Mod of the Month - February 2008

Building Better Words

by E.E.L. Ambiense
Worklog

I'll admit it – I love the Alien series of movies. It's one of my all-time favourites. But despite that, even I needed to look up the reference that E.E.L. Ambiense is bringing to our forums in his newest mod, Building Better Worlds.

The slogan comes from the ubiquitous and evil "company" that the film portrays – Weyland-Yutani Corporation, Building better worlds. And it's the company (not the aliens, as so oft portrayed) that E.E.L. looks to for inspiration. Initially, the plan was for the computer to look like some kind of terminal or workstation that he imagined the company issuing. Over time, though, it's grown – and the colour palate has changed a bit with it.

What's a definite change of pace for E.E.L. Ambiense is the scope of this mod – as it's being used for his LAN rig, he's forgone impractical designs and focused instead on a finish that is both eye catching and strong enough to be toted around.



Building Better Worlds started its life as a Cooler Master Praetorian – but the plain anodised aluminium had to go. After a bit of oven cleaner to break down the anodising, he baked the pieces in order to bring dirt trapped in the surface up to the top.



Each piece to the mod then underwent a home powdercoating – the initial paint was stripped off so that the powder could adhere, and then coated and baked to cure the new finish. E.E.L. discusses the technique a bit more in-depth in the log, and I'd suggest for anyone interested in doing this type of finish from home to take a look at his experience and ask questions.



The case is a LAN rig, and so details have been added that are both practical and cosmetic. The stealthed drive bay may be all about the aesthetics, but the handles add a "handy" functionality to an otherwise large and cumbersome case for transportation.


E.E.L. Ambiense certainly hasn't skimped on the details in this mod, making sure that any pieces that can be treated get a little love. Even the PSU crossbar and the motherboard backplate have received a royal treatment, putting this mod well ahead of the pack.

Of course, there's a lot more details to be found in the worklog, including how to accomplish this great finish at home. It's well worth a look!

But before you go, make sure to vote for Building Better Worlds as your choice for Mod of the Month, or we may have to ship you off to terraform...