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Computer Mod Dictionary

Your normal computer fan operates on a standard 12v power source from your powersupply. Three voltages are supplied by the powersupply: 12v, 3.3v and 5v. The two voltages that are easy to get at are the 12v and 5v. These are supplied on a standard 4-pin power lead. Two wires supply the power to a fan. The voltage supplied to the fan depends on which of the 4 wires is used from your 4-pin power lead is used. The normal arrangement is for the yellow wire and the adjacent (ground) wire to be attached. With this you get 12V power to the fan, which is the difference of the wires. The 7V mod is accomplished by using the Yellow 12V wire and Red 5V wire instead of the standard 12V and GND. With 7V, the voltage is dropped 41.7%. This reduction of voltage corresponds to a significant drop in noise. (Note: Noise is not 100% proportional to voltage.)

Easy to use adapters are now commercially available to perform this voltage trick without doing any wiring yourself. (DIY: 3/10. CAP: 1/10). | Go to Top |

Air Brushing --- Once the domain of T-Shirt vendors, Air Brushing brings case painting to a new level.

Using airbrushing techniques a skilled Artist can permanently add a unique image to your case. The result could be astonishing. It brings the concept of "custom casing" to its highest level. What could be better? Custom painting is now available commercially in additional to the pre-determined paintings. (DIY: 10/10. CAP: n/a) | Go to Top |

Acrylic Windows --- Acrylic windows are the most common windows installed into a case. They are fairly scratch resistant. Pre-made window kits typically come in reverse L, oval, rectangle, round, or U shapes. These are now available either in do-it-yourself kits or as factory-made side panels. Cases with factory-made side windows are now also commercially available. | Go to Top |

Aluminum Cases --- Aluminum cases are a new trend in case design. Aluminum cases are lighter then traditional steel cases and have slightly better cooling abilities. Many aluminum cases feature the bright silver "brushed aluminum" look. The popularity of these types of cases is continually rising as more people wish to make their case more transportable and cool looking. It is worth noting that a few very determined modders have also taken to fabricating their own cases out of aluminum. Generally this is very expensive and very time consuming vs just buying a case. (DIY: 10/10 CAP: 1/10). | Go to Top |

Anodize --- The process of Anodizing turns the top, thin layer of a aluminum into aluminum oxide. This is used to protect an aluminum surface from oxidation. While that is all good and well, the interesting application of anodization is that it allows a long lasting, metallic color to being evenly applied to the case. Most case manufacturers currently only apply a color to the outside of the case. An increasingly common mod is to anodize the inside of the case in either the same color as the outside of the case, or a different contrasting color. This is especially effective when used with case backlighting and a window. An example is the Directron SF-201B. Many anodized aluminum cases are now commercially available. Anodization is difficult and dangerous to do personally because of the chemicals and equipment required for the task. (DIY: 10/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Appliqué --- An appliqué is a sticker like image that can be applied to a case window or dark colored case size (case tattoo). When used, an appliqué makes it look like you have an image etched or sand blasted into the window.

Appliqu?are particularly effective when used with case backlighting. You can do this yourself if you can find the proper material for it. (DIY: 8/10. CAP: 2/10). | Go to Top |

Backlighting --- Lighting is an excellent addition to a case that has a window, or one that has a translucent or semi-translucent component.

Backlighting in a computer case is typically accomplished via the use of a Neon / or Cold Cathode lights. (DIY: 6/10. CAP: 3/10). | Go to Top |

Badge Backlighting --- Badge Backlighting is a specialized form of lighting for case badges. There are two methods of accomplishing badge backlighting. The first method involves putting ultra-bright LED (HyperLED) behind the badge in such a manner that the light will shine through the badge. The problem with this is that most case badges are metal backed, and light will not shine through them. A variation on this method is the use of an electro-luminescent square that can be placed behind the badge. The square provides slightly more even lighting. | Go to Top |

BayBus --- The BayBus, which was popularized and coined by Cliff Anderson, is a relatively simple device with a simple purpose. A BayBus is a 5.25 bay mounted device that provides: 1) A method to attach and power fans (usually bare wire fans), 2) dual or triple position switches (1 per fan), 3) 1 LED per switch to help indicate on or off. A BayBus allows you to easily control several fans in order to control noise level. They are especially effective in the 3-position switch variety as you can have the switch perform the 7v trick for you. (With three positions you would typically use 12v, off, 7v). | Go to Top |

Bench Grinder --- A bench grinder is a heavy-duty tool that allows you to precisely grind down or polish a metal object. | Go to Top |

