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[Official] OCN Beigemodders Club - From Trash to Treasure

80K views 583 replies 78 participants last post by  Raphie 
#1 · (Edited)
So you went and found the ugliest, crappiest, beige box in your attic/closet/garage, and you're sitting there thinking:

"Should I just throw this away?"


Or maybe, instead, you could put many hours and probably more money than a new case would have cost into that bad boy, transforming it from a beige horror into a joy to behold.

Your friends will think you're nuts.

The other guys on OCN will be overcome by waves of nostalgia washing outward from your mod log.

You roll up your sleeves and get to work.

You have found your people.

Why would anyone do this?
Let's be honest, sure you could go out and buy a cheap new case, spend $20 and a few hours, and have a better case than one of those decade-old beige boxes. If the point was to save some bucks, well that was a massive fail. But that's not the point. The point is:

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

That's right. It's one thing to take a modern, well-designed case and tweak it to make it a personalized, customized work of wonder. It's quite another to take a case with the PSU in the wrong place, nowhere to mount front fans, drive cages in the wrong place, and no place for cable management, and turn it into a work of art.

What are we about?
  • Beigemodding - Stories, mod logs, and how-to's to take a beige box from trash to treasure. Sharing tips and tricks that are specific to many beige case mods.
  • Other Budgetmodding - Taking other low-end cases and Improving them with everyday materials. We'll talk about inexpensive substitutes for more expensive modding materials.


What kinds of things will we discuss?
In this thread, we will discuss topics including:

  • Where to find a beigecase / budget case to start with
  • DIY techniques (flipping mobo, trimming cases, rotating drive bays, etc)
  • Cheap alternatives to expensive special-purpose supplies.


What kinds of things are we not focused on?

  • We're not so much into store-bought custom hardware. We've seen some fantastic looking cases done that way, but we're interested in using everyday materials (as much as possible) in mods. We want modding to be as easy as running to the neighborhood hardware store and to come from your own hard work.
  • We're not focused on pro-level thousand-dollar mods. We've all seen some incredible work by professional and semi-pro modders. But we are more interested in what can be done on limited budgets.
  • We're not going to spend a lot of time talking about special-ordering finished components and outsourcing large portions of our builds. Again, there are some third-party case modding companies and CNC milling vendors out there that can redo an entire case to your design. But that's not what we're about. Now, if you send a custom logo off to be engraved or milled, that's fine, but that sort of work shouldn't be the majority of the mod.
  • Ghetto-modding. While we are focused on modding on a budget, we're not talking about, for example, encasing your computer in expanding foam like this guy, or in a cardboard box like this guy. We are looking for folks who want to take pride in their work.


How do I join?
For Beigemodders, all you have to do is have a beigemod starting, in-progress or completed.

For non-beige budgetmodders, we'd like to first see your mod log and what your plans are for the mod, to ensure it meets our focus.

Now, we're not completely rigid that the starting case has to be beige, but it should have some of the typical characteristics of an old beige box such as:


  • Stamped steel construction
  • External 3.5" drive bays for floppy drives
  • All drive bays face front-to-back
  • Poor air flow characteristics (undersized fan holes, etc)


Once you have joined, copy and paste the following into your signature so we can help spread the Love of Rehabilitated Beige throughout the cosmos!
Code:
OCN Beigemodders Club


Members and Mods:

COMPLETE
Jhereg10 - [COMPLETE] Relic - A Beigemod First Case Mod
BruceB - [COMPLETE] Building a 20€ LAN PC
MCCSolutions - [COMPLETE] Blood-Drenched Alien
XIP28 - [COMPLETE] Retro 486
XAslanX - [COMPLETE] Tribal Leo (Syrillian Tribute)
strangelybrown [COMPLETE] Beigesleeper
Shobai - [COMPLETE] Chopped Down Beige Case
RKDxpress - [COMPLETED] Untitled Full Tower
sinnedone - [COMPLETE] Gaming Build in Sleeper Case
geopouros - [COMPLETE] Beigemod
repo_man - [COMPLETED] Phoenix
SwishaMane - [COMPLETE] Lean Mean Green Machine
PowerG4 - [COMPLETED] Back in Beige
rathborne - [COMPLETE] Sovereign - Antec Plus 1080AMG case mod

