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Does Your PC Have What it Takes to be the Rig of the Month?

The Maximum PC Staff — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:45:18 -0600

Have you spent countless hours shedding blood, sweat, and tears into your Kick Ass mod? Does your mod have your friends and family drenching you in compliments? If so, have your rig shine alongside the elite crew of modders by submitting your rig to MaximumPC’s Rig of the Month contest! Every month, one talented modder and his rig will be featured in the magazine before the entire world to see, as well as rewarded with a $250 gift certificate! We know you’re interested, so read on for contest rules and details.

TO ENTER: Your submission packet must contain your name, street address, and daytime phone number; no fewer than three high-res JPEGs (minimum size 1024x768) of your modified PC; and a 300-word description of what your PC represents and how it was modified. Emailed submissions should be sent to rig@maximumpc.com. Snail mail submissions should be sent to Rig of the Month, c/o Maximum PC, 4000 Shoreline Court, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080.

The judges will be Maximum PC editors, and they will base their decision on the following criteria: creativity and craftsmanship.

ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD. Your contest entry will be valid until (1) six months after its submission or (2) the contest ends, whichever date is earlier. Each month a winner will be chosen from the existing pool of valid entries and featured in the Rig of the Month department of the magazine. Each of the judging criteria (creativity and craftsmanship) will be weighed equally at 50 percent. By entering this contest you agree that Future US, Inc. may use your name and your mod’s likeness for promotional purposes without further payment. All prizes will be awarded and no minimum number of entries is required. Prizes won by minors will be awarded to their parents or legal guardians. Future US, Inc. is not responsible for damages or expenses that the winners might incur as a result of the Contest or the receipt of a prize, and winners are responsible for income taxes based on the value of the prize received. A list of winners may also be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Future US, Inc. c/o Maximum PC Rig of the Month, 4000 Shoreline Ct, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080. This contest is limited to residents of the United States. No purchase necessary; void in Arizona, Maryland, Vermont, Puerto Rico, and where prohibited by law

The Coolest SSD Mod Ever!

Gordon Mah Ung — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:15:39 -0500

SSD’s are hot, but how do you mount your new 2.5-inch solid state drive in a 3.5-inch bay without it looking ghettolicious?

The answer: Use a VelociRaptor’s extruded aluminum shell with Intel’s wicked fast SSD. The result is one a combination even better than peanut butter and chocolate if we may so say our selves.

Does it make sense to do this with a live VelociRaptor? Probably not, but we just happened to have a dead unit and rather than toss it in the garbage, we shucked out the dead drive by removing the four Torqx screws and mounted the Intel X25-M in its place. You can actually do this with a live VelociRaptor but you’ll immediately void the warranty on the drive. Does an SSD need all that aluminum to keep it cool? The answer is no, but it sure looks cool, right?

Mod Blog: A Tribute to Tributes!

Chris "MantaBase" Adcock — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:54:56 -0600

It’s natural that after modding a few cases of your own you come to realize that you really don’t need anymore mods in your own space. Ignoring that silly feeling - you mod a few more cases until you realize you really don’t have room for anymore mods. Alas, a single home has limits on the number of mods it can take. Yet, you still need to scratch that modding itch. What’s a modder to do?

Stop looking at the cat that way.

Fear not modder friends! There is a solution.

The Tribute Mod.

Tribute mods solve a few problems. They let us mod without our end product ending up in storage for lack of room. They provide a person or group with a super unique case (if not entire system). They get a modder exposure – they inspire – and frankly, it’s just a flat out cool thing to do. If you can’t mod for yourself, mod for others!

You can find examples of tribute PC’s all over the interwebs from modders who are on their first or second piece, to folks like Paul Capello, Stu King, or Bill Owen - who together have done dozens of top end mods. Of course, if searching the interwebs seems too daunting a task, you can look no further than our own Maximum PC forums where we have examples of a few tribute PCs. In fact, member and accomplished modder XcaliburFX recently completed his tribute mod “Venimus, Vidimus, Vicimus” for a special member of his 5 year old game clan (5 years!). The system shows a pretty unique blend of etching both metal and plastic. I’m sure we’ll see it at the Mod Shop soon!

Keep on moddin’ folks – and consider doing it for a cause!

Today’s bling is actually another thread in our forums - this one has plenty of chrome :)

XcaliburFX images from Maximum PC Forums.

