When is a Mod not a Mod

[coolmiester]

I’ve been tinkering with cases now for close to 10 years and have seen some quite interesting developments over the years.

Looking back, these early mods consisted of basic windows and Cold Cathode lighting with maybe a couple of 120mm holes for fans to assist cooling if you were lucky.

Nobody knew, back in the day how this strange art would progress to where we are at today with many many new products and companies starting off the back of it and who knows where it will all end.

The question I have been asking myself for some time now though is what is classed as a mod and what is classed as a basic build.

Never has it been easier to buy an off-the-shelf case and add the various hardware and water-cooling accessories to build a really nice system…………but is this really a case mod or more of a DIY kit.

Then there is anodising, powder coating, laser cutting, custom painting etc etc etc

I guess what I’m having difficulty understanding is when does a system build turn into a mod and what would you class as a mod or a build.

Just to be clear, I am not knocking anything or anybody here and I know there is a huge range in skill, age, experience, finance, tools, work place etc so please don’t think I’m picking on anyone but I just wondered your thought on this and what you would class as a build or a mod.

[Langer]

Once you need a dremel, then it's a mod.

[Xilikon]

That's a good question. My own definion of a mod would be to make modifications to the case to improve airflow, to accomodate a component and/or to make it nicer to look. I don't consider drilling 1-2 holes just to pass tubing as a real case mod but as a simple build.

The mods like the Xtreme WaveMaster, your modded WaveMaster cases, PROMETHEUSCU, etc... are true case mods in my eyes.

[KaptCrunch]

The question I have been asking myself for some time now though is what is classed as a mod and what is classed as a basic build.

you answered your Q

anything that's not outta the box (OEM) is a mod IMHO

for classing i guess

cosmetic: paint, powder coat, anodize. add a window

case: functionality to metal add remove metal

wire management shouldn't be classed a mod unless cut,bend,fabricate metal

[RedRaider]

I also am envious of the great modders of this community.

I myself will be custom building also (not using acrylic cases with wires dangling everywhere) due to the fact I do not possess the talent nor the inclination to attempt the masterful work I've viewed.

I believe therefore you need two seperate groups. The group I fall in must take pains to create a clean and seamless build. Wire management being a HUGE priority for a class build.

[Cutless009]

A mod is not a mod if its name is Assraft xD

[RedRaider]

A mod is not a mod if its name is Assraft xD

Dude, I literally spewed Mountain Dew when I read this... :ROTF:

[Eddie3dfx]

If it fits, it's not a mod :P

[Langer]

The group I fall in must take pains to create a clean and seamless build. Wire management being a HUGE priority for a class build.

+1 to that. I demand my work looks like it came off the factory floor. As much as I hate to say it - Apple's design philosophy of seamless integration of it's parts is a HUGE inspiration for me.

Cars are another thing I like to compare my work to. I aspire to build products that have the same feel of fit/finish as a fine automobile interior... it just has to be perfect.

[mcoffey]

A mod is not a mod if its name is Assraft xD

Awe dude,

That one got as good old fashion belly laugh on my end. I'm still laughing.

andyc