I
f you’re a regular reader of this
magazine, there’s a good chance
you already know the basics of
building a PC, especially if you read our Build a
Better PC guide in our last issue. You may even
know all about the latest hardware and cooling
options, and have a list of components that
would make it into your perfect rig.
However, if you’re anything like us, a dream
PC is about more than just owning the latest
and greatest hardware. It’s much more about
making a PC that will stand out from the crowd
and have your own personal touch. It’s about
going beyond the standard black box.One of the most obvious and popular ways
of adding in that extra visual flare is to add a
custom water-cooling loop that can twist and
turn as you like and be filled with all manner
of colours of coolant. What’s more, there
are umpteen other ways you can make your
PC unique.
Spray paint, spray effects, etching and vinyl
details are all fantastic options for making your
PC a one of a kind. In this guide, we’ll be looking
at each of these techniques in detail, focusing
on how to do them, what tools you’ll need and
how to get a great finish, as well as showing
you the end result.We don’t suggest aiming to do every option
we mention in this feature, but instead tailor
your choices to your PC. Got a glass-clad case?
Consider etching or vinyl details. Got plenty of
space for water-cooling components with lots
of flat metal or plastic external panels? Why
not install an outlandish water-cooling system
and spray your case?
We’ll be taking a similar approach to our
feature PC this month too. We’ll be covering
all these steps in detail, but only focusing on
a few steps to suit our chosen PC case, so
you can see what can be achieved with a little
knowledge of PC modding and water cooling.DREAMPC
ANTONY LEATHER SHOWS YOU HOW TO BUILD A DAZZLING PC THAT ATTRACTS ATTENTION
FEATURE / CUSTOMISATION