Bezel Painting --- Bezel painting is the act of painting a drive bezel to change its color. Bezel painting is one of the most common mods as it allows you to use beige or other colored drives with a silver, black or other colored case. | Go to Top |

Bios Mod --- Perhaps the trickiest mod, the bios mod allows you to change the bios logo / text that you see when you start the computer. The danger of this mod should be very apparent, if you mess up the bios you may end up rendering a good motherboard useless. This mod is becoming much easier over time as motherboard manufacturers see the demand for it. Some well known motherboard makers such as Asus and FIC now have bios logo programs available for their products that make the mod relatively safe and easy. Usually such programs are free and sometimes they are even included on your motherboard driver cd. (DIY: 10/10 CAP: 2/10). | Go to Top |

Blow Hole / Blowhole --- A blow hole is a additional fan slot added to a case to increase the case's cooling capabilities over stock. There are typically three places blow holes are added to a case: 1) Top of the case. (Chimney fan). Since heat tends to rise an exhaust fan at the top of the case makes sense, however the top of the case is also the hardest place to add a blow hole since not all case tops are flat, and most are not removable. 2) Side panel, near CPU. A blow hole placed near the cpu's HSF can have the great effect of either supplying the HSF with cool outside air, or exhausting the hot air off the CPU. (It's best to match the direction of the CPU fan. If it blows onto the heatsink then intake, if not then exhaust.) 3) Side panel, card area. A blow hole in the card area can aid the cooling of hot devices like Video Cards. | Go to Top |

Brief Case Mod (PC)--- The brief case mod is really more of a custom case, however it is fairly common. Basically a brief case mod is turning a standard briefcase (usually aluminum style) into a computer. See also: Luggable. (DIY: 10/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Cable Sleeving --- Cable sleeving is a category of items that aim at clearing up the typical wire mess you might find in a computer case. Reducing cable clutter ultimately improves airflow in the case, and improves internal case temperature. The most common types of sleeving are Split Loom, Spiral Wrap and Heat Shrink. Premium powersupplies now of often have the power wiring coming off the powersupply pre-sleeved for your convenience. (DIY: 2/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Case badge--- A case badge or case sticker is simple logo (typically 1"x1") that is placed on a computer case or computer component.

Many cases these days have a special recess for a case badge. Case badges are available in a wide range of styles, designs, and colors. Good case badges are typically metal backed with a small Lexan dome to prevent scratching. (DIY: 7/10. CAP: 1/10). | Go to Top |

Case gallery (mod gallery) --- Case mod galleries provide you with your rightful glory for producing your work of case mod art. Here at Directron we provide a case mod gallery to allow you to share your mods and experience to your fellow modders. We also use it as a outlet to show you the work we can do. Other sites enthusiast websites such as Virtual Hideout also sometimes feature galleries. | Go to Top |

Case painting --- Case painting is the process of completely changing the color and/or look of a case. The options with case painting are endless, and are only limited by your imagination. For the best results when painting a case you should use methods similar to those which one would use on a car. The best paints for a case also tend to be auto related. At Directron we offer a case painting service in a wide range of colors. (DIY: 8/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Case Windows --- A window adds a distinctive look to a PC, and offers many sub types of case mods such as backlighting, appliqu鳬 etching, and much more. Windows are typically either Acrylic or Lexan. To add a window you'll want to cut a shape in your case side (or other location) and in a slightly larger size then your intended window. The window is then attached to the case via a double locking rubber striping. This stripping also hides imperfections in your cutting job. Pre-made window kits typically come in reverse L, oval, rectangle, round, or U shapes. (Note: Lexan scratches more easily then Acrylic). (DIY: 8/10. CAP: 4/10). | Go to Top |

Cold Cathode --- A cold cathode is a neon light that is commonly used for case mods. The benefit of a cold cathode light over a normal neon is that the cold cathode runs cooler and is generally thinner w/more diffused light. These types of lights are easiest to find in pre-made kits for PC usage. (DIY: 5. CAP: 2/10). | Go to Top |

Common Screw Sizes --- The common sizes for various case screws are as follows: Self-threading fan screw: 3/8"diam. (1/8th bolts + nuts may work) Floppy, CD-ROM (smaller screw): #4-40 Case Screw (hex head): #6-32 | Go to Top |

