PC modding is my latest pastime. “Modding” stands for “modification,” and “PC modding” is about tweaking the hardware (beefing up the engine, typically for better gaming) and beautifying the box (finding new and interesting ways to make a personal computer look as cool on the outside as the things it can do on the inside). This can include overclocking the CPU, installing cooling systems and wire management to keep the hardware from overheating,and adding acrylic panels and cathode-ray lights to show it all off.

For a comprehensive explanation of virtually everything that can go into PC modding see the 7 Volts site, and especially its Case Modification page.

This is my home PC, built by me in May 2003. I call her “Hedwig.” (OK, so now you know I’m also a Harry Potter fan.) Why Hedwig? Because she’s smart, fast, and brings the mail.

Specs:

Case:
Sunbeam clear acrylic case

MoBo: Intel Desktop Board D845PEBT2 with onboard NIC, audio and RAID controller (see Mobo closeup)

CPU: Intel 2.66 GHz Pentium 4

RAM: 2 x 512 MB DDR333 PC2700 Kingston chips

RAM Cooler: 2 x Vantec Iceberg DDR Aluminum Memory Heatspreader

Video: eVGA nVidia e-gForce4 MX 440 SE Dual VGA 64 MG DDR AGP 4X/2X

PSU: Enermax 350 Watt EG365P-VE (FCA)

HD: 80 GB Western Digital 7200 RPM Special Edition IDE

Optical Drive: LG Combo 48×24x48 & 16x CD-RW/DVD

FD: Mitsumi 1.44 MB

Card Reader: CoolMax CI-622 USB 2.0 6-in-1 Embedded 3.5″

Modem: Intel 56K V.92/V.90 Internal PCI/Data/Fax

Fan Bus: Enermax UC-A5FATR2W Aluminum Thermal Control Panel

Fans: 5 x 80mm Quad LED case fans

Fan Grills: 2 x golden steel plated 80mm dragon grills & 3 x golden standard 80mm grills

Lighting: 2 x Chieftec Dual Cold Cathode Purple Tubes & several 5mm custom LEDs

Cabling: rounded FD and IDE cables, mesh sleeving & heat shrinks

OS: Windows 2000 SP4

Mascot: Harry Potter Limited Edition Secret Box - Hedwig the Owl

Total Cost: $1581.86

• AnandTech.com
• Directron.com
• Case-Mod.com
• Cableorganizer.com
• Virtual Hideout’s
  review of the Sunbeam Acrylic Case
• Modthebox.com
• 3dXtreme.org
• ModDungeon.com
• More to come . . .