SkyKast's First Mod (kind of)

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 05:05 AM

Hey people this is my first mod EVER I've never really even done much assembling of computers and stuff but, hey, you have to start somewhere. I have to warn you that this tread will most likely bore you big time but I would LOVE for you guys to give your expertise and opinions. I watched, learned and was inspired to do this by the project logs on this forum.

I am modding my first computer I had to myself. It is an old Sony Vaio that i never use anymore so i figured I'd practice my first mod on it and hopefully come out with a pimped looking system

. It looks really plain so i decided i was going to spice it up. Although I am not buying any new performance hardware for it i hope it will at least look sweet.

I set up a good workstation in my basement with good lighting for pics for this thread.

I'm just popping in some fans, some neons, LEDs, and repainting it and giving it away for Christmas, I don't mind its old if it looks good lol.

I hope you guys will give me some ideas, recommendations and the like.

Thanks, enjoy.

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 05:44 AM

Here are some pics of what I'm working with here

my workstation:

I'm never out of cyber contact...even when I'm in the basement:

My dremel kit:

Good ole fation computer repair kit from staples lol:

I'll post pics of comp next.

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 05:54 AM

Ok so this is what I am going to attempt at modding:

the front:

right side:

left side:

back:

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 06:29 AM

So I have everything out exept the mobo, hdd, floppy and the 2 humungo dvd drives. Im thinking of tossing the floppy drive and putting the HDD where the floppy currently is. That way i can remove the HDD bracket and there will be at least a little freakin room in the thing.

I like keeping the thread updated with pics so...

pic update, everything out except HDD, mobo, floppy and 2xDVD:

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 06:58 AM

Ok she's empty except the DVD bracket which requires removal or rivets which i don't want to do tonight. I'm too tired to tell you my ideas right now so ill just give ya a pic update an ill hit the sack.

finally empty!:

all the parts laid out with exception of DVD drives and floppy:

DirkDiggler · Oct 31, 2008, 10:29 AM

Cool man, let's see what you got. Good pics btw.

steelkane · Oct 31, 2008, 10:44 AM

Since there's no video card you would be installing, because you said the hardware is staying,, you could put two 92mm holes in the front & mount the hard drive cage on the bottom floor of the case, this would bring fresh air into the case & also keep your hard drives cool. good luck with your first mod.

JrRacinFan · Oct 31, 2008, 12:01 PM

Subscribed and ygpm. Can't wait to see this!

MoonPig · Oct 31, 2008, 12:23 PM

hmm interesting. lucky you, you have tools

Good Pictures btw.

You should put a window in if your adding neons.

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonPig

You should put a window in if your adding neons.

I'm thinking just a clear piece of plastic i will cut out.

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 02:08 PM

ok time to remove those rivets for the DVD drive!!

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 02:15 PM

a drill bit bites the dust...
stupid rivets are steel god dammit, y did i pick a sony they're shit is always high quality

any hints or tips on removing rivets?

DirkDiggler · Oct 31, 2008, 02:33 PM

I am not an expert on drilling steel, but as far as I know a good bit doesn't snap easily like that unless it got caught up from drilling on an angle. Make sure you drill at a 90 degree angle, use a drill press if you have one available, and secure the case down so it doesn't move around.

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirkDiggler

I am not an expert on drilling steel, but as far as I know a good bit doesn't snap easily like that unless it got caught up from drilling on an angle. Make sure you drill at a 90 degree angle, use a drill press if you have one available, and secure the case down so it doesn't move around.

your right i was at an angle i'm using a rounded steel-cutting tip on my drumel and i've gotten 10 out of 12 out so far, thanks though!

MoonPig · Oct 31, 2008, 02:55 PM

what colour neons? You can get ACRyan coloured plastics.

Also, see if you can Meshx the drive bays. That'd look cool.

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonPig

what colour neons? You can get ACRyan coloured plastics.

