Stuff an Entire Macbook Air inside a Keyboard

This intrepid modder has embarked on a project of Ben Heck proportions: converting a Macbook Air with a broken screen into a computer embedded within a keyboard. The modder’s detailed work log includes descriptions of how he overcame problems with wireless interference, getting components to fit, heat build up, and redesigning delicate battery cables.

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Case Mod with Automatic Air Vents for Cooling

Instead of using traditional cooling methods, this modder uses a top panel which opens and closes based upon the computer’s temperature.  Sounds just like the accessory you might need for a powerful gaming PC.

Most of the top panel is taken over by the vents which operate thanks to an Arduino board and servo motor. The Arduino senses the temperature from the motherboard and drives the servo motor to open and close the fins. You can also read the temperature on an illuminated LCD screen near the front part of the top panel. There’s also space left for USB ports, MIC and headphone ports.

The case mod is superbly finished on a styrene sheet cut precisely with water jet cutter. As soon as the power is switched off, the vents slam tight without a gap. Read the discussion threads on the Tempest SXR case mod project.

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Epic Halo Case Mod: The Master Chief Xbox 360

We’ve seen a Wii Mario mod so it was only a matter of time before we saw Master Chief blowing holes through an Xbox 360.  The textures and level of detail on this Halo case mod are absolutely stunning.

On one side, we have Master Chief shooting an assault rifle and the other side features molten circuitry exploding out of the case.  It just sold for $10,000 on eBay with the proceeds going to charity.

Above we can see the molten circuitry exploding through the other side of the case.  Awesome detail and a creative design!

Overall, it’s a uniquely detailed mod with stunning quality.  Microsoft is also auctioning off a dozen consoles featuring various celebrities for charity.   Check out our most popular case mods below:

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How to: 16TB Hard Drive Project

From the maker of the Xbox to Mac transformation project comes another superb build.  This time, he’s shoved over 16TB of hard drive space within roughly the footprint of a standard shoebox.  As usual, he also provided extremely detailed build videos documenting the entire process (watch it below).

The 8 hard drives supply over 16TB of space which is more than adequate for even the most avid data collector. A 120mm single fan keeps the drives functioning at a workable temperature.  Power-wise, the unit performs better than you might imagine, using just 90watts under load, writing at a respectable 88MB/s with 266MB/s read speed.

Build Video:

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Pacman Arcade Game Built from LEGOs

Except the inner electronics, this retro Pac Man gaming arcade is made entirely of LEGOs.  It’s 34 inches tall and enables you can play a variety of 80′s arcade game including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders.

The electronics behind the colorful facade is based on a Jamma 48-in-1 PCB board. Also included is an ATX power supply, a 19 inch Samsung color monitor, and a switchable 4-way/8-way joystick round of the main components.

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Fantastic Water Cooled Wii Build

The Wii doesn’t need to be water cooled, but this fantastic water cooling case mod is just for the looks.  So if you’ve got a CNC and some spare time, you can follow the detailed build log to make your own with a few water pumps and water cooling equipment.

The Wii logo at the bottom is custom machined and allows water to flow through it.  Although most people don’t have the money to build the above, it’s definitely great for inspiring your next case mod project.

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Solder Fume Extractor With Heat Recovery

When snow covers the landscape outside, you do your best to preserve the heat inside. [Tom] came up with a smart design for a solder fume extractor that includes a heat recovery ventilator. He created a housing which contains input and output sections. A fan is used to bring in outside air, passing it through a heat exchanger made of alternating panels of coroplast. (See diagrams of his setup after the break) This is really a simple design, and could be built in a couple of hours.

A little digging turns up some good information on making a heat exchanger like this one. [Tom] doesn’t mention the indoor temperature, so it’s difficult to calculate the efficiency he’s getting out of it. Apparently they can attain up to 70% heat transfer, depending on the size of the heat exchanger.

In the video, [Tom] mentions some obvious improvements that could be made, including more efficient fans, and a better housing that allows the core to be removed for cleaning. Still, this is a simple setup that provides a good proof of concept. Perhaps we’ll get to see a more permanent installation from [Tom] in the future.

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Superb Battlefield 3 Case Mod with Fridge & Minigun

The war between Call of Duty and Battlefield 3 rages on in a case modding competition.  This, of course, is the Battlefield case mod (the Call of Duty mod has not been released yet) which comes with a built in fridge and rotating minigun.  In addition, it has missile launch toggle switches and roll bars for added effect.  Check out the video at the bottom of the page for more detail.

In the front of the case is a fan guard in the shape of a sniper’s crosshairs.  On top, audio ports, HDMI, USB, etc are fully accessible.  See even more pictures.

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Sony PS3 & Xbox 360 Combo Mod

The point of this pod isn’t really to save space, but for the challenge of gutting a console and rebuilding it (something Ben Heck has been doing for years).

