Mod of the Month - October 2008

LEXA

by the boy 4rm oz
Worklog

I've been having a few conversations lately about "mod" vs. "scratch build" vs. "model" and whether each belongs in a modding competition. I've yet to discover why some people think that one is more valid than another - but I figure that each has its place in our forums and front page.

With that in mind, though, I know that many of you (including me) just love to see a good, well thought out mod on a normal case with just some good old talent and a few tools, rather than top-end shiny hardware and CNC lathes. So, I'm kicking this month's competition off with just that - proper, good old fashioned modding.

LEXA, a year-long project from the boy 4rm oz, is just that - a good, solid mod based on a good, solid case. In this case (pardon the pun), the victim is a brand that has been gaining quite a bit of popularity - the NZXT Lexa, a solid mid-tower for those more budget conscious dremel wielder.

So, let the hacking begin!

Ah, the NZXT Lexa. What a ...quaint... (not-so-)little case. In no time at all, the boy 4rm oz had it stripped down and was beginning to test-fit the acrylic covers he was envisioning...

...and then right into watercooling layouts. Once he was satisfied with these results, it was time to rip out the actual cages and begin the process of fitting acrylic and mesh.

We're not really sure, but we think we might see maybe one or two changes from how it looked in the case...but just one or two. Or maybe an awesome paint/acrylic makeover, but probably not.

If it was in that case, the boy 4rm oz painted it, meshed it, and gave it an acrylic facelift. It doesn't even look like the same case, and he hasn't even really cut anything up!

The top got further treatment in the way of handles and the case's radiator, and a nameplate was designed in accenting chrome mesh.

LEXA still has a bit of work to do, but it looks like the boy 4rm oz has already largely achieved his goal - keeping the minimalist look of the outside while still adding a lot of colour and life. There are lots of very carefully crafted details in here, so make sure to stop by his worklog to check them out!

While on your way, take a spin by our forum thread to vote for LEXA by the boy 4rm oz as the bit-tech Mod of the Month!