Build Yourself A Multi-Touch Pad

Category: Modding
Posted: April 30, 2008 09:11AM
Author: Ben Grantham

We can pretty much say without question that multi-touch technology is pretty neat, what with the associated improvements to usability and general intuitiveness of such an interface. Now what if I say that you could have your very own multi-touch pad with minimal outlay and a little bit of time? The guys over at Hackmod have put together such a device using common materials: A webcam, a cardboard box and a piece of glass. With a little bit of help from the right software, the pad appears to be about as effective as those on existing products although occupies considerably more real estate on your desk. The video explains in basic terms how to set one up yourself and you can find a bit more detail over at Instructables. Shrink it down a little and build it into your desk surface and maybe it would be viable for everyday use?

Ben Heck's PS3 Laptop How-To: Part 1

Category: Modding
Posted: April 24, 2008 12:00PM
Author: Ben Grantham

If you cast your minds back just a couple of weeks, you may remember that those lucky guys over at Engadget got a shiny new PS3 Laptop to auction off for charity courtesy of uber modder Benjamin Heckendorn (Ben Heck for short). Well now we will get to see all the work that went into producing the completed project, with part 1 kicking off by stripping down the Sony console and carfeully making notes and observations about all of the parts that go together to make the thing tick. It is obvious that the whole process takes some dedication from the very outset, which makes it very unlike all those electronic bit and bobs you pulled apart as a kid and then mysteriously (ok, not so mysteriously) never worked again when you tried to rebuild them. Part 2 promises the steps involved in re-arranging the parts of the PS3 so that it will fit in a laptop-style case, which is bound to be even more interesting. This is the kind of thing us avid tinkerers live for!

Master Modder Ben Heck Does It Again

Category: Modding
Posted: April 15, 2008 12:15PM
Author: Chris Benjamin

Modding maven Ben Heck has produced another masterpiece for marveling.  This time, Ben has created an Apple IIGS laptop - built from the original hardware that powered the ancient 8-bit computer.  Based on an original IIGS motherboard with RAM extension, this technological Frankenstein features a 15" LCD color screen, a CompactFlash unit used as a hard drive, built-in stereo speakers, and ports for a mouse, a floppy drive, and a joystick.  As is the case with all of Heck's creations, this is a one of a kind production and will not be built again.  Click HERE for more build pictures and details on the Apple IIGS project.  This guy is amazing...

The Playstation 3 Laptop Mod

Category: Modding
Posted: April 11, 2008 07:11AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Modder extraordinaire Ben Heck, whose previous projects have included laptop versions of the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii has been rather busy (on and off) for the past year and a half working on a PS3 portable to complete the trio of console mods. The project is now complete, with Sony's original 60GB console being shoehorned into a 'portable' format complete with 17" LCD screen, integrated keyboard, stereo speakers and USB ports. The unit was built by request for Engadget, who will be auctioning off the device for charity "real soon". It is a considerable achievement to get the rather chunky console into such a small enclosure, so we have nothing but respect (and maybe a little awe) for Ben's skills. Expect some 'making of' articles to follow in the near future.

Newest iPhone Firmware Hacked

Category: Mobile, Software, Gadgets, Modding
Posted: March 31, 2008 02:37PM
Author: Chris Benjamin

It took less than 24 hours for the iPhone Dev Team to hack the iPhone's new 1.2.0 firmware, which fully unlocks the phone - allowing the iPhone owner to use any wireless carrier he/she pleases.  The hack also allows the owner to install any application on the phone, including the new "Contacts" app, which was previously available only on the iPod Touch.  The Dev Team claims that it will be extremely hard for Apple to patch this new hack.  Combining this news with the recent MacBook Air hack at CanSecWest, Apple's security team must be reeling.   At this point, it may be in Apple's best interest to just officially unlock the iPhone...