Common Wire Sizes --- If you're going to tail a fan, or construct something like a bay bus then you'll need to do some wiring. Here are some rough guidelines. LEDs, Single lower speed fans: 22 gauge wire Larger / high speed fans: 20 gauge wire Baybus / Rheobus / Peltier: 18 gauge wire (also good for drives) Multiple Peltiers, high load buses: 16 gauge wire 20 gauge wire or 18 gauge wire will get you through almost anything. Note: Solid or Stranded wire can be used. Solid is less flexible and is well suited to bus work and circuits. Stranded is good where you need flexibility. (DIY: 6/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

DigitalDoc5 ---

The DigitalDoc5 is a very specialized device for monitoring multiple temperatures and fans inside of your PC. The device has 8 temperature sensors, and it can monitor and control up to 8 fans. Each individual fan can be set to turn on or off based on a temperature from the corresponding probe. The device also has a alarm to warn you if the system is over heating. Since the DigitalDoc5 mounts in a 5.25 bay the manufacturer had the foresight to make the device also perform the function of a 3.5->5.25 bay adapter. Basically you can also use the DigitalDoc5 for a hard drive cooler. (A 40mm fan is included with the device and takes up one of the 8 fan slots). (DIY: n/a. CAP: 2/10). | Go to Top |

Dremel --- A Dremel is the most versatile tool in the case modder's tool belt. A Dremel is a type of tool called a Rotary tool. Rotary tools can take a large number of different types of bits to that allow you to do such things as cut through sheet metal, sand, deburr, or polishing. If you don't get any other tool for case modding other then a Dremel you can usually get by ok. The best Dremels to use are the multispeed or digital ones. Note: Reinforced cutoff wheels are the most common ones used for cutting sheet metal. | Go to Top |

Dynamat --- Dynamat is a specialized product that you can use to line the inside of your computer case (or other enclosure). Dynamat prevents vibration from being turned into noise and reduces overall system noise in a similar manner to grommets. (DYI: n/a. CAP: 3/10). | Go to Top |

Electro-luminescent cable (EL cable) --- EL cable is one of the newer and more interesting additions to the case mod world. EL cable glows like a neon light when you supply power to it. EL cables are thin (.1"), fairly flexible and due to their makeup it can be easily cut to any length with minimal hassle. The cable is also fairly inexpensive. This makes EL cable a great tool to make interesting lighting effects. (DIY: n/a. CAP: 3/10). | Go to Top |

Etch / To Etch --- Etching is the process of engraving a single color image into a window. (DIY: 10/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Fan Control --- Fan control(s) are dials, switches or other devices attached to a fan to control its speed. Some newer fans are even coming with mini-rheostats to control fan speed hard wired in. Fan control is also closely related to Thermal fan control. Thermal fan control is when a fan has a built in chip and thermal probe. The chip varies the fan speed based on a pre-defined temperature table. (DIY: 5/10. CAP: 1/10). | Go to Top |

Fan Tail / To Tail --- If you tail a fan, then you either add a standard 4-pin or 3-pin power connector to it. This is most often done if your fan has bare leads, or you specifically need a different connector and do not have an adapter. Neon lights also often need tailed if you buy one with a car adapter. Pre-wired fan tails make the job much easier as you only have to splice wires. The alternative to pre-wired tails is to locate the proper housings, crimper and appropriate wire and then put everything together. (DIY: 8/10. CAP: 5/10). | Go to Top |

Fan Size Adapter--- Fan size adapters allow you to install a larger fan where a smaller fan was origionally intended. They work in many situations, but not all. One major use for these is to replace a small noisy fan with a quieter larger fan with the same airflow. Common sizes: 60mm->80mm 60mm->92mm. Rare sizes: 80mm->120mm, 80mm->92mm, 80mm->80mm (spacer). (DIY: 9/10. CAP: 1/10). | Go to Top |

Fanbus --- A fanbus provides a wiring panel where you can attach several fans to a single connector without the need for y-cables. Use of a fanbus requires that the fans be bare wire. The main attraction of a fanbus is that it is much less cluttered then a large number of y adapters. (better for airflow). (DIY: 8/10. CAP: 3/10). | Go to Top |

Fan Grills --- Fan Grills or Fan Guards are protective devices used to prevent one from accidentally placing a unwary finger or paw into a fan.