I'm most likely going blue

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonPig

Also, see if you can Meshx the drive bays. That'd look cool.

yah where can i get just plain sheets of meshx? i could only find pree-moulded fan grills and stuff

Edit!!!: AHHHHH THE CASE IS STEEL WTF????????

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 03:21 PM

I have a question guys, does the HDD need to ru right-side-up or an i put it upside down?

Thanks

JrRacinFan · Oct 31, 2008, 03:34 PM

I beleive just as long as you dont get any strong vibrations from the motor it will be fine.

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 03:43 PM

Ok its finally completely empty!!:

now i took the floppy drive out and stuffed the HDD in there upside down hoping to get fid of this:

this is what it came out like:

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyKast

I have a question guys, does the HDD need to ru right-side-up or an i put it upside down?
Also will heat be a problem with the lack of airflow, because its in such an enclosed space?

Thanks

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

I beleive just as long as you dont get any strong vibrations from the motor it will be fine.

thanks that makes me happy

< that is me happy

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 04:03 PM

k what should i do for colors?

JrRacinFan · Oct 31, 2008, 04:14 PM

I say something different that I have never seen before on a pc case:

Black and yellow.

EDIT Just realized marbleizing would be downright too darn difficult.

EiSFX · Oct 31, 2008, 04:18 PM

Well by the looks of your pic there your HDD isen't upside down its looks like its the right way to me with that silverish color aluminum top plate is on the top its looks fine to me

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EiSFX

Well by the looks of your pic there your HDD isen't upside down its looks like its the right way to me with that silverish color aluminum top plate is on the top its looks fine to me

oh well the silver plate was facing down when i opened the case up lol, so i guess they had it upside down, problem solved i guess

Quote:

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

I say something different that I have never seen before on a pc case:

Black and yellow.

EDIT Just realized marbleizing would be downright too darn difficult.

I would love to do a Halloween case buuuut...your right I don't want to marbleize

I think I'm going pure black, make it easy on myself

SkyKast · Oct 31, 2008, 04:41 PM

so i finished compressing the HDD and the DVD's and poped it in with the mobo to do a before after:

a good amount of extra space there eh?

Oct 31, 2008, 05:05 AM	#1
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	SkyKast's First Mod (kind of) Hey people this is my first mod EVER I've never really even done much assembling of computers and stuff but, hey, you have to start somewhere. I have to warn you that this tread will most likely bore you big time but I would LOVE for you guys to give your expertise and opinions. I watched, learned and was inspired to do this by the project logs on this forum. I am modding my first computer I had to myself. It is an old Sony Vaio that i never use anymore so i figured I'd practice my first mod on it and hopefully come out with a pimped looking system. It looks really plain so i decided i was going to spice it up. Although I am not buying any new performance hardware for it i hope it will at least look sweet. I set up a good workstation in my basement with good lighting for pics for this thread. I'm just popping in some fans, some neons, LEDs, and repainting it and giving it away for Christmas, I don't mind its old if it looks good lol. I hope you guys will give me some ideas, recommendations and the like. Thanks, enjoy. __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ” Last edited by SkyKast; Oct 31, 2008 at 04:13 PM.

System Name:	VAN
Processor:	Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz LGA 775 95W @ 3.0GHz
Motherboard:	ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard
Cooling:	Thermaltake SpinQ VT, front-rear-side 120mm, top-bottom 80mm red LED 1100 RPM@23dba fans
Memory:	Crucial Ballistix Tracer 8GB(2GBx4), DDR2, 800 MHz, 4-4-4-12, 2.0V, w/ LEDs
Video Card:	ATI/RADEON HD4870 1100/800
Hard Disk:	OCZ 60GB SSD (OS) - WD Cav. Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache - Seagate 500GB 7200 (storage)
Optical Drive:	optical 16x CD/DVD RW
CRT/LCD Model:	DUAL 19" Samsung, LG LCDs
Case:	NZXT Lexa Blackline
Sound Card:	Realtek Onboard
PSU:	OCZ 600 Stealth-X-Stream 600W RT
Software:	Windows 7 Ultimate SP2

