Many people are willing to use their computer as a tool to get work done, or amuse with games or other diversions. The computer is something that sits, waiting to do the bidding of the user, otherwise taking up space that could be used by something more pleasing to the eye of others in the dwelling. For whatever reason, the better halves usually find some reason why the machine really should be hidden away when not in use.

Some, however, look upon this wonder of metal, plastic, wires, and silicon as a thing of beauty, or at least they wish it was. For them, an entire cottage industry has come into existence. This is the land of computer modding.

Modding takes many forms. It can be a shiny new paint job on that otherwise nondescript box without insignia. It can be the addition of a water cooling system, to allow that last fps when playing Counterstrike. It can be something to make others that visit the dwelling take notice, hopefully making the conclusion that there is some serious computing happening at this house.

For those who wish to undertake this endeavor, there is perhaps no place better to start than the A.C. Ryan Web site [here].

This site not only has plenty of things to make your wallet lighter, it has many ideas from others who have used the products. Pictures abound. It is easy to get an idea of what the items might look like in your installation. There are cables, fans, sheets of aluminum and steel, lighting, and all other manner of dress up goodies. For those who need to justify the expense with the idea of better performance, there are many items which will reduce noise, lengthen life, or increase reliability of one’s computer.

From mild to wild, there are items to buy and pictures of computers so different from that beige (or black) box in the corner of your room, as to delight your imagination for many hours.

[tags]computer, modification, water cooling, cold cathode light, rounded cables, l.e.d. fans[/tags]