Case modification, commonly referred to as case modding, is the modification of a
computer case
A computer case, also known as a computer chassis, is the enclosure that contains most of the hardware of a personal computer. The components housed inside the case (such as the CPU, motherboard, memory, mass storage devices, power supply unit a ...
or a
video game console
A video game console is an electronic device that Input/output, outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can be played with a game controller. These may be home video game console, home consoles, which are generally placed i ...
chassis. Modifying a computer case in any non-standard way is considered a case mod. Modding is done, particularly by
hardware enthusiasts, to show off a computer's apparent power by showing off the internal hardware, and also to make it look aesthetically pleasing to the owner.
Cases may also be modified to improve a computer's performance; this is usually associated with cooling and involves changes to components as well as the case.
History
When personal computers first became available to the public, the majority were produced in simple, beige-colored cases. This design is sometimes referred to be as a ''
beige box
In consumer computer products, a beige box is a standard personal computer (PC). It has come to be used as a term of derision implying conservative or dated aesthetics and unremarkable specifications.
The term is ultimately derived from the styl ...
''. Although this met the purpose of containing the components of the
personal computer
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or tec ...
, many users considered their computers as "tacky" or "dull", and some began modifying their existing chassis, or building their own from scratch. One of the original case mods is the "
Macquarium", which consists of replacing the CRT screen in a
Compact Macintosh
A Compact Macintosh (or Compact Mac) is an all-in-one Apple Mac computer with a display integrated in the computer case, beginning with the original Macintosh 128K. Compact Macs include the original Macintosh through to the Color Classic sold ...
case with a
fishbowl.
A new market for third-party computer cases and accessories began to develop, and today cases are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Today the business of "modding" computers and their cases is a hugely profitable endeavor, and modding competitions are everywhere. Since 2017, Computer hardware companies have started to offer some of their products with built-in RGB LED lighting, replacing earlier Non-RGB LED (single color LED) lighting. Non-RGB LED lighting started to replace earlier