Oct 31, 2008, 05:44 AM	#2
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	Here are some pics of what I'm working with here my workstation: I'm never out of cyber contact...even when I'm in the basement: My dremel kit: Good ole fation computer repair kit from staples lol: I'll post pics of comp next. __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

System Name:	VAN
Processor:	Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 3.0GHz LGA 775 95W @ 3.0GHz
Motherboard:	ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard
Cooling:	Thermaltake SpinQ VT, front-rear-side 120mm, top-bottom 80mm red LED 1100 RPM@23dba fans
Memory:	Crucial Ballistix Tracer 8GB(2GBx4), DDR2, 800 MHz, 4-4-4-12, 2.0V, w/ LEDs
Video Card:	ATI/RADEON HD4870 1100/800
Hard Disk:	OCZ 60GB SSD (OS) - WD Cav. Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache - Seagate 500GB 7200 (storage)
Optical Drive:	optical 16x CD/DVD RW
CRT/LCD Model:	DUAL 19" Samsung, LG LCDs
Case:	NZXT Lexa Blackline
Sound Card:	Realtek Onboard
PSU:	OCZ 600 Stealth-X-Stream 600W RT
Software:	Windows 7 Ultimate SP2

Oct 31, 2008, 05:54 AM	#3
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	Ok so this is what I am going to attempt at modding: the front: right side: left side: back: __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

Oct 31, 2008, 06:29 AM	#4
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	So I have everything out exept the mobo, hdd, floppy and the 2 humungo dvd drives. Im thinking of tossing the floppy drive and putting the HDD where the floppy currently is. That way i can remove the HDD bracket and there will be at least a little freakin room in the thing. I like keeping the thread updated with pics so... pic update, everything out except HDD, mobo, floppy and 2xDVD: __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ” Last edited by SkyKast; Oct 31, 2008 at 04:15 PM.

Oct 31, 2008, 06:58 AM	#5
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	Ok she's empty except the DVD bracket which requires removal or rivets which i don't want to do tonight. I'm too tired to tell you my ideas right now so ill just give ya a pic update an ill hit the sack. finally empty!: all the parts laid out with exception of DVD drives and floppy: __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

Oct 31, 2008, 10:29 AM	#6
DirkDiggler Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 27 (0.02/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts System Specs	Cool man, let's see what you got. Good pics btw.

System Name:	MozartTx
Processor:	Q6600 GO @3.2GHz
Motherboard:	Gigabyte Ga-P35-DS3L
Cooling:	Tuniq Tower 120
Memory:	4x 1GB OCZ DDR2 800 Plats 800MHz
Video Card:	PNY NVIDIA 9800GTX 800/2000/1200MHz
Hard Disk:	320GB/640GB/1000GB WD AAKS SATA 3.0
Optical Drive:	Sony/NEC Optiarc 18x DVD-R/RW
CRT/LCD Model:	Optiquest Q19wb
Case:	Thermaltake MozartTx SWA
Sound Card:	Creative X-FI XtremeGamer
PSU:	SilverStone ST60F 600W
Software:	Vista SP1 X86

Oct 31, 2008, 10:44 AM	#7
steelkane Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 800 (0.35/day) Thanks: 144 Thanked 238 Times in 204 Posts System Specs	Since there's no video card you would be installing, because you said the hardware is staying,, you could put two 92mm holes in the front & mount the hard drive cage on the bottom floor of the case, this would bring fresh air into the case & also keep your hard drives cool. good luck with your first mod. __________________