IN PROGRESS
AlderonnX - [IN PROGRESS] Conundrum Steampunk Inwin Q2000 and [PROPOSED] Untitled Beigemod
MCCSolutions - [IN PROGRESS] Red Berry Ciroc

MCCSolutions - [IN PROGRESS] Red Berry Ciroc and [COMPLETE] Blood-Drenched Alien

Ron1389 - [IN PROGRESS] Ancient Evolution
Yannich - [IN PROGRESS] Low Budget 775 ITX System Project // Wood
Wihglah - [PROPOSED] Untitled Project
Lurker2501 - [PROPOSED] Untitled Project
SlamberGamer - [IN PROGRESS] Untitled Project
8BitPandaz - [PROPOSED] Dell Optiplex
Ferrari8608 - [PROPOSED] Full Tower

Dortheleus - [IN PROGRESS] Full Custom Mini ITX Case First Mod

Metro Fail - SUnfire V880 Server Chassis
Qake - Build Log Beta
Astronaughty - Planned Beigemod
Konkistadori - sl33p3r-mpc
spdaimon - Addtronics Mid Tower
ReaperN1 - Dell 3000 LED Fan Mod
s7Design - Raised from the Dead
gizmo347 - Packard Bell A1090-T Sleeper
Radnad - Build Log Pending
PowerG4 - Beige Modding 2
trevorludgate and FloofyFox - Beige Case Modding Competition!
X-Predator - From Old School to New
Heedehcheenuh - Neenees Toy
RoostrC0gburn - Project Edith
HZCH - OldP4
yasirjamal - Darked E7
Frank08 - 10.35L
MrN1ceguy - Blue Matrix
heb1001 - Mac Classic Forever
KuKIE - Y2K Year 2000 Hardware Ready and Computerflage Azza Helios 910
Dalchi Frusche -
Double Dragon

Carniflex - Jupiter PSR 4609D7
 
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1
#3 ·
Beigemodders Hall of Fame

s7Design's Raised from the Dead - COMPLETE



This six-month effort combined not one, but TWO beige-like computer cases into a single entity! The bottom case in the upper photo was cut in half and turned into a cooling box, while the upper became the main system. Modifications included custom 3D printed parts, completely retooled interior, custom foam panels, custom water loop, awesome custom paint scheme and decal work, and the list just keeps going on and on! He even used a small automotive radiator! This case came in second place in a Mod of the Month competition on another site! For details on means and methods, visit his mod log!

Jhereg10's Relic - COMPLETE
AppleMark

This seven-month effort was an attempt to take a relic of a beige box and turn it into a thing of beauty. Highlights of the build include: hand-sculpted front bezel, custom paint job, custom window, flipped mobo, paracord sleeving, scratch-built cable management panels, scratch-built PSU shield, hand-made backlit logo, rotated and vented drive cage, and 120mm fan holes throughout. Jhereg10 used locally available materials as much as possible including PVC pipe, body filler, foam board, and salvaged materials from the original case. Most of the internal system components were purchased from the OCN members through the Marketplace. For details on means and methods, visit his mod log!

repo_man's Phoenix - COMPLETE
AppleMarkAppleMark
AppleMark

repo_man completed this build way back in 2008, but the final product is timeless! From the dual jet intake front fans, to the duel rear exhaust fans, this thing has serious airflow and serious looks. Add to that the clean interior and a custom 90 degree HDD mod in the 5.25" drive bay, and you just can't go wrong. And then there's the cable management. Those old PSUs and cases weren't easy to get that clean look from, but he did it. Well done sir. Well done indeed. For details on means and methods, visit his mod log!

BruceB's 20€ LAN PC - COMPLETE - June 2014 MOTM NOMINEE!


BruceB took an ugly beige box, so ugly we used it as our example on the first post, and took it all the way to the top. Including but not limited to cutting it down to about 75% of its original size, a custom paint job, home-made LED light strip, vinyl wrapping the PSU and GPU backplate, and custom window mod, this mod epitomizes what a quality beigemod can be. For details on means and methods, visit his mod log!