Mod Blog: Dremel's EZLock System

Chris "MantaBase" Adcock — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:30:32 -0600

Rotary tools and cut-off wheel should be in just about every modder's tool kit. Together they can cut windows in side panels, take ends off of screws that are just a wee bit too long, and, in a skilled hand, cut artistic designs in plastic, acrylic or metal.

My only complaint with rotary tools and cutoff wheels is that they wear very fast and changing them is a pain. Switching out a cutoff wheel requires a tiny wrench and screwdriver to remove the tiny arbor screw (which you will eventually lose) and hands more steady than a brain surgeon that specializes in hummingbirds.

Dremel has felt my (and your) pain. The EZ Lock system from Dremel looks to try to end the switch-a-roo snafu with a quick change mandrel and special attachments. And does it work? You bet! I can switch out a cutoff wheel in 2 second flat now – and no lost arbor screw.

But wait, there’s more!

The starter kit can be had for <$20 USD and includes the mandrel and five double-life cutoff wheels for metal. Other available accessories include cutoff wheels for both wood and plastic – and, a diamond impregnated wheel for ceramic and soft stone cutting (DIY Go-L anyone?). Dremel also offers EZLock polishing wheels and pre-impregnated (180, 280, and 350 grit) polishing buffs.

Not using a Dremel? The mandrel is 1/8” diameter and has a 35,000 RPM maximum. Of course, check with your rotary tool’s manufacturer to see if they feel it’s compatible.

Happy Cuttin’

Today’s bling is the Pimp Rig tribute video coming out of that well known Minnesota mod shop and includes cameos of some of the best modders in the lower 48. Enjoy, but grab some popcorn – it’s 20 minutes+.

Multi-function Modding

Chris Adcock — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:24:06 -0600

Since Santa felt the need to hold back on my flux capacitor last month (Dear Santa – Planetary Security is not an excuse!), I decided to order a multi-function panel. These little gems have both form and function. They rarely get the coverage they deserve. Not too pricey either. You can pick one up for less than the Murph keeps in his pizza fund (where do you think I got the money?).

Am I promoting bolt-a-bling? Sure I am – nothing wrong with an accessory here and there. I picked up an Aero Cool unit myself. It takes up two bays and will monitor temperature and fan speed. It also works as a fan controller and has a few other goodies. Of course, there are a number brands and many different looks, options and functions. Some monitor temperatures, some monitor fan speed, some even monitor ambient audio signals. Panel styles range from “automotive” to “Def-Con 9 missile launcher” (sorry, no Hello Kitty motifs). Most of these are easy to install and typically offer more accurate monitoring than software solutions (and they look cooler). These are perfect for a “first mod” to get in to the sport, or even to top off a pro-level mod.

Normally they have to be installed to function, but a bit of fiddling in the lab and we managed to light this one up hooked directly to a PSU.

I can’t wait to install it fully! Then I will Rule The World!!1!

Wait – No, Santa, that was just a joke – really!

Happy Moddin’!

In today’s bling, Bill Owen let’s you stand next to his fire (and his airbrush).

Mod Blog: Post Holiday Shopping

Chris "MantaBase" Adcock — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:48:48 -0600

With the Holidays past, I decided to do some post holiday shopping and picked up a few things Santa held back from me - most likely in an attempt to save the planet from disaster (Really, I can’t see why I didn’t merit a flux capacitor – I’ve been extra good!).

I pickup up one of these multifunction panels from a trusty e-tailer and hope to see it delivered soon. I’ll report on my experience after I break…..erm…install it. In the mean time, the whole shopping experience got me wondering if modders realize just how many resources are available to them. Of course there are places like Xoxide and MNPCtech that specialize in accessories for modding, but not all modding materials have to come from a modding specific source. In the past I have blogged about products from art/hobby and hardware retailers, but I seem to always forget about one type of retailer you may have right around the corner. The auto accessory/parts shop in your neighborhood may have just what you need to top off that mod.

12V, 20A Blue LED switches - ready for deployment!

Car enthusiasts and PC enthusiasts have a great deal in common (just ask Jon Philips, MPC’s editorial director, who is into both). As such, you can find a great deal of moddelicious stuff at an auto parts retailer; pin striping, u-channel, chrome flame siding, hood scoops, switches, speakers, cable sleeving, and of course, no mod is complete without a new oil filter.

A bit of paint and these side scoops will be great mod accents (and functional)

The nice thing about the electronic auto bling you find in these stores is that it’s all 12 volt (and mostly <20 amps) – just waiting to be hooked to a nice PSU. For me though, I like walking around and getting ideas by looking at stuff. Sure, the employees give me odd looks – and the store security guys seem to find me attractive, but ideas are around every chamois filled end-cap.

