PC Modding

I honestly don't get why you're hating on it. Maybe it's just the way the teletext opens in a separate app, but that's such a minor nitpick. For me, the standout feature is definitely the video recording options—you can customize pretty much everything. I also really dig the utility of being able to schedule a system shutdown once a specific show finishes recording. There are plenty of useful automation features built right in.

So, what exactly is bothering you about it?

placidcanyon2 said:It looks to me like that vent on the cap is blowing air inward instead of outward. I get wanting everything to look perfect, but still...

PS. Seriously though, this is absolutely incredible:
http://forum.pcekspert.com/showthread.php?t=58855

Looking back at this, I have to admit—and there’s proof—that his approach is actually superior to mine (😠), though maybe not by much. I’m currently thinking about attempting a build like this myself while I'm still living at home before I head off to college in 😢; I've already bookmarked the tutorial and plan to tinker with it a bit to see if I can tweak the design. If my budget allows for it, I might actually pull this off in about 20 days...

It’s such a pain—whenever I try to clean up my software and delete everything that doesn't have an icon, I end up getting some weird error... then I have to go through the whole hassle of reinstalling my drivers all over again. Everything else works perfectly, though...

There’s absolutely no need to go around deleting programs. All you have to do is uncheck the ones that aren't working, and then they won't launch when you're scrolling through channels with the remote. (I personally have NEVER run into this issue—I've had my card for nearly a year now, and I've reinstalled Windows at least 15 times since I got it.)

Joseph Carter9 said:Where'd you pick up that gray one?

Actually, I don't have it—I've got the Zalman ZM-MFC1, which is the blue version (that last link in my post above).
As for where to find them... I guess they probably all carry them at Formula or Links.

Since I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to this kind of thing, I was hoping to ask where one might go to purchase replacement tempered glass for a PC case side panel? Additionally, I suppose I should ask what tools are most effective for cutting sheet metal, and perhaps where I could find some fan grills or mesh guards. Thank you very much!!!! Ideally somewhere in the Washington, D.C. area.

Hey guys, so I ordered a Zalman ZM-MFC1 from that shop that handles all the Formula orders—got it delivered today, and they sent me the ZM-MFC1 along with that black one. I hopped onto their site to double-check the price and made sure it was actually what I wanted (was thinking about the standard blue version)... I told them yeah, that's the one, and went ahead and paid $58 instead of $73
...

Alexander Perez5 said:Since I'm getting into this stuff, I wanted to ask where I can buy glass for a PC case side panel, what's the best way to cut sheet metal, and where to pick up some fan dust filters. Thanks a lot!!!! Looking for something in the Washington, D.C. area.

You can order Plexiglass from pretty much any glass shop. For cutting it, you're better off using a jigsaw—just make sure you use the finest tooth blade possible and crank it up to the highest speed. As for those mesh filters... honestly, I have no clue.

Mesh filters? I mean, pretty sure any computer shop carries them... saw some at the NetCom over in downtown Chicago yesterday.

You'd probably have better luck using a hacksaw...

So, I'm thinking about doing some PC Modding on my case. I want to spray the inside a different color...
Now, for anyone who's actually done this: how much spray paint am I going to need? How many coats should I go with, and what's the actual drying time? Someone walk me through the process.🙏

Grab two cans of spray paint, but don't forget you'll need a primer too—get all of that in one go. First, make sure you sand everything down thoroughly, then hit it with a layer of primer before applying your chosen color. I'd recommend doing two or three coats just to make the finish more durable and harder to chip off later.
As for drying times, that really just depends on whatever specific brand of paint you end up buying; just check the instructions on the back of the can.

Just heads up, your place is going to smell like a freaking Sherwin-Williams paint shop for a couple of days, so you might want to just leave it out on the patio or somewhere else...

Joseph Carter9 said:Get two cans of spray, but grab some primer too. Sand everything down first, hit it with a coat of primer, then spray your color 2 or 3 times. That makes the paint harder to chip off later.
As for drying time, just check the back of the can. It depends on whatever brand you buy.

Why the hell do I need sandpaper for all this?😲
What kind am I supposed to use? Something coarse?
Give me a break...

I’d hate to see you end up with any scars...

It’d probably be best if you had a grinder with one of those backing pads for the sandpaper.

Bryan Sanchez86 said:You'd be better off using a grinder with a backing pad for the sandpaper.

That’s not exactly like a standard grinder, right?

Is it one of those where the sanding disc just spins in a circle?

Yeah, that’s the one. It isn't exactly a standalone grinder—more like an attachment for a standard drill. You could probably pick one up at a hardware store (or maybe even Spotify 😁) without breaking the bank too much.

It'll save you some time—plus, you might avoid those muscle aches—and I guess the finish will just turn out better. You can start with a coarser grit and work your way down to the fine stuff.

Bryan Sanchez86 said:Yeah, exactly. It’s not a standalone grinder; it’s just an attachment for a standard drill. You can probably find one at a hardware store (or even Spotify 😁), and it shouldn't break the bank.

It’ll save you time, prevent muscle aches, and actually make the job look decent. Start with a coarse grit, then finish it off with something fine.

Oh, okay, so it's just a drill attachment. Got it, thanks...🙏
I guess while I'm out grabbing groceries, I'll just pick up some new sneakers too...🙄
🤣 🤣 🤣

northerncrane33 said:Oh, so it's just an add-on for the standard version. Great, thanks for the heads up...🙏
I guess while I'm out grabbing some milk, I might as well pick up some new sneakers too...🙄
🤣 🤣 🤣

Seriously though, for the love of God, can someone please explain what the hell "bitch" actually means in this context? 😬