Fan Grills also come in an alternative decorative type often referred to as laser cut fan grills these types of grills place a decorative sheet metal design over the fan, which often makes it look much more stylish. Laser cut grills are also good when used with backlighting. (DIY: 1/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Game Modding -- Game modding can refer to a number of things. One type of game mod would be to give your case a theme of a game such as a Quake III case w/ airbrushed quake III logo. Another meaning of game modding is to alter how a game works such as to add new levels, weapons, or other things to a game you like to play. Many games (especially first person shooter games) allow you to do this, and often the tools are easy to use and free. | Go to Top |

Glowire --- See Electro-luminescent cable (EL cable)

Grommets (Rubber Washers) --- Grommets are small rubber washers that are used to lessen noise caused by vibration. When you attach a device like a fan or hard drive to a steel or aluminum case you can transmit vibration to it. In this vibration can greatly increase overall system noise. Grommets can be installed at the points of contact to stop the transmission of vibration. (DYI: 1/10 CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Hard Drive Mod --- This mod is probably the most dangerous one out there. The hard drive mod involves taking the top off your hard drive and replacing it with either a clear replacement or adding a clear window to the hard drive casing. The idea here is to see the hard drive in operatation. The problem is that hard drives should only be opened in controlled clean room conditions under the supervision of a trained technician. A single speck of dust (or even a finger print!) can result in a head crash that will greatly damage the hard drive? and your data. For a short guide see: BP6.com (DIY: 10/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Holesaw --- A hole saw is specialized bit for a drill designed for making a perfectly round hole in a material. When selecting a hole saw make sure that you have a appropriate powered drill, and a holesaw designed for the material you wish to cut. The obvious use for hole saw is blow hole.

Note: Be careful to avoid skipping of the blade when using a hole saw, this can ruin the finish of your case. Masking off the area remotely close to the intended hole is a good idea. | Go to Top |

HyperLED --- HyperLEDs are identical to normal LEDs exept they are exceptionally bright. They have a number of uses in case mods such as backlighting, detail lighting, and case LED replacement. One common use for one is to replace the stock Power or HDD LED with a Blue HyperLED. (DIY: 3/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Jigsaw --- A Jigsaw is the most common tool used for large-scale cutting when doing case mods such as windows. Jigsaws are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Keyboard Mod --- The Keyboard Mod is a fairly common, and particularly effective mod. To perform the keyboard mod: Remove the top of your keyboard, and then remove all the keys Next take some EL cable and wind it around inside the keyboard so that it snakes between the keys, or makes an outline around selected ones. Put the keys and top back. When you turn on the EL cable the cracks between the keys will glow eerily. This mod is particularly effective with a black keyboard and red EL cable. (DIY: 6/10. CAP: 4/10). | Go to Top |

Lapping --- Lapping is the process of sanding down the base of a heatsink so that it makes better contact with the heat source. It is not uncommon for overclockers to lap their HSF. Note: Thermal compound is still needed after lapping, although it may require less overall. (DIY: 5/10. CAP: n/a).

LCD --- LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. LCDs come in a large variety of shapes and sizes ranging from monitors to wrist watch displays. A growing trend in modding is to add a small LCD to either a 3.5 or 5.25 bay and hook it up to the system to display any number of different pieces of information such as the current CPU temperature, CPU utilization, or even the current track playing in WinAMP. Most LCDs used in modding are driven via a serial port from the back of the case. For those wanting to roll their own surplus LCDs are out there and fairly easy to find, however the task of wiring the LCD and finding or creating the right software is daunting to many. Commercial kits exist that make the mod a little easier. One common brand is CrystalFontz. (DIY: 10/10. CAP: 4/10). | Go to Top |

LED --- LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes are common to all PC cases and many drives. They are small lights that have a very long lifespan, are cheap, and use little power. | Go to Top |

Luggable --- A luggable is about as close to a home made laptop as you can get. A luggable is basically a full PC that has been crammed into a small space. A brief case PC w/ a LCD built into the brief case would be considered a luggable. Luggable tend to be much heavier then a standard laptop. (DIY: 10/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Mod / Modder --- Mod is the short name for computer modifications and can be used as a verb or noun such as in case modding and PC mods, respectively. People who mod their cases or sytems are called modders.

Neon Tubes --- Neon tubes are standard Neon lights used for case backlighting. | Go to Top |

NIC Mod --- If you want to see your current network activity, but your NIC doesn't have a LED header on it, then you could perform the NIC Mod. The NIC mod requires you to desolder the back LED on the card and splice into it with two wires. These two wires are then spliced either to an existing case LED, or a new one you install. (DIY: 6/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Ohm's Law --- Ohm's law is a very commonly used equation that can be used to compute voltage when you have a known current (amps) and resistance value. The equation is: Voltage = Current x Resistance (V=I*R).

