10 Quick And Easy Case Mods

If you are tired of staring at the same old case, try sprucing it up with some inexpensive and (mostly) easy mods:

1. Paint it - The plastic front panel of most modern computers pop or screw right off. Use masking tape or painter's tape to tape off any remaining holes from the inside and cover any areas you may not want painted on the outside, and paint away.
2. Add some design - If you like the industrial/punk look, most craft stores carry reuseable vinyl stickers that you can paint over and remove. Masking tape can be used to tape off a custom design to paint over. If you have a plasma cutter available to you, you can cut out the side and add Plexiglas, or cut designs straight into the case, after removing the components of course ;).
3. Lights make a bold addition to systems with Plexiglas sides.
5. Add a hardware monitor - These are relatively cheap and easy to install. All you need is an empty drive bay.
6. Install a removable drive bay - Even you don't have a drive to fill it, they make great drawers for usb cables, jump drives, or other small items. They are lockable, too.
7. Insert metal screws - Most hardware stores have a huge selection of specialty screws that can add zip to your system. A series of short screws down the edges, around the front panel, or in a simple design on the side can add a polished industrial look to your case.
8. Add light metal and heavy plastic designs - Some specialty hardware stores carry a decent selection of light metals that be easily cut, bent, or used off the shelf for accent pieces. Metal and plastic designs can be found in places like flea markets, auto parts stores, motorcycle shops, and even the local wally world. Add screws or super strength glue, and you're good to go.
9. Add LED's - If you have soldering or electronic skills, LED's can be easily added to any case, anywhere.
10. Customize controls - Adding simple switches to control things like lights, fans, or even power. On most systems, the button covers, or tops, can be interchanged. An empty drive bay could be utilized to create a custom control panel.
11. Create accents with sticker paper - There are millions of images available on the internet, and some are really kewl. Sticker paper can be used to add some clever touches to your case.