/modded skin
 
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