Tutorial: HD 3870 X2 volt mod

Category: Video Cards, Modding
Posted: February 13, 2008 02:29PM
Author: Andrew Robinson

Quantum-Force - Want to squeeze the last Mhz from your HD 3870 X2? Do you find yourself wondering just how much more you would be able to push your card if only it had a bit more voltage? Well wonder no more because Foxconn's own "Quantum-Force.net" has a nice tutorial with step by step instructions for you adventurous modders. In this short but informative tutorial they show and tell you how to direct more voltage to the GPU Core and the memory as well. With nothing but a little common sense, a soldering iron, 2 50ohm resistors and one 5K ohm resistor you can turn your already potent card into a fire breathing beast. Just be careful to keep the card within its operating temperature and don't go extreme with the voltage without some sort of "aftermarket" cooling solution.

Hardware Roundup: Friday Edition

Category: Video Cards, CPU's, Cases, Mobile, Manufacturers, Gaming, Input Devices, Storage / Hard Drives, Gadgets, Modding
Posted: January 25, 2008 08:45AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Time for another spin around the web.  Yesterday we were treated to a look at VIA's new Centaur technology and today we're back with more.  First we have VIA Isaiah Processor Architecture Preview - Low Power CPU from PC Perspective.  [H]ardocp returns with Centaur Technology Tour in Pictures with a look at the Centaur offices in Texas.  The Styx Gaming Mouse may not do for you what the river by that name did for Achilles but RBMods gives us a chance to check it out.  If you love your current mouse but it's looking a little worn, then head on over to Tech ARP for some advice from their Logitech MX510 Paint Mod Guide.  Gaming seems to be the focus of a lot of hardware these days and Sapphire's Ultimate HD 3850 and Atomic HD 3870 from HotHardware affords us another look at the recent AMD/ATI cards.  Neoseeker publishes a look at Core 2 Duo Scaling in Gaming.  Aeneon is a new line of memory products being offered by Qimonda.  While that name that might not be familiar to a lot of folks, you'll find their chips in a lot of applications including some of the best performing video cards.  Today Bjorn3d reviews the Aeneon Xtune DDR3-1333.  Also in the memory/storage department we have the Super Talent Pico A 2GB Flash Drive at ExtremeMHz.  Raidmax is well-known for their cases.  Find out why ThinkComputers says the Sagitta 2 PC Case isn't your typical gaming case.  In the gadgets arena we found the CoolIT Beverage Chiller at Overclockers Online and the iSkin Revo & Revo Clip for Apple iPhone at Legit Reviews.

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, Motherboards, Cases, Memory, Power Supplies, Speakers/Headphones, Storage / Hard Drives, Modding, CPU Cooling, Trade Shows/Conventions
Posted: January 15, 2008 06:38AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Our web wanderings turned up a lot of reviews to go through today.  Let's begin by welcoming a new affiliate to the fold, HotHardware, who brings us a review of the Asus EAH3850 TOP Graphics Card.  While we're looking at video cards, [H]ardocp gives us a chance to look at the other side of the ATI/NVIDIA competition with an evaluation of the Palit GeForce 8800 GT Super+1GB.  Also in the NVIDIA camp is the XFX GeForce 8800 GT XXX 512MB Alpha Dog Edition at NVNews.  Now we move on to memory with two reviews of DDR3 kits.  First up is the Supertalent ProjectX 2GB DDR3-1800 Memory Kit at RBMods followed by Crucial Ballistix DDR3-1600 from Bjorn3D.  For an amazing original case mod, check out Project: Eutanasia at MetkuMods and watch as the builder takes us from design to completion.  It's always fun to take a look at what the previous year had in store and LostCircuits treats us to their 2007: A Retrospective.  Looking forward, we find the Intel Skulltrail Out In Feb '08! at Tech ARP.  Skulltrail/V8 is Intel's dual quad-core processor board that gives you a chance to have octo-core processing and four PCI-E x16 slots.  Given that kind of setup, you'll have a real need for some serious power like the Cooler Master Real Power Pro 1250W PSU at TweakTown.  Keeping your Intel processor cool and quiet is a job for the Auras LPT-700 Heatsink and FrostyTech reports on how well it succeeds at that job.  OCModshop gives us a look at the Razer Piranha Gaming Headset (also reviewed by OCC).  We all have a need for the ability to store our data and multimedia files.  A network storage device is one solution to this problem and Virtual-Hideout reviews the Thecus N5200 Pro NAS today.  For a little video envy you can check out the Samsung SyncMaster 245T 24-Inch LCD Monitor at Tweaknews.  And in the "It's Not Over Until It's Over" department we have more CES 2008 coverage from ThinkComputers (Intel) and Techgage (Cars).

