-§- New Modder Questions -§-

[Suprnova04]

I am just starting to get into modding. I am putting together a list of parts to get for a new computer that i'm going to build. I want it to be very moddable... Does anyone have any suggestions for a good case (very inexpensive, i'm talking around $40-$50) that will be good for helping with wire hiding, cutting windows and holes for fans, etc? Also, what are some tools that I might need that I should start out with?

 

[somecallmeTim]

There are lots of "good $50" cases out there - all of them are moddable. The best thing to do is get in mind what you want to do - have a good mental picutre or draw it out, or what ever floats your boat. Then.... Head on over to newegg and do a search in cased by price - and see what rings your bell.

Keep in mind that a power supply in a $50 case is usually not the best.

Tools:
Safety glasses (trust me on this one)
Dremel or other rotary tool (essesntial)
Sabre saw (handy for larger / longer cuts but not necessary)
Electric Drill (cordless / corded)
Metal files
lots of patience

Peace,
Tim

 

[Suprnova04]

for the Dremel... is battery ok, or is that not sufficient?

 

[ninethreeeleven]

Dont get the cordless (unless you already have one) It is too slow, too limited, and the battery runs out quick.
Do get a bunch of bits and test them out.
Do read up on cutting guides, and look at others worklogs for ideas on how to cut (alot of them have step by step pics showing what they cut out first in a design)
Take your time with any cutout, because you cant really get back what you cut out. As for a case, decide what you want your end result to be and get the case that you can turn it into. I got a Lian-Li (out of this price range) because I like thier look and the simplicity. If I wanted to do some [H]ardcore modding I would buy a crappy beige case,and know that in the end it would look nothing like the original case.
good luck and happy modding...

 

[BLsibub666]

get yourself a case (look in some dumpsters) and cut the hell out of it, you need to learn how to use the tool, play around with things and get used to it, realy if your good enouph with it, all you need is the dremil, but a jigsaw, metal file, sand paper, drill, are all good to have around.

 

[Suprnova04]

Can the dremel be used to cut the case? like holes for fans? or not really powerful enough (the battery one, because thats what i've already got for now)

 

[Hinokagutsuchi]

The battery one will cut the case, but I would seriously consider getting a corded one. The battery will last about 15 minutes, which is nowhere near enough time to cut a fanhole.

Another thing you may want to consider is a holesaw with an arbor if you have a powerful drill[in the range of 19v].


Something I didn't see mentioned: Respiratory protection. There's going to be shards of metal and plastic about and you don't want that in your lungs. I'd say go ahead and drop the $40 for a respirator if you plan to do a lot of modding. It'll save you a lot in the long run.

 

[Mad Machinist]

Eye Protection....I mean goggles that seal around your eyes.....with air valves not a bunch of holes........take it from someone who finally learned.....and has had to have steel dug out of his eye 10 or 12 times over the years...........

 

[wayne]

modding can be done to EVERYTHING

except alienware cases

but anyways, get a cheapo case that has a nice design/shape and you dont need super designed cases for wiring and cooling because with modding you can change that

 

[Xeese]

The practice case is a good idea. If you can't afford a corded dremel, look at a jig saw or nibbler. Both are inexpensive and will add to your cutting capabilities.