HACK
YOUR
HARDWARE
A
s much as we would love for our computers to work
perfectly, the fact is that PCs and gadgets are complex
devices that oft en fall short of exactly what we want.
When confronted with this fact, we’re reminded of the
old saw that says if you want something done right,
it’s best to do it yourself. And who are we to doubt that
kind of wisdom? As power users, we’re not content with hardware the
way it comes out of the box; we have an insatiable need to hack our
electronics in ways that will improve performance, functionality, and
ease of use. And there’s no doubt about it, modifying your hardware
will increase your productivity and make your life that much simpler.
The following pages contain a wide selection of hardware projects,
ranging from novice-level tweaks to expert-only operations. From
cable management and case mobility to LED soldering and fi rmware
upgrades, each of these useful hacks has been tested and verifi ed for
eff ectiveness. Still, you’ll defi nitely want to read through our step-by-
step instructions completely before starting, to avoid any mishaps. If
you’re prepared to accept the risks—possibly voiding warranties and
damaging your hardware—your eff orts will yield some sweet re-
wards. So let’s get hacking!
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