XIP28's Retro 486 - COMPLETE


XIP28's PC started out its life as a bland, cookie cutter, office box. But no longer! He tackled that most dreaded of beigeboxes, the U-Shaped Shell From Hades, and bent it (no pun in tended) to his will. A snazzy new paintjob, a surface-mounted plate with backlighting on one side panel, and some excellent windows on the other and he was in business. This is one box that's not ashamed to proclaim its 486-ish-ness! For details on means and methods, visit his mod log!

XAslanX's Tribal Leo Syrillian Tribute - COMPLETE



XAslanX made a marvelous tribute to Syrillian using a smoke and dust-filled beige box he found at a thrift store. He cleaned it out, disassembled it, cut new fan holes, and gave it a gorgeous paint job with intricate stencil work. After rounding it out with some more modern internals, he breathed new life into that case. For details on means and methods, visit his mod log!
 
#4 ·
In so in this I am a Budgetmodding expert! I have many build logs:

In Progress:

"Righteous Gamer"
"Star Citizen"
"Army Strong"
"Black Edition"
"Simple Desk Build"
"Red Berry Ciroc"
"Boba Fett"

Unfinished, Scrapped or On-Hold:


"Jewel"
"Trench"

Budget Builds:

"Blood Drenched Alien"
"M11x R2 Black OPS II Edition"
"Scorch"

Regular builds:

"FATAL"

Custom Items(Artisan):

Uni Bay Display

Custom Bottle Reservoirs
Overclockers Delight

Now granted not all my builds are Budget but one thing you will find is that I have creative and innovative ways to save money and make the builds unique and awesome! I also am able to afford high end hardware on some of them just because I saved money in so many ways on some of the needed items! I never pay retail for anything!
biggrin.gif
I have also done quite a few dumpster build but never had them on OCN and no longer have pics
rolleyes.gif
RIP 3TB HDD.....
mad.gif


Anyhow looking forward to sharing and seeing where this goes!
 
#7 ·
Glad to see you're interested @MCCSolutions!
I've just posted a link in my build log, maybe we'll get some other members soon!
smile.gif
 
#8 ·
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by MCCSolutions View Post

In so in this I am a Budgetmodding expert!!
Great to have you! I've heard stories about some of your clever repurposings of components!

Quote:
Originally Posted by AlderonnX View Post

I have a couple. Links added
Thanks! Those are perfect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by XIP28 View Post

So here is my good old 486 with new looks
Excellent. That's exactly the kind of mod we want to showcase. I'll add it to the showcase thread later.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kgtuning View Post

Subbed for for! Especially after seeing this guy here ...
Good to have you following us!
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlderonnX View Post

Awesome! I really need to get going on that giant beige case... This might be the push I need
smile.gif
Can't wait to see it, man. I'm impressed by how it started out!
 
#11 ·
1. Where Can I Find a Beige Box to Mod? How Much Should I Pay?


For our first "instructional" post, we want to help you find your very first beige box that you can violate, devastate, and/or mod to your heart's content.

So, where should you look to find an old junker of a biege box?
  • You might have one hanging around the house, in the attic, in a closet, or *gasp* currently in use. How easy is that?
  • Universities, Schools, libraries, businesses may have held onto old stuff in a store room or have tossed it outside for disposal. Ask if you can look at their electronics recycling pile.
  • E-Waste Recycling locations. Your ability to dig through these may be limited, but doesn't hurt to ask.
  • Freecycle or other Free Giveaway advertisements/websites
  • Craigslist or international "for sale" site equivalent. (please notify us of equivalents in other countries)
  • Ebay or equivalent. Be aware that shipping costs may make this not really worth the bother. However, often you can filter by distance from you, and you may find one close enough to pick up.
  • Local PC Repair Shops. Note that sometimes they are stingy about them, other times they'll practically give them to you.
  • Local newspaper and online for sale advertisements.
  • Garage/Yard sales
  • Pawn shops

How much should you pay for a beige box?

