CaseMod
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Hulk PC mod smashes expectations, makes us green with envy
For common Hulk collectors, performing "plastic surgery" on one of your favorite figurines may not sound reasonable, but then again, not too many of 'em have tried to make a 13-inch poseable monster lug around a PC. Enter the Hulk PC mod, which ranks up there pretty high among the most astounding rigs we've ever seen. The project began with a simple store-bought Raging Hulk, a micro-ATX motherboard, lots of tools and a vision. Some 14 months later, the final creation was complete. We can't begin to describe how much work was actually put into this thing here, but feel free to click on through for a couple more shots and hit the read link to visit the beast's dedicated site.[Thanks, John]
DialUp PC case mod with old-school rotary phone for VoIP
PC case modders will tear up anything in search of a bit of novelty, especially if it happens to reek of old school. Ancient telephones -- we hear they were called rotary phones, or something -- happen to fulfill the old school criteria, with one modder surrounding his PC in cracked wood, and hooking it up to an old phone. The phone now works with Skype and other VoIP solutions, with the owner presumably waiting in anticipation for all the calls to tell him how awesome / clever he is. [Via MAKE]
Xbox 360 modded to look more like... an Xbox 360?
Yeah, we too are a bit miffed at why you'd want your Xbox 360 to look more like, well, itself, but a modder over at Xbox-Scene apparently felt that Microsoft simply stopped short of the goal. The customized machine sports an Xbox 360-themed grill insert, a host of internal green LEDs, an Xbox 360 controller emblem, and an internalized WiFi adapter. Click on for a few more snapshots, and don't be surprised if this guy hears from Redmond about a future in console design.[Thanks, Christian]
Tumbler Batmobile modded to house PC
For those of you still enamored by the Optimus Prime PC case mod, here's yet another transformation to keep you in awe. A self-proclaimed Batman fanatic happened upon an RC iteration of the Tumbler Batmobile, and as any true nerd would do, he wondered if a PC could be stuffed within. Sure enough, with a healthy amount of dedicated modding, the RC Tumbler was finally equipped with an AMD Sempron 2800+ CPU, a 40GB hard drive, and a basic DVD drive, but considering the main purpose is to race around the web and look sexy, we'd say it's potent enough for that. Click on through for a few more shots that even Bruce Wayne would approve of.[Via Digg]
Optimus Prime PC case mod stands nearly seven-feet tall
It's one thing to create a Transformers-themed machine that doesn't actually, you know, transform, but to assemble a fully customized Optimus Prime PC case that morphs from a menacing computer into a full-fledged robotic destroyer deserves extra kudos. Pennsylvania's own John Mangus spent some 300-hours over the course of a year building his Optimus Prime machine, which amazingly stands in at six-feet, ten-inches in height and weighs 125-pounds. It's so big, in fact, that the backs of its legs actually house lockable compartments large enough to cram keyboards (and probably printers) into. Quite honestly, this thing would be impressive without a hint of PCB residing within, but be sure and click through for another angle of what's possibly the most coveted case mod we've seen in recent memory.
Spotswood drum PC case brings the beat back
We've seen a lot of ways to use computers as musical instruments, but the L-series case from Spotswood Custom Computer takes that concept to dizzying new heights by mounting components inside a 22-inch circular shell that's a dead ringer for a snare drum. The company says the built-from-scratch case design eliminates hot spots and promotes better cooling, but we think we know a drum PC when we see one. Hit the read link for more pics of the $500 case, and be sure to check out the FAQ, which contains the answer to the following mind-boggler: "I want a quiet PC but that case looks like a drum. Aren't drums supposed to be loud?"