Orbital Palm Sander --- An orbital palm sander is a tool that helps you quickly sand a given area. An orbital sander is a smaller sander typically used for such tasks as finishing a surface or removing paint. An orbital sander sands in a circular pattern. | Go to Top |

OS Logo Mod --- One often overlooked mod is the Operating System Logo Mod. When you turn on your computer you are forced to look at the logo for your operating system. For most people this means they get to look at the now familiar windows logo. For common operating systems like Windows 98 or ME it is quiet simple to change the logo to something else.. like a picture of your significant other or your favorite sports team. Here's the trick: Create a BMP image with the size of 320x400, and with colors set to 256. If you want to make a simple drawing for the logo you can just run mspaint to create it. When you have the picture, name the file LOGO.SYS and place it in your C:\ directory. What to change the shut down? You can do it in the same way! For changing the shutdown screens just change LOGOW.SYS and LOGOS.SYS in the C:\WINDOWS directory. LOGOW.SYS is the screen that says windows is shutting down and LOGOS.SYS is the one that says it is now safe to shut down your computer. note: The previous information is only good for Windows 9x/ME. For Windows 2000/XP or Linux the process will be different. | Go to Top |

Overclocking --- Overclocking is running a device faster then the manufacturer recommended speed.

Passive Cooling --- Passive cooling is cooling without fans. Typically this involves the use of large heatsinks. For most modern CPUs it is difficult to impossible to achieve passive cooling entirely. | Go to Top |

PCB Color --- All modern circuit boards used in a computer system are made of PCBs or printed circuit boards. Although PCBs can be produced in many colors, the dejure standard has been green for computer components. Slowly, companies are breaking the mold. Some companies have started making their cards in their company color. A few good examples of company pcb color would be Asus and yellow cards / motherboards, and Netgear with their blue networking products. Slowly companies and customers are becoming more aware of PCB color.

Some manufacturers are now releasing cards in multiple pcb colors and/or making different cards in different colors. Here is a list of the colors often found in computer systems - in order of how common they are: Green (many), Yellow (Video/Motherboard especially Asus), Blue (Motherboards (especially gigabyte), networking products (especially netgear), Red (various makers, MSI does some), Black (special addition moterboards, Creative sound cards), Silver (rare Motherboard/Video Soyo/Soltek), Purple(rare- Motherboards, video cards). A few people have tried to mod their motherboards by painting or other means. Generally this is not a good idea. The chances of damage are much higher then the chances of a good effect.
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Potentiometer --- A Potentiometer is a Rheostat with an additional wiring terminal. For case mod usage this third terminal is generally not used, so potentiometers usually don't have too much use to the case modder, however sometimes it is easier to find a potentiometer in the resistance and watt value that you want then a Rheostat. If you do not use the third terminal on a Potentiometer then you essentially turn it into a Rheostat. | Go to Top |

Quiet PC --- A typical PC may generate 36-45dB(A) noise level. 33-36dB(A) is considered low noise level. Below 33dB(A) is considered quiet. Below 28dB(A) is considered silent. Someone wishing to build a Quiet PC is attempting to create a PC with under 33 dB(A) overall noise. There are many ways to make a PC quieter. Some of them include: using quieter fans, lowering/controlling fan speed, using quieter hard drives or quiet hard drive enclosures, the 7v trick, Dynamat, Grommets, and many others. Quiet PC
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Rheobus --- A Rheobus is a device very similar to a Bay Bus, however in the place of 2 or 3 position switched you have Rheostat. Because of the use of multiple rheostats a Rheobus allows you to fine tune the noise level of your fans, while still allowing you to increase the air volume if you find temperature to be a problem. (DIY: 9/10. CAP: 3/10). | Go to Top |

Rheostat --- A Rheostat is a variable resistor. Rheostats can be used in a fan or light circuit to change the voltage of a fan, and thus also the noise or brightness. Rheostats change voltage due to Ohm's Law. | Go to Top |

Rounded cables --- Rounded cables are typical ribbon cables that have been changed into a rounded bundle. The benefit of rounded cables is that they take up less room and do not block airflow as badly. Better airflow within your case often decreases overall temperature. (DIY: 5/10. CAP: 1/10). | Go to Top |

Rubber Molding / Gasket --- Rubber molding is typically used in order to mount a window into a computer case. One edge of the molding holds onto the case metal and the other side locks onto the window.