System Name:	Stealth 2 Duo Turbine
Processor:	Intel e6850 @ 3.8ghz
Motherboard:	Asus Striker Extreme
Cooling:	CoolerMaster V8 Modded With 2 white LED's & 100CFM fan
Memory:	OCZ DDR2 1066_ SLI Black-4GB
Video Card:	2xMSI 8800GT"s SLI
Hard Disk:	<<HDD For OS>> 2x150GB_Western Digital Raptor_Raid 0. <<HDD For Storage>> 3 x 1TB
Optical Drive:	Lite-On 24x DVD-Burner_Custom black paint
CRT/LCD Model:	ACER B273HU 27" LCD 2048x1152
Case:	Apex SuperCase_Custom 7 month Build
Sound Card:	Striker Extreme Add-In Card HD-Audio
PSU:	EnerMax INFINITI 720watt
Software:	SE7VEN ULTIMATE 64bit
Benchmarks:	3DMark01=NTTA, 3Dmark06=NTTA 3Dmark_Vantage=NTTA, Core Temp v0.99.5=28C

Oct 31, 2008, 12:01 PM	#8
JrRacinFan Served 5k and counting ... Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 16,121 (7.05/day) Thanks: 4,149 Thanked 4,552 Times in 4,027 Posts System Specs	Subscribed and ygpm. Can't wait to see this! __________________ Graphics Artists United™ Request Thread Low Cache CPU Club Solaris Utility DVD 3.0 DanishDevil's Logitech Soundroom TPU Video Gallery Sciencemark Revisited

System Name:	Mine; Hers; Our HTPC; NAS Box
Processor:	i7 2600k : i3 2120 : Celeron G440 : P4 2.6Ghz Nwood
Motherboard:	Asrock Z68 Extreme4 : Asus P8P67 Pro : Asrock H61M/U3S3 : Dell
Cooling:	CM 212+ w/ scythe jyuni : Stock : Stock :Stock
Memory:	2x4GB Ripjawx 1866 cl9 : 2x2GB Corsair 1600 cl9 : 2x2GB Ridgebacks 1066 cl5 : 768MB PC3200
Video Card:	Palit GTX560Ti 2Gb : XFX HD5770 : Integrated : Integrated
Hard Disk:	2x 750GB Raid 0 + Maxtor 500GB : WD Black 1TB+Corsair Nova 2 64GB : Toshiba 750GB : Leftover ATA133
Optical Drive:	Lite-On DVD-RW : Samsung DVD-RW : None : None
CRT/LCD Model:	AOC 21" : AOC 20" : Philips 42" HDTV : Headless
Case:	Rocketfish : CM HAF 912 : Bgears Cube Style case : Dell
Sound Card:	X-Fi Xtremegamer : Onboard : Onboard : Onboard
PSU:	Tt 750W Modular : Antec 500W Earthwatts : Corsair CX430 : Dell's OEM

Oct 31, 2008, 12:23 PM	#9
MoonPig Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wakefield, UK Posts: 4,089 (2.30/day) Thanks: 715 Thanked 903 Times in 621 Posts System Specs	hmm interesting. lucky you, you have tools Good Pictures btw. You should put a window in if your adding neons. __________________ My DeskMod Log \| My Heatware \| My SteamID \| My For Sale \| My Want to Buy Last edited by MoonPig; Oct 31, 2008 at 01:34 PM.

System Name:	[Insert Witty Name Here]
Processor:	Intel Core i7 3930K
Motherboard:	Asus P9X79 Pro
Cooling:	Noctua NH-D14
Memory:	Corsair XMS3 4x4GB @ 1600MHz
Video Card:	MSI GTX560Ti Twin Frozr II
Hard Disk:	OCZ Agility 3 60GB + WD20EARS 2TB
CRT/LCD Model:	Iiyama ProLite X2775HDS-1
Case:	Silverstone FT02
PSU:	Corsair AX750
Software:	Windows 7 Premium 64bit
Benchmarks:	QPad MX50 + Steelseries Ikari Laser

Oct 31, 2008, 02:08 PM	#11
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	ok time to remove those rivets for the DVD drive!! __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

Oct 31, 2008, 02:15 PM	#12
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	a drill bit bites the dust... stupid rivets are steel god dammit, y did i pick a sony they're shit is always high quality any hints or tips on removing rivets? __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

Oct 31, 2008, 02:33 PM	#13
DirkDiggler Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 27 (0.02/day) Thanks: 9 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts System Specs	I am not an expert on drilling steel, but as far as I know a good bit doesn't snap easily like that unless it got caught up from drilling on an angle. Make sure you drill at a 90 degree angle, use a drill press if you have one available, and secure the case down so it doesn't move around.