Hardware Roundup: Tuesday Edition

Category: Video Cards, CPU's, Cooling, Power Supplies, Storage / Hard Drives, Gadgets, Modding, CPU Cooling
Posted: December 18, 2007 06:16AM
Author: Dale Shuck

The web yielded up several reviews today starting with the Desktop CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 4.4 at Tech ARP where they've added several processors including  the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition & 5000+ Black Edition processors.  [H]ardocp brings us an evaluation of the XFX 8800 GT 256MB Alpha Dog XXX Edition video card.  We also have some entries in the cooling arena with the Thermalright MST-9775 LE Intel Heatsink from FrostyTech while  ThinkComputers has a look at the Thermaltake Extreme Spirit II Chipset Cooler.  Madshrimps looks at several A-DATA flash drives today.  If you think bigger is better, then have a look at the Ultra ULT40064 X3 1000 Watt Power Supply reviewed by Bjorn3D.  Gideontech has a look at he CIRAGO Bluetooth BTA-3210 EDR, a mini Bluetooh USB adapter.  Finally, it's not too late fro last minute additions to your holiday wish list, so look at some of the modding goodies on the PC Apex 2007 Holiday Wish List.

Desktop CPU Comparison Guide Rev. 4.4 @ Tech ARP
XFX 8800 GT 256MB Alpha Dog XXX Edition @ [H]ardocp
CIRAGO Bluetooth BTA-3210 EDR @ GideonTech
A-DATA Nobility & Classic PD17, PD18 & PD19 USB Flash Drives @ Madshrimps
Thermalright MST-9775 LE Intel Heatsink @ FrostyTech
Case Mod Blog 2007 Holiday Wish List @ PC Apex
Thermaltake Extreme Spirit II Chipset Cooler @ ThinkComputers
Ultra ULT40064 X3 1000 Watt Power Supply @ Bjorn3D

Hardware Roundup: Wednesday Edition

Category: Motherboards, Power Supplies, Storage / Hard Drives, Modding, CPU Cooling
Posted: December 5, 2007 03:57AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Today we have a nice collection of reviews from around the web beginning with a head-to-head comparison of two Corsair power supplies from [H]ardocp.  While there, be sure to read their review of three factory overclocked 8800GT video cards from from Asus, EVGA, and MSI.   In the motherboard  department, PCSTATS reviews the Foxconn Mars Intel P35 Express and TweakTown examines the ASUS ROG Series X38 DDR3 Maximus Extreme.  We don't often get a chance to look at peripherals such as printers, but today Bona Fide Reviews brings us the Samsung CLX-2160N color laser multifunction printer.  If you're looking for extra storage then Virtual-Hideout's review of the Vantec NexStar MX dual HDD enclosure is for you.  TweakTown also has the Thermaltake MaxOrb CPU cooler on tap today.  Finally, PC Apex has an article on recommended case modding tools for all you aspiring modders out there.

Corsair VX550W vs. Corsair HX520W @ [H]ardocp
GeForce 8800 GT Overclocked Roundup @ [H]ardocp
Foxconn Mars Intel P35 Express Motherboard @ PCSTATS
Samsung CLX-2160N Color Laser Multifunction Printer @ BonafideReviews
ASUS ROG Series X38 DDR3 Maximus Extreme @ TweakTown
Vantec NexStar MX Dual HDD Enclosure @ Virtual-Hideout
mnpctech Recommended Tools for Case Modding @ PC Apex
Thermaltake MaxOrb CPU Cooler @ TweakTown

News: Intel Core2 Extreme X7800 - Notebook Overclocking

Category: CPU's, Manufacturers, Modding
Posted: July 16, 2007 11:04AM
Author: Ben Grantham