Arguably, the best price is free. And many of the above you will be able to achieve that.

If the case is completely empty, and they want actual coin, you shouldn't pay more than $10 / 5€ for one. And only that if the case looks to be in good condition.

If the case contains some old components, you may be able to salvage some sheet metal, wiring, connectors, or other goodies from it. In that case, it's not crazy to pay $20 / 15€ for it.

In our next post, we'll talk about what features will make modding easier or more difficult. Stay tuned!
 
#15 ·
#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by ron1389 View Post

Soon I'll be starting my beige mod.
This is the big beauty I'll be using.

Any Ideas???
Good to see another beigemodder on OCN!
smile.gif

That case looks pretty good from the pictures. I think I'd do these mods:
-Window
-New front panel for better airflow
-Remove ODD cage (I never use an ODD, not sure if you do?)
biggrin.gif

-Flip MB tray (if panels allow)
-If you flip the MB tray, maybe put a pair of 120mm fans in the top?

That's about all I can think of atm. Which mods do you have in mind?
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceB View Post

Good to see another beigemodder on OCN!
smile.gif

That case looks pretty good from the pictures. I think I'd do these mods:
-Window
-New front panel for better airflow
-Remove ODD cage (I never use an ODD, not sure if you do?)
biggrin.gif

-Flip MB tray (if panels allow)
-If you flip the MB tray, maybe put a pair of 120mm fans in the top?

That's about all I can think of atm. Which mods do you have in mind?
Unfortunately the bottom and the top and the MB tray are made out of one piece. So that won't be an option.

I was thinking about:
-Window
-Different color
-More/better airflow
-Custom cable lengths

I don't know yet what more I'm going to do with it.
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by ron1389 View Post

Unfortunately the bottom and the top and the MB tray are made out of one piece. So that won't be an option.
I was thinking about:
-Window
-Different color
-More/better airflow
-Custom cable lengths
I don't know yet what more I'm going to do with it.
Bummer, it can be a bit of a lottery when you pick up a beige case; that's why we've got an article planned to help potential beigemodders pick the right case.
thumb.gif


The mods you have planned look good to me, what are your plans for airflow? If you've got space between the MB tray and the 'back' door then I'd think about cutting some cable-management holes in the MB tray.
smile.gif
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by ron1389 View Post

Unfortunately the bottom and the top and the MB tray are made out of one piece. So that won't be an option.

I was thinking about:
-Window
-Different color
-More/better airflow
-Custom cable lengths

I don't know yet what more I'm going to do with it.
New buttons!

Also could you strip it down a bit more so we can see how it's put together?
 
#22 ·
I am so doing this. I have a couple of old cases in the garage. I need to get them all out and see what potential there is.
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceB View Post

Bummer, it can be a bit of a lottery when you pick up a beige case; that's why we've got an article planned to help potential beigemodders pick the right case.
thumb.gif


The mods you have planned look good to me, what are your plans for airflow? If you've got space between the MB tray and the 'back' door then I'd think about cutting some cable-management holes in the MB tray.
smile.gif
I was thinking about adding fans to the front and bottom (intake?).
I think I have just enough space between the tray and panel but I'm not sure.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhereg10 View Post

New buttons!

Also could you strip it down a bit more so we can see how it's put together?
Good one!!!

I'll make some photo's when I've taken it apart. That won't take too long.
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by ron1389 View Post

I was thinking about adding fans to the front and bottom (intake?).
I think I have just enough space between the tray and panel but I'm not sure.
Good one!!!

I'll make some photo's when I've taken it apart. That won't take too long.
Sweet. Are you going to put updated internals or leave it as a retro mobo as well? If you switched the mobo to a smaller form factor it might give you more flexibility in modding the case.
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wihglah View Post

I am so doing this. I have a couple of old cases in the garage. I need to get them all out and see what potential there is.
Line em up and send pics!
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhereg10 View Post

Sweet. Are you going to put updated internals or leave it as a retro mobo as well? If you switched the mobo to a smaller form factor it might give you more flexibility in modding the case.
I'll keep the components. It's something you don't see everyday (not anymore).
 
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