Sand Blasting --- Sand Blasting has two main uses for case mods: 1) to remove the initial coatings on a case so that you can paint or anodize it 2) To etch a design into a window (sand blasted window). Sand blasting done by using an air compressor to force small pieces of silicate or sand against an object at high velocity. (DIY: 7/10 - 9/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Shrink Wrap / heat shrink--- Heat shrink is a plastic tubing that is used in wiring to add insulation over custom wire splices. It is also occasionally used in a similar manner to spiral wrap or split loom. To use it you place the wire through the split loom tubing and then you apply a heat source like a soldering iron against the heat shrink. The heat shrink then forms a seal around the wiring. (DIY: 2/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

SLURP --- A SLURP or Sensor/LED User Readout Panel is a homemade device that offers some of the functionality of the Digital Doc5 without a slightly lower cost. Slurp information

Spiral Wrap --- Spiral wrap is a cable management device that functions similar to split loom. It can be used for rounding IDE cables, wire organization, audio cables, or power supply wires. Spiral wrap basically tubing that has been cut at an angle.

The tubing has a tendency to want to come together and this tendency makes it good at holding wires together. Just place the wires in the middle of the tube. Spiral wrap is easy to install and remove, no zip ties required. (DIY: 2/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Split Loom --- Split loom is a flexible, ribbed, and corrugated plastic tubing that has been split down the middle. Split loom comes in a wide variety of colors and is an easy -to -use tool for cable management.

Simply put the wires you wish to keep together inside the tube. For extended lengths it is recommended that zip ties be used in conjunction with the split loom to keep the loom from falling off. (DIY: 3/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Soldering Iron --- A soldering iron is a metal heat probe that is used to melt a low melting point conductive allow (solder) in order to join two points. One might use a soldering iron to create something like a baybus, fanbus, or to simply join two wires to tail a fan. After soldering it is recommended to shield the wires with heatshrink. | Go to Top |

Temperature Sensing--- Temperature sensing is just like it sounds, it is sensing a temperature. Often this term is used in regard to a temperature controlled or sensing fan. These fans control their speed based on an internal temperature probe on the fan. | Go to Top |

Temperature Shutdown --- Temperature shutdown is a often sought after goal. There are several methods to implement shutdown if your system exceeds a given temperature. Some newer motherboards like the Epox 8kha+ provide this ability on-board. For those that do not have it you can easily implement it by using a software program like MBM5 and your motherboard's onboard temp sensors. (DIY: 5/10. CAP: 4/10). | Go to Top |

Toggle Switch --- A toggle switch is a simple on off switch operated manually. These switches are often used to turn on or off neon/cold cathode lights, case fans or other devices. There are two types of toggle switches: SPST and SPDT. SPDT switches have 3-positions. Pre-wired switches are available inorder to take some of the fuss out of this mod. (DIY: 4/10. CAP: 3/10). | Go to Top |

Tools --- Common tools for case mods include the following: Dremels, Jigsaws, Drills, Nibblers, Hot Glue Guns, Soldering Irons and Hole Saws.

UV Additive --- UV additive is a relatively new product for water cooledwater-cooled systems. When UV additive is added to your water- cooling loop then your water will glow a predetermined color under a black light. Clear tubing is needed to see the water. (DIY: n/a. CAP: 1/10). | Go to Top |

Water Cooling --- Water cooling is the process of using water to cool a PC's various heat producing elements such as the CPU, Motherboard (chipset), GPU, and Hard Drives. Generally this involves the use of such things as Waterblocks, silicon tubing, clamps, pumps, radiators, and other devices. (DIY: 10/10. CAP: 4/10). | Go to Top |

Window Mod --- The Window mod is simply putting a window into a case or other device. Typically the window is added to the side panel of a case over looking the motherboard, although recently some people have started adding windows to many other devices such as routers, hard drives and monitors. (DIY: 7/10. CAP: n/a). | Go to Top |

Zip Ties / Cable Ties --- Zip ties are a very commonly used method of cable management. To use a zip tie simply put the cable you want to bundle on top of the tie then wrap the tie around and place it through the locking hole. | Go to Top |

Disclaimer

The above information is provided as a reference basis. The authors and associated company is not responsible for any damage or injury as a result of following these suggestions nor provides any warranty for the accuracy of the information.

Additional terms contributed/suggested by:
Shawn "playafly187" Knight of www.ocia.net Copyright (c) 2002, Directron.com. All rights reserved. Copying, duplicating, or re-using the contents in part or full without permission is prohibited.

Last updated: Nov 18th, 2002 12:30AM EST

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