Mod of the Month - March 2009

GIGABYTE GZ-M1 by tranc3

by tranc3
Worklog: Here

tranc3’s GIGABYTE GZ-M1 is just one of two non-scratch builds this month, but it’s a prime example of what can be done to an existing case to spruce it up a bit. The GZ-M1 is a relatively inexpensive case made by Gigabyte, but not satisfied with its cooling and looks, tranc3 decided to do something about it.

Following some Google Sketchup designs, modding quickly ensued and the GZ-M1 was quickly cut, painted and generally molded all over in some fashion. Even if your case is small and costs less than £30/$50, tranc3 is quickly proving that you can still mod the hell out of it and improve the cooling and looks too. See, there’s no excuses ladies and gents!


Here are the initial Sketchup renders. The GZ-M1 is a relatively small case (certainly compared to the scratch builds on show this month) but we can clearly see plenty of planned modding, including what looks like a dual 80mm radiator mounted in the motherboard side panel. However tranc3 mentions he’s a little reticent in water-cooling the GIGABYTE GZ-M1. Go on, you know you want to!


We mentioned the cooling was improved and here’s the evidence. The front fan has been replaced with the beginnings of a larger 120mm fan mount, which should push more air for less noise and maybe even provide space for a 120mm radiator. We’ll have to wait and see what cooling finds its way into the GIGABYTE GZ-M1. The hard disk drive rack and motherboard tray have all been sanded to give a brushed effect.


The side panel was the next victim. Here we can see the panel was masked and then cut with three windows appearing with the largest providing a good view of the expansion slots and CPU socket. Later updates begin to show acrylic panels being offered up to the side panel which should look great when the mod is finished


Finally, the side panel is test fitted and looks just like the initial Sketchup renders! Speaking of renders, here’s another one where we can see an interesting swinging/sliding feature that’s been added to the side panels to ease access. Something that often bugs us is how poorly some cheaper cases fit together. If this is the case with yours then you can probably learn a thing or two by following tranc3’s progress!

If you’d like to vote for trance3’s GIGABYTE GZ-M1 head over to our forums.