iBooklet server
How we love enterprising geeks. "This machine isn't dead," they say, "it's prepped for re-purposing!"Thus was Jonas' thought process (maybe not verbatim) when he came across this 500mhz G3 ibook with a busted display. Other than the screen, the computer functioned perfectly, making it a good server candidate.He removed the display, optical drive and battery. Next he whittled the case down to the bare minimum that would contain the remaining parts. Finally, he went to a used book store and found a hardcover book that was slightly larger than the resized laptop and cut out all of the pages.He then used some plastic and velcro to secure the 'book in the book, put it on the shelf and the iBooklet server was born. He claims that there have been no heat issues. Still, I wouldn't go to sleep with that thing running.[Via Make]
360 custom case lights warn of overheating
XCM's latest product is a clear Xbox 360 case that not only displays the console's temperature digitally but, get this, color codes the increasing temp too. The Hot Rock Case's digital thermometer keeps track of the internal temp and every four degrees it goes up, the LEDs change colors too. From orange to green to blue, the case is kind of like a color coded warning system. It's quite the interesting idea, but we're not sure what we're supposed to do when our console starts uncontrollably flashing red. What we do know is that calling Microsoft for help isn't going to solve anything, because they sort of look down on things like replacing your 360's case.[Via MAXCONSOLE]
Xbox 360 Hot Rock Case changes color as temperature rises
As if your options when scouting a replacement Xbox 360 case weren't endless enough, here's yet another alternative to ponder. XCMLive's Hot Rock Case may not do much to actually cool your potentially toasty console, but the LED-infused enclosure sports a digital thermometer that informs users of just how warm things are getting within. Additionally, the internal lights change color depending on the temperature range, and if it gets beyond a certain point (118-degrees Fahrenheit), the obligatory "flashing red" will act as your cue to take a momentary break or submerge your console in dry ice. No word yet on pricing or availability, but be sure to check an alternate shot after the break.[Thanks, Bobb]
Rig of the Week: The ATX G4
This week's rig features one of the best-looking G4s you'll ever see. Enterprising reader :: Jonathan transplanted the guts from his destroyed G4 into an ATX case he had lying around. Sure, the power buttons didn't line up and the had to do some sawing to make the ports accessible, but the important thing is that he saved a Mac. Good job.ATX G4 posted by :: Jonathan.If you'd like to see your own rig featured here, simply upload photos into our group Flickr pool. Each Sunday we'll comb through the most recent entries and declare a "Rig of the Week!"
Temperature-monitoring case mod for the Wii
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/mods/Temperature_monitoring_case_mod_for_the_Wii'; Evolving from the designs of Team Xtender's past mods, the ii-Hot Rock case aims to do more than just light the Wii with colorful LEDs. The $62.95 shell comes equipped with a digital thermometer that displays the console's internal temperature, and the LEDs shift with that measurement. Every 5° change pushes their hue towards either a colder or warmer glow, luminescing a light blue at sub-28°C and glaring klaxon red when temperatures over 55°C are detected. If you're paranoid about overheating consoles, a mod like this would be perfect for quickly warning you to either shut your system off or execute an emergency saucer separation, putting distance between you and the rest of the starship before the Wii's warp core breaches. Let's all hope it never comes to that. Set a course past the post break, and check out a couple more photos of Team Xtender's ii-Hot Rock case.
Pretty much the best DS Lite mod ever
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Pretty_much_the_best_DS_Lite_mod_ever/'; When aliens come to lay waste on our planet after an interstellar decree to rid the galaxy of our race before our warlike nature spreads to other solar systems, this Nintendo DS Lite case mod could be humanity's saving grace. At the precipice of mankind's extinction, the extraterrestrial army will stay its advanced armaments, realizing that any society capable of producing such an awe-aspiring object deserves to continue its existence!Forged by the same hands that brought the Legend of Zelda-themed Wii mod to life, this gold and black beauty's metal die-cast Master Sword/Shield crest rotates to match your handheld's orientation and illuminates when being charged. Buying this one-of-a-kind DS Lite will also net you a custom charging dock, two painted styli (silver and dark blue), and the admiration of your peers and cosmic beings alike. Proceeds from the auction will once again be donated to Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity.Head past the post break for more photos of the DS Lite mod. It's a good preview of what we'll spend the rest of our enslaved lives assembling after our alien overlords decide to spare our pitiful race.