DailyTech - For those of you not satisfied with overclocking your desktop machines, Intel has released a notebook processor with an unlocked multiplier. Apparently a Belgian site has already pushed the chip to 3.0GHz from the standard 2.6GHz. I suspect most people will be put off by the high price tag of $851 (in quantities of 1,000 mind you), though if you absolutely must extend your addiction for tweaking to your lappy, then this should be the chip to do it. - jammin *News Editor*

"Intel officially announced the Core 2 Extreme X7800 yesterday. This marks the first time that the "Extreme" nomenclature has made its way over to Intel's mobile processors. And although battery life and heat are typical concerns of notebook users, the new Core 2 Extreme X7800 will find its way into desktop replacement notebooks that will likely be tethered to a wall outlet 24-7. As a result, Intel has unlocked the multiplier on the processor. So those who have no qualms about overclocking a mobile processor are now free to do so."

OCC Guide: How to Make a High-Quality Audio Interconnect for Your PC

Category: Sound Cards, Speakers/Headphones, OCC News, Modding
Posted: May 29, 2007 09:59PM
Author: Dale Shuck

OverclockersClub - Ok, so you've got a high-quality soundcard, and a decent amplifier/receiver and some nice speakers, but what do you use to connect your pc to your amp?  Most people use the cheapest, piece of crap cable that they picked up for pocket change because it does the job.  But what if you want something better and don't want to pay a stupid amount of money on an audio interconnect? The answer? Make your own!

Click HERE to discuss this article in the OCC Forums. - Nemo *News Editor*

Review: MNPC Tech's Bulgin Switch Mounting Plate & Switches

Category: Cases, Gadgets, Modding
Posted: May 22, 2007 08:08PM
Author: Christopher Murphy

Modders-Inc. - MNPCTech has no doubt hit a sweet spot when it comes to their billet aluminum products. The Bulgin Switch Plate goes for $29.99 and the Vandal Resistant switches are $4.99 each. This is a small price to pay when it comes to adding some class to your computer. The Bulgin switch plate is just under 3 and 1/2 inches long so if you plan to use this in the place of two 3 and 1/2 drive bays, you will find that its a tad short. Bill and the guys at MNPCTech definitely offer a quality product and outstanding service. They have a wide range of products ranging from modified cases, bolt on accessories, to even providing some very nice how-to guides to aid in installation.

News: Intel China's Modding Expo

Category: Cases, General News, Modding
Posted: May 22, 2007 05:18PM
Author: Christopher Murphy

bit-tech - Celebrity endorsements are a powerful marketing tool: women spend billions on cosmetics because a movie star tells them “they’re worth it”. Thousands of weekend golfers lap up Nike equipment to “be like Tiger”. But would the same thing work for a product like a processor? Faced with the challenge of sexing-up CPUs as part of a domestic marketing push, Intel China devised an impressively progressive plan: tap into the talent of the worldwide modding community to combine beauty on the outside with speed and power efficiency on the inside.

How-To: Hide your recent Documents, Pictures, and Programs on Vista's Start Menu

Category: Operating Systems, Modding
Posted: May 21, 2007 12:21PM
Author: Josh Jones

OCModshop - If you have a computer that's shared by a few others in your home (wife, roommates, sentient demon monkeys), then you want to protect your privacy as much as possible. Let's face it, people are nosy, and given the chance they will look through your medicine cabinet, open your desk drawers, and check out the latest opened files on your PC. You can tell your spouse she has to have her own login, but their first thought is usually "What exactly is he trying to hide?"... Don't go down that road, seriously. Simply prevent the display of your recently opened programs and documents in your Start Menu.

Guide: Vista: Return Icons to the Smaller Classic XP Size

Category: Operating Systems, Modding
Posted: May 19, 2007 04:47PM
Author: Josh Jones

OCModshop - Vista icons are much more realistic in appearance in comparison to the looser, illustrative style of Windows XP icons. The largest size included in the Vista icons resource is 256 x 256 pixels. This may sound quite large for our present 96 DPI displays, but it will be quite suitable for high-DPI displays being developed which will support 240/320 DPI resolutions. Including the 256 x 256 pixel size in the Vista icon resource guarantees that the icons will display at their highest quality on these larger monitors.

