Choosing the Right Case to Mod
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Case modding is a very personal expression about what you see when you look at your computer and while there are no hard and fast rules for what case to buy there are certain features that are important to be aware of.
For the majority of people, case modding consists of adding a few personal touches to an existing case to make it unique. These types of after-market modifications are well-supported in the industry with plenty of optional components. There are exotic cooling options from Zalman and Coolermaster, fan grills from Sunbeam and Bonsaimods.com, case lighting effects, pre-made case windows, window appliqués, case handles, anodized fans, VGA coolers, memory coolers, and much more besides. There are plenty of choices for the modding enthusiast to take a stock case and increase its uniqueness; to separate your computer from everyone else’s at those 72-hour, marathon LAN parties.
Additionally there are pre-modded cases available to purchase when your system is being built. A number of high-profile manufacturers like Thermaltake, Sunbeam, Raidmax, and Antec produce computer cases in a variety of designs and styles. Thermaltake, in particular, has a history of producing high-quality cases with pre-cut windows, additional fans, fan controller units and temperature displays. Sunbeam and Raidmax have produced cases like the Scorpio and Samurai respectively that follow certain thematic designs. The Sunbeam Samurai, in particular, incorporates a stylized Anime samurai helm on the bezel, creating the impression from many a Manga cartoon of guyvers and gundams.
These cases are often a good investment, particularly from Thermaltake, as the initial quality and design of the case is generally much higher than most and usually the purchase includes an above-average power supply. With Thermaltake, most notably, you often receive an exceptional power supply unit with the case, provided you can handle all the Thermaltake branding throughout.
However, most low-end pre-modded cases are hardly worth notice. A great deal of them are budget cases with perhaps a sticker or poorly molded bezel insert to change them from budget to “modded.” Most of these cases, ranging from mildly attractive to often downright nauseating, also often possess inherent design flaws like weak drive door hinges or poor air flow. Needless to say, these low-end pre-mods are hardly worth it to spend your hard earned cash on, and they often possess the same limitations as the budget cases they are based on: limited upgradeability, insufficient air flow, poorly designed front USB ports, and are often manufactured from inferior materials.
Next: Buying Proper Modding Materials and Bezel >>
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