AlanBarber.Org
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
The Ultimate Case Modder Tools
I just found two of the coolest tools every computer case modder should have. These aren’t power tools like a dremel or a drill. These are websites just perfect for the hardcore case modder.
The first is a website called eMachineShop.com.
They are an online machine shop. You just download and install their free CAD (Computer Aided Design) software and create parts. You can then order the parts right from them. The software automatically figures out how to make the part and calculates the cost for you.
How cool is that!?! Real hardcore case modders could design custom parts or even entire computer cases and have them built and shipped right do their front door. Well you would still have to put the case together. They don’t currently do any assembly or welding work. Still it sure saves time having them make the parts.
The second website is called Pad2Pad.com.
They are an online printed circuit board manufacture. Similar to eMachineShop they have a program you download to your computer then you can design your own printed circuit boards. Once you have the board created you can just order it and have it delivered to your door.
This would be great for designing custom electronic parts for a computer mod. Things like a case fan controller, light controller, etc. They have pretty limited abilities as far as circuit printing right now. They only support 2 sided single layer printing. So you couldn’t for example create a complete custom motherboard or video card right now. Your average motherboard can have somewhere between 4 and 8 layers. They claim they are going to offer more features so in the future it might be possible!
Now that’s the thing that thrills me about this place. If they ever start doing multilayer boards and let you put on all sorts of custom components, a modder with enough enginnering skill could in theory build a custom motherboard to fit their custom case they made at eMachineShop. Now that’s a modders wet dream!
I need to give props to LanWizard over at Da LAN Tech for sharing the links in this thread.
on 08/24/2004 at 08:30 PM