bit-tech Hires davido_labido as Full-Time Modder

bit-tech Hires davido_labido as Full-Time Modder

bit-tech is built on its modding community. We count ourselves lucky to have a very active forum that has a long history of hosting build logs of some of the finest examples of PC modding ever. As recognition of their excellence, these projects are featured in our monthly Mod of the Month and Modding Update competitions, with the very best ones also finding their way into Mod of the Year, our annual showcase of the best modding talent across the globe.

Beyond that, however, our modding content has dwindled over the years, with hardware and games coverage taking precedent. That's something we've been looking to change for a while, however, and now we will be. We're pleased to announce that Dave Alcock, known also as davido_labido on these forums, others, and social media, is joining bit-tech full-time as an in-house modder. He'll be producing modding tutorials, reviews, build logs of awesome mods, and plenty more modding-related content. We're thrilled to have him onboard, especially as he's also had a presence on our own forums.


For those already well-rooted in the modding scene, Dave's credentials will be well known. In fact, he has just yesterday returned from CES, where he has had his very own case produced by In Win – it's a close reworking of the mod that him and his team mate, Daniel Harper, produced for the In Win Mod in Taiwan modding competition back in May, which they won. Dave is also responsible for a number of great mods elsewhere, but that's enough from us – here's a brief, introductory Q&A piece welcoming our newest team member in his own words and pictures.


Hi, Dave. First, give us a brief history of yourself as a modder.

Hey, folks! Well, I started modding around three years ago when I needed a new computer. I had been out of the game for quite some time and wasn’t sure what to buy; all I knew is that I wanted it powerful and I wanted it liquid-cooled. As liquid-cooling was completely new to me, I called a friend of mine who worked for OcUK at the time, he talked me through everything I needed to buy, and I bought it. At the time, I didn’t know ‘modding’ was even a thing, I just wanted to make my computer pretty to show off to my friends. I found that the case I had bought could be improved if I cut a few holes into it to give it some better airflow, and spraying a few components could tie everything together colour wise. I was told this was modding and that I should look at some websites for other ideas.

I took the build to an Insomnia event, and the build got noticed by a few people who offered to give me some parts as long as I make a build log and show them off. I couldn’t believe this was even a thing, I didn’t know sponsorships could happen, and I certainly didn’t expect it happen to me.


From there, I was hooked, and I have been modding ever since. My sponsor list has grown over time and I am proud to represent some of the biggest companies in the industry.

This is where I am now. I still see myself as more of a hobby modder or social modder, I don’t take myself too seriously and have just as much fun with other modders and brands as I do with the building! Now I have been asked by you guys to not only mod as a job, but also to help others get into what can be one of the best hobbies out there - how could I turn that down?!

What's been the highlight of your modding career?

There are quite a few little things that stick out to me. The first time being in a magazine was huge for me and being able to show my friends whilst walking around Tesco was awesome. The first time winning bit-tech's Mod of the Month was awesome too. That is a public vote, so it meant others liked what I was doing. The first sponsor and seeing my build shared thousands of times on social media is also crazy for me still, but I am getting somewhat used to it.

I think the main highlight has got to be being flown to Taiwan by In Win for a modding competition. I was invited as a partner for B Negative (an awesome UK modder), and we competed against seven other teams who I have been looking up to since the start. Not only did we compete, but we actually won one of the categories, and in the next few months In Win are actually going to be selling our version of the In Win 509, which the general public can buy. It is a huge honour, and having my name on a case made by a brand as huge as In Win is something that I will never forget.


What do you have planned for 2017?

So much stuff! Seriously, folks, if we can get just 50 percent of the ideas we have planned up and running for 2017, it will be huge, and I will be non-stop for the foreseeable future. Modding is something that doesn’t just stop at cutting up cases, painting, sleeving, or doing crazy liquid-cooling loops, it really has no start or finish, and anything can be modded!

I suppose you could say my main plan for 2017 is to show people that modding can be a full package activity. I want to see people getting involved and joining the modding family just as much as I want to show them awesome builds.


What sort of content are you most excited to produce and share with bit-tech's audience?

Naturally, I can’t wait to get some builds done, but following on from above I want to show them the whole modding experience. I would love to give people an insight into the companies that help to push modders forward and also let the bit-tech audience ‘meet’ the leading modders through me. I have a lot of invites into seeing what modders do at home, and I would like to bring everyone along for the ride. I also want to do some work with some YouTube personalities or Twitch streamers; it would be great to get people who have never seen modding get involved!


With so many mods now featuring industrial tools, is modding still something anyone can get involved in?

Of course! I don’t have any tools that are crazy expensive or are considered industrial! I still mod in my living room or outside when the weather permits. Okay, it is far from ideal, but I don’t have a huge amount of money, and it really doesn’t matter! Modding should never be focused on being the most professional or even the most polished; modding is about showing and sharing ideas and creating something that you like. It shouldn’t be about making others happy, certainly at the start. Mod for yourself and show off your creations. If people don’t like what you do, don’t worry, as long as you like it that is all that matters. It doesn’t matter if you have a £1,000 case and spend another £10,000 machining it, or if you have a £50 case and manage to use a £5 junior hacksaw to do something a little different. Work to your budget, and see where it takes you. Modding is for anyone and everyone, just give it a go!


Where is the best place for someone to start if they have an interest in PC modding?

Honestly? The bit-tech forums! The forums were one of the most prominent places for me when I started, and I am not just saying that because you guys are paying me! Sure, I viewed a few other forums too, and now social media is a lot more prominent forums are dying a little, but they just feel right for modding. At the start, you will probably want to view others' ideas and see how they evolved from an idea to being a completed build. Forums allow this very easily, and I still love browsing them when I get a chance to see what the other modders are doing.


Other than that, the only other place to start is wherever you are right now. Modding doesn’t just have to be about computers; it can be keyboards, mice, routers – anything. If you don’t have the space to do a PC mod, then try something else, learn some techniques and apply them in the future. Just give it a go and don’t be scared; if you mess up, it doesn’t matter! The main thing is that you enjoy it.

Awesome stuff - thanks, Dave! We can't wait to see what you come up with this year.