Compubeaver case mod: the PC-stuffed beaver
Granted, we were admittedly taken aback when an off-kilter modder shoved a PC into a cow enclosure, but cramming a full-fledged computer into an actual animal takes things to a whole 'nother level. Animal activism aside, this bizarre creation obviously utilizes a stuffed beaver in order to house the components of a fairly respectable PC, and while we can't be sure, we're guessing the 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 160GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, Panasonic DVD writer, and AOpen motherboard are all enjoying their stay in the now-empty stomach region, while the 80-millimeter Tornado fan is chillin' right on the beaver's backside (shown after the break). Of course, mere text alone can't fully describe just how freakish this thing really is, so be sure and hit the read link for a barrage of construction photos if you dare.[Via Wired]
Pretty much the best Wii case mod ever
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Pretty_much_the_best_Wii_case_mod_ever'; Wouldn't you agree? This mod, which we can't get over just how impressive it is, was sent in by reader Jeremy. His friend created this beauty, which is sitting in Atlanta, GA as we type this, and seeks to sell it for vast amount of monies on Ebay. Jeremy also assures us that a portion of the proceeds are going to be donated to Child's Play. The sword is even detachable, allowing the winning bidder to act out their desire to be Link (who doesn't want to wield the Master Sword?), as well as possess one of the sweetest looking Wiis in existence. As always, if you've spotted a cool mod, feel free to let us know. [Thanks, Jeremy!]
Modder stuffs a Wii in a PC and leaves it at that
With as much creativity as Wii modders have shown so far, especially with using that Wiimote to interesting effect over Bluetooth on a PC, we would've thought that Wii modder thef1ea could've found something a tad more interesting to do with this "Wiiputer" of his, but it's kind of neat all the same: the mod routes the Wii's video out to an internal video capture card, allowing you play the Wii in a window on your desktop or maximized for the full-on experience. Of course, with the Wii stuck inside that case, there's no way to get at the GameCube plugs, but hopefully between the Wii and this box's own Windows XP gaming prowess, you should be able to keep those itchy trigger fingers of yours occupied. Plus, thef1ea is tossing in a modded USB NES controller with the eBay auction of his creation, and will add in WaveBird wireless controllers to the captured Wii for $25 a pop if that's really a hangup for you.[Via Wii Fanboy]
Diamond 360 Case Mod
NCSXshop.com has a really cool Xbox 360 replacement shell available for $49. It's called the XCM Diamond case, and is an obvious homage to the "Crystal" Xbox from the previous generation. The clear case also comes with a replacement shell for your controller as well, giving you a clear view into the inner workings of both your console and gamepad. Also available at the site is the step by step case removal instructions, which voids warranty. Unfortuantely, the link for how to install the DCM Diamond case takes you to the same page, so you'll just have to retrace the steps back to the beginning. Still, would any of you consider getting this to pimp out your 360's case?[Via TopBlogPosts]
Don't you wish your Xbox was hawt like mine?
Flickr account holder 'g3n3101' has posted a mighty collection of Xbox 360 case mods, highlighted by this WWII-themed diorama assembled atop a Call of Duty 2-plated console. Microsoft has long touted 360 as a customizable unit, and fans have taken that theme and run wild. Think that extended warranty is still valid? Think again.[Via Gaming Bits]
Take a look, a plethora of 360 case mods
Back in the day we posted a few Xbox 360s with case mods that we felt were either really good or pretty bad. But there are a lot more modded 360s out there created by some talented (and not so talented) people. We found a Flickr montage of some unique 360 case mods that you and your peers have completed. It's awesome to see so many people making their 360 personalized and taking on a case mod. Personally, we've claimed defeat to Microsoft and the whole case mod idea. What can we say, we want our warranty to stay in tact. But if you're willing to throw caution to the wind and take the plunge, by all means make your 360 case something special.[Via Digg]
White PS3 maker expands line to red, silver
Encouraged by the positive reception and high eBay sales price fetched by his white PS3 mod, Michal Berecki is expanding the operation to include silver and red system cases. The new colors are still in the concept stage for now, but Berecki has promised the brightly colored PS3s will be on sale in the coming weeks. We can't help but be tickled by the idea of a home hobbyist filling in a market niche that a console maker seems unwilling or unable to fill. With three colors planned already, the sky's the limit. What kind of designs would you like to see on a future PS3 case?
Gears of War 360 case mod pwns
Do you remember that Half Life 2 case mod we featured a little while back? Yeah, just forget about that, because there's a new case mod on the block and is much sexier. The Gears of War case mod to the right is not only stylish, sleek, dark, edgy, and friggin' gory (I ran out of adjectives), but makes me want to curb stomp someone. The white ring of light really works, the etching on the side of the case is superb, and overall the craftsmanship rivals that of the HL2 mod. Check out more pictures after the break.[Via Digg]