Oct 31, 2008, 02:55 PM	#15
MoonPig Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wakefield, UK Posts: 4,089 (2.30/day) Thanks: 715 Thanked 903 Times in 621 Posts System Specs	what colour neons? You can get ACRyan coloured plastics. Also, see if you can Meshx the drive bays. That'd look cool. __________________ My DeskMod Log \| My Heatware \| My SteamID \| My For Sale \| My Want to Buy

Oct 31, 2008, 03:21 PM	#17
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	I have a question guys, does the HDD need to ru right-side-up or an i put it upside down? Thanks __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

Oct 31, 2008, 03:34 PM	#18
JrRacinFan Served 5k and counting ... Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 16,121 (7.05/day) Thanks: 4,149 Thanked 4,552 Times in 4,027 Posts System Specs	I beleive just as long as you dont get any strong vibrations from the motor it will be fine. __________________ Graphics Artists United™ Request Thread Low Cache CPU Club Solaris Utility DVD 3.0 DanishDevil's Logitech Soundroom TPU Video Gallery Sciencemark Revisited

Oct 31, 2008, 04:03 PM	#21
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	k what should i do for colors? __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

Oct 31, 2008, 04:14 PM	#22
JrRacinFan Served 5k and counting ... Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Youngstown, OH Posts: 16,121 (7.05/day) Thanks: 4,149 Thanked 4,552 Times in 4,027 Posts System Specs	I say something different that I have never seen before on a pc case: Black and yellow. EDIT Just realized marbleizing would be downright too darn difficult. __________________ Graphics Artists United™ Request Thread Low Cache CPU Club Solaris Utility DVD 3.0 DanishDevil's Logitech Soundroom TPU Video Gallery Sciencemark Revisited

Oct 31, 2008, 04:18 PM	#23
EiSFX Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 501 (0.28/day) Thanks: 45 Thanked 108 Times in 76 Posts System Specs	Well by the looks of your pic there your HDD isen't upside down its looks like its the right way to me with that silverish color aluminum top plate is on the top its looks fine to me

System Name:	Custom FX
Processor:	AMD Phenom II X4 965 @ 4.0 GHz
Motherboard:	Asus M4A88T-V EVO/USB3.0
Cooling:	CPU- CM V8
Memory:	G.SKILL F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL Ripjaws 8GB
Video Card:	Gigabyte GV-R787OC-2GD HD7870 OC @ 1230/1260 (Still Testing)
Hard Disk:	Intel 330 series 60GB OS Drive/Seagate 250 GB Games and stuff
Optical Drive:	LG HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH20NS10 SATA
CRT/LCD Model:	ASUS VE228H 21.5 inch
Case:	Fractal Design Define R4 Window Edition
Sound Card:	Built in HD
PSU:	Silverstone Strider 750 Plus 750W Modular
Software:	Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit

Oct 31, 2008, 04:41 PM	#25
SkyKast Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: massachusetts Posts: 1,137 (0.67/day) Thanks: 476 Thanked 359 Times in 251 Posts System Specs	so i finished compressing the HDD and the DVD's and poped it in with the mobo to do a before after: a good amount of extra space there eh? __________________ My First Mod, c'mon over - Have Our Team Make You A Custom Signature! - Check Out The Official GAU Site Graphic Artists United™ Artist “ if it's stupid but works, it's not stupid. ”

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