Can you get more stylish than using a 1965 Ford Mustang Washer reservoir as your water cooling reservoir? I think not.

Today’s bling is MNPCtech’s Full Metal Alchemist Tribute video.

Enjoy, and Happy Moddin!

Maximum Modding News: December

Chris "MantaBase" Adcock — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:16:18 -0600

Pump up the Volume: Metku Mods is an international modding site known – well, internationally. They have a reputation for letting their modding skills go beyond just PC mods. Their newest finished project is a portable boom box you can hook up to any device an RCA adaptor can be found for. With a battery life of 20+ hours, you could party ‘til the cows come home!

Shop Talk: ModShop.net saw Deathstarchris’ MAX PC take the November tourney. Who will take December? Take on you roll as The Decider - vote for your favorite mod. This month’s tourney has entered its Sweet 16 - soon to be the Elite Eight of December ought 7.

The blogging will continue until morale improves: MNPCtech is known for inspirational videos (of the modding kind). But wait, there’s more! Now there’s a blog! Check out MNPCtech Holiday Ideas. (Did I mention I could really use some of those fan grills Santa? Oh….and one of those compressors… I NEED one of those!)

All Dressed Up with Someplace to Go: The Best Case Scenario finally completed their long awaited site make over, and we have to say….It’s schweet! Check it out - and check out the Modcasts. Oh…and the Gallery…and the Hall of Fame. Nice TBCS!

December ROTM Winner: December's Rig of the Month winner is David Broadwater's Fridge PC. A game rig inside a fridge with enough room left to cool some frosty caffienated beverages. David wins a $500 spree at Buy.com for his winning entry! 'Gratz David! You can check out David winning mod in the December issue of Maximum PC (page 144).

Happy Holidays All, and Happy Moddin’from the MPC Mod Blog!

Today’s bling is a reminder to remember your pets this holiday season.

Modding: Failure is an Option

Chris "MantaBase" Adcock — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 11:52:48 -0600

I have been chugging away on Project Nautilus despite the Holidays. Those of you keeping up know I’ve been installing a “window in window” mod on the side panel. One of the obstacles I faced was, that in order to center the inside window, I felt it was best to mount the acrylic to get the measurements right and cut it while mounted. Another problem I faced was that I dropped from 1/4 inch acrylic to 1/8 inch because of clearance issues.

So, I mounted the acrylic up to the side panel window using Scotch/3M “Red Super Tape” (RST). RST is amazing stuff. It’s obviously made with some alien technology acquired in Roswell by 3M. Once you tape an acrylic window up with RST, consider it permanent.

I measured out to get the center mark of the window for my next cut. I grabbed my 5 inch (127mm) monster hole saw, put some tape over the cutting area, clamped the piece down, pre-drilled the pilot hole, and I was ready to cut.

Usually when you want to cut acrylic with a hole saw you clamp a sacrificial backing to the piece (a piece of plywood or scrap acrylic). This stops the acrylic from flexing and the saw from grabbing - both of which will crack an acrylic piece. I didn’t really have that option as the piece was mounted to the side panel and there is a gap. Still, I have cut plenty of 1/4 inch acrylic without a backing and without cracking.

The moment the saw hit the acrylic, I knew I had a problem. The weight of the drill alone flexed the material. This is 1/8 inch - not 1/4 inch acrylic.

I turned my personal skill dial to “11”. I knew if I made the cut slowly and if the saw didn’t grab, I would be fine. The cut took well over one minute before starting to break through on the back side. Right at the end the saw grabbed and flexed the acrylic slightly just as the cut finished and the “blank” dropped. Not a big deal, the cut looked fine - with tape around it.

I removed the tape and found the result of that tiny flexing. A nice little crack was created; ready to propagate all the way through the acrylic. I drilled a little hole to prevent it from spreading its plastic disease (the haze in the image is from the protective coating). It won’t show because it will be covered by a piece of brass, but I will have to fix it eventually - I know it’s there and it will drive me nuts.

Lesson (re)learned: Use a sacrificial backing when cutting through plastic/acrylic.

Good news: Well, I should have made a template for this cut – now I have the cracked piece to use as one.

Bad news: In order to get said template I will have to somehow pry it loose from the alien death grip of the Red Super Tape.

Happy(er) Modding – and Happy Holidays!

Todays Bling comes from The Best Case Scenario’s Hall Of Fame Gallery. It’s Project XIXIV from Floriske.nl. Enjoy!