News: Datel Drive Doctor for Wii does statistics and code injection, requires soldering

Category: Gaming, General News, Modding
Posted: May 19, 2007 04:46PM
Author: Josh Jones

Engadget - Surely the whole point of purchasing a commercial product to run a few homebrew games or activate a few cheat codes is that there's no soldering required: that's not the case with the Datel Drive Doctor for Wii. The $34.95 Drive Doctor is designed to allow Wii owners to connect their console to their PC with a USB 2.0 cable, enabling you to review the internal statistics of the Wii, eventually run homebrew games, and even inject code "into the data stream ... it's fun!"

News: Puget Custom Computer's mineral-oil-cooled PC

Category: Cooling, Modding
Posted: May 12, 2007 01:55PM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - We've definitely seen our share of wacky CPU cooling (and silencing) schemes, but most liquid-cooling setups aren't as, uh, immersive as Puget Custom Computer's mineral-oil-cooled PC. Essentially a motherboard in an aquarium topped off with fluid, the Washington company claims the oil effectively cools system components for up to 12 hours at peak load. While traditional homebrew oil-cooling setups use vegetable oil, the Puget crew chose mineral oil because it's perfectly clear and, more importantly, doesn't go rancid after a while.

Guide: Improving the Scythe Infinity CPU Heatsink for Extreme Cooling

Category: Modding, CPU Cooling
Posted: May 8, 2007 09:43AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Madshrimps - In this guide you can follow the steps required to unleash the full cooling power of the large tower CPU heatsink from Scythe. The Infinity is fitted with custom motherboard mounting, 2x120mm fans and cool black shroud. Read on to find out how much performance one can extract from this CPU cooler by doing some ghetto style modifications.

Article: BaDassumption Part 1

Category: Modding
Posted: May 8, 2007 07:33AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

bit-tech - Borne out of the "futuristic" designs of the 1960's, Pieter has created something that has never really been seen before in case modding. In my discussions with him over the past few months, I've been amazed at the unique ideas and attention to (very novel) detail that he's put into this mod. As an architect by day and an active and helpful modder in our forums by night, dutchcedar's log has been getting a lot of attention - and he's been nice enough to grant us the exclusive of the one, the only..

Article: AMD Athlon 3000+ Overclocking, going for 100% OC on Dry Ice

Category: CPU's, Modding, CPU Cooling
Posted: May 6, 2007 06:11PM
Author: Christopher Murphy

Madshrimps - Dry Ice allows for cheap sub zero cooling for those occasional benchmark sessions, it gives you enough time to experiment with different settings and run a few benchmark to assess the performance you can extract from a setup like this AMD A64 3000+. With better cooling (LN² , multiple stage phase change cooling) I’m confident this CPU can grab the world overclocking record, as it stands I have to settle for third place . While a good CPU is essential to get anywhere, the motherboard can not be overlooked, the DFI nForce4 S939 motherboards are the best out there, the Ultra-D and SLI-D proved this during my benchmark session, but there’s one more… the DFI Expert motherboard adds more control over the different BIOS settings, and one in particular could have helped me: memory dividers!

Review: Scythe KamaMeter Multi Functional Panel

Category: Sound Cards, Cooling, Modding
Posted: May 4, 2007 11:21AM
Author: Dale Shuck

Madshrimps - The Scythe KamaMeter is a multi-functional 5.25inch device which acts as a fan controller, temperature monitor and master volume for your soundcard. It comes with different colored face plates as well as a wide array of LCD backlights to make sure it integrates will with your case.

Review: 3RSystem R240 "Zion" Mid-Tower Enclosure with LCD display

Category: Gadgets, Modding
Posted: May 3, 2007 07:32AM
Author: Josh Jones

TweakTown - While some may not have heard of the company calling itself 3RSystem, it is a Korean company that has been around since about 2002. While not the newest kid on the block, it is a relative newcomer to the DIY market and has several products that are being aimed at those who are looking for something innovative and not just "like the other guys".