Essentially, he just removed all of the hardware from their original cases and move them inside of a typical PC case.  You’d think cooling might be an issue, but apparently it’s well ventilated.  Check out the project gallery for more details.  Unfortunately, full build specs aren’t available.

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Build a Computer into your Desk

We have seen previous case mods where the gadget can be seamlessly concealed without sacrificing ergonomics. The idea behind this computer case mod was similar: build a computer inside a desk to hide all peripheral devices and cables.  The desk drawer is used as the computer case and the creator carefully planned heat removal techniques (an oversized processor heat sink and a few extra fans).

Everything (mouse, keyboard, etc.) is connected via USB extension cables so the drawer can be operated normally.  A USB hub sits on the desk and is used for connecting cameras, thumbdrives and other peripherals.  Top it off with some cool blue LEDs and you’re done!  See how it comes together in the slideshow.

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Convert an Old Xbox 360 into a Fish Tank

Here’s an idea for your fried RROD Xbox: Make a fish tank out of it!  We’ve seen similar case mods, but this one is unique because of its size constrains and use of real coral.  Yep, you read that right.  In addition to coral, he managed to stuff crabs, shrimp, snails, and fish.

The window for viewing was cut via water jet and the tank was custom made to fill as much room inside the console as possible.  All electrical wiring and power supply are inside the original power supply box.  Lighting is supplied by a single color-changing RGB LED strip, which can be controlled by a remote. Check out details on the project to build your own.

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Superb Battlefield 3 Case Mod with Fridge & Minigun

The war between Call of Duty and Battlefield 3 rages on in a case modding competition.  This, of course, is the Battlefield case mod (the Call of Duty mod has not been released yet) which comes with a built in fridge and rotating minigun.  In addition, it has missile launch toggle switches and roll bars for added effect.  Check out the video at the bottom of the page for more detail.

In the front of the case is a fan guard in the shape of a sniper’s crosshairs.  On top, audio ports, HDMI, USB, etc are fully accessible.  See even more pictures.

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Open Air, Vertical Case Mod Built by Hand (No CNC)

Let’s face it, even some of the best case mods we feature are built in a typical shape: a rectangular prism. This mod, on the other hand, literally thinks outside the box by mounting the computer’s components in an vertical, open air configuration.

“The bottom of the case houses the PSU, water cooling pump & reservoir, a fan controller, and a 7″ touchscreen (underneath the radiators).  The standing backbone of the case is only 3cm wide and contains the watercooling tubing, wiring for motherboard, 2 SSD’s and the RGB LED controller.”

The entire mod was built it by hand using basic tools (files, hacksaw and a small drill).  No CNCs were used.  Top it all off with some sexy blue LEDs and you’ve got an epic case mod!  The build document was well photographed throughout the construction process to help understand how the entire chassis was built.  Hopefully it has inspired your own case modding projects!

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How to: Build a PC into your Coffee Table

We’ve seen some neat computers built into desks before, but this build brings the PC straight into the living room (complete with water cooling).

 The entire coffee table was built from scratch using 2″x6″ planks, so you’ll need to harness your inner carpenter to pull this off.  Although the image above looks like you’d have to hunch over to use the PC, the ledge in front of the monitor is actually a footrest.  The mouse and keyboard are wireless, allowing the user to relax on the couch.

After sanding, staining, and applying protective resin, the computer innards were installed including:

• 16GB RAM
• ASUS P8 Z77-VLK Motherboard
• i5 3570k 3.4 GHz processor
• Gigabyte Nvidia GTX 550Ti video card
• 128GB Solid State hard drive
• Liquid cooling.

Check out the detailed project pictures to see how it all came together!

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Literally “Go Green” with this Eco-Inspired Case Mod

This PC modder wanted to do something entirely unique…Something to contrast typical LED case mods.  The result is a PC which utilizes its excess heat to encourage the germination and growth of plants which live directly on top of the PC.  Plus, the computer itself is built using recycled parts which were salvaged from “broken” PCs.

  With its quirky design and concept, this PC strives to balance technology and nature.  By adding some soil and wheatgrass, this technological garden is not only unique, but also practical.  For more details and full pictures of the construction process, check out the green PC buildlog.

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Star Wars Xbox 360 Case Mod

Although you can purchase an off the shelf Star Wars themed Xbox 360 from Amazon, this case modder wanted the challenge of creating his own.  First, he replaced the side panel with a clear plastic window. Then, he added a spectacular Jango Fett helmet on top.  Behind the helmet is a modified CD housing which creates the silhouette of the Death Star.  Awesome stuff!

Of course, no mod is complete without some sexy LEDs!  Additionally, the controllers were also modified:  They feature blue D-Pads, joysticks, and blue & silver casings.  Plus, one features an image of a clone trooper while the other features the Mandalorian emblem.  Another solid example of a simple, yet superb DIY case mod.

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