News: The Steampunk mouse and the mouse mouse

Category: Input Devices, Modding
Posted: April 30, 2007 10:59AM
Author: Ben Grantham

Engadget - Hopefully that'll be the last time we're forced to write "mouse" three times in a headline, although the quality of these two mouse mods makes it completely worth it. First is the Steampunk mouse, which would look brilliant sitting next to your steampunk laptop and steampunk keyboard. You could even get your steampunk robot to help out with the construction, which took around 10 hours and only cost the creator Jake $5 to make. If you skip to the real -- as opposed to steampunk roleplay -- description you'll see that it's made up of an nameless laptop mouse and a "big jumble of bits and bobs from [Jake's] parts bin", which tends to be the case with most steampunk efforts.

Guide: Working with Mini-ITX: Build a super small and efficient PC!

Category: Motherboards, Cases, Modding
Posted: April 29, 2007 09:34AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

HardwareInfo - It's a clear trend: computers are getting smaller and, fortunately, lower in energy cost. For those who want to assemble a small PC themselves, there is the world of Mini-ITX. These motherboards are only 7x7 inches and very low on energy cost. And as it seems, in some cases you don't even have to give up on speed and possibilities...Now that small pc's are totally in fashion and people become more aware of the energy used by computers, the mini-ITX popularity is growing by computer enthusiasts. There are after all enough possibilities that come to mind where there is an advantage for small and low-energy pc's. Think of a small and quiet fileserver you can put somewhere in your house, a low-energy download computer or a stylish Media Center machine.

Article: Graphics Card Repair Guide Part 2

Category: Video Cards, Modding
Posted: April 29, 2007 08:03AM
Author: Ben Grantham

TechARP - In our first Graphics Card Repair Guide, you learned how to fix large components like capacitors and inductors. Today, Empire23 will teach you how to handle smaller SMD components.If you want to learn how to repair your graphics card at home, be sure to check this guide out.

Review: MNPCTech Machined Billet Aluminum Case Feet

Category: Cases, Modding
Posted: April 27, 2007 07:57PM
Author: Dale Shuck

PC Apex - The case feet are rather striking to look at (as far as case feet go) and make for a refreshing change from the standard rubber blocks or plastic, LED-riddled products that are on the market these days.They are designed to be mounted only one way; with the full rubber base facing away from the case. Each foot has a coarse, brushed finish with two parallel machined grooves that have a more shiny finish to them.

Article: Fundamentals of Electronic Switches

Category: Modding
Posted: April 26, 2007 03:44PM
Author: Carl Dunham

PCApex - If you have ever installed a set of cold cathodes, or other special lighting gadgetry, then you most likely have been presented with an optional switch to install along with it to allow you to turn the device off and on instead of it staying on as long as the PC is on. I'm sure there people new to this sort of installation out there so here is a simple guide for hooking up a few types of switches you may encounter while tricking out your own PC with special electronics and/or lighting/cooling devices.

News: Project Log Update 10

Category: Cases, Modding
Posted: April 26, 2007 07:40AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

bit-tech - The modders in our forums are a dedicated bunch, and this month has seen some great projects. We've picked out four of our favourites as well as put mental earmarks on a few more of you guys who are almost there -- there were a lot of close runners-up this month. And with that in mind, we bring you our choices for April 2007: Secret of the Ooze by gvblake;Beyond the Grave by Edvuld; Erector Set WaterPlant by dacust; HedgeBox by Tursas

Review: Cooler Master 830 Custom and 832

Category: Cases, Modding
Posted: April 25, 2007 06:49AM
Author: Christopher Murphy

bit-tech - The Cooler Master Stacker 830 is one of our all-time favourite cases. We review its new stablemate, the Stacker 832, as well as an exclusive look at the Smooth Creations 830 with custom paintjob.The Stacker 830 was one of the best cases we'd ever seen. It was feature-packed and solidly built, with a power button that looked like the skull of Optimus Prime. It has since sat in our minds as the ideal case, the benchmark against which all other cases are compared and promptly dismissed as inferior. That is, until Cooler Master announced the Stacker 832, a new and improved version of the Stacker 830. Before we start though, we felt we had to show off some more of the 830, just to remind you all how good it really was. Recently Cooler Master has entered into a partnership with Smooth Creations, a professional and well-respected supplier of custom paint jobs, to create a selection of beautifully painted Stacker 830s dubbed CSX...