What defines a good mod?

[Leeum]

Been thinking of good thread ideas for the competition, hope this one hasn't been done...;-)

As the title suggests, what defines a good mod for you? I realise people have personal preferences with the likes of colour and themes but is there anything that mainly makes you -> :eek:

I'll chip in my ideas as we go along ^_^

[fivecheebs]

Simple engineering gets me everytime. Clean lines, simple details, oh and billet aluminium :cool:

[ỒĊBłůē]

^^ Aye, simplicity does it for me too :thumb:

Any single feature of the mod should compliment other features, and the overall look of the project itself.

I don't like to see things stuck on just for the sake of having them.

I'll prolly put my foot right in it with that one, when I eventually get going :ignore:

[Starbuck3733T]

Innovative functionality, never-been-done before, and clean lines packed with functionality. I love internal complexity that presents itself as clean and straightforward. That is the basic premise of good HMI (human-machine-interface) design.

[Darv]

I love things clean, simple yet effective. Nexxos Metaversa is a great example of the kind of thing I like. Wish i could produce something like that myself :h34r:

[Nexxo]

Aw, shucks... :o)

For me, it's form follows function every time. The more elegant, the better. Purposeful design, good use of materials, craftsmanship, attention to detail. Not ostentatious, but understated, functional minimalism.

[Leeum]

I'm a sucker for those mods that look as if they've just come off a hand-crafted production line, giving it that sort of quality takes a fine eye of detail in alot of aspects.

Original ideas are always a plus in my book, custom manufactured parts like Nexxo's GPU support bracket which serve a meaningful purpose in the mod particularly. I always take my hat off to someone who explores ideas and makes me go: "Wow, what a great idea!" :magic:

Finding the balance between form and function is hard...however tempting it is to run your rig on a desk :wiz:

[mnpctech]

One aspect I know we can all agree on is Cabling/Wiring.

Even if your rig is housed in a beige box, if you've take the time to route all of your wires and cables out of sight, that will always score big points.

Cabling is time consuming and tedious work. My HD100 project stares at me everyday, "Hey ***hole, when are you going to finish my cabling?!" :angry: I could say screw it, just hook up everything and be done with it, but I don't think my wizd Colleagues would let me off that easy :D

Heres some examples of good cable and wire management..

Pug's Hexadragon (http://www.wizarddesigns.co.uk/images/big/_dragInLit.jpg)

fastredponycar's Wavemaster (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/fastredponycar/Computer/Watercooling/IMG_3528.jpg)

[Tommygun]

One aspect I know we can all agree on is Cabling/Wiring.

Even if your rig is housed in a beige box, if you've take the time to route all of your wires and cables out of sight, that will always score big points.

Cabling is time consuming and tedious work. My HD100 project stares at me everyday, "Hey ***hole, when are you going to finish my cabling?!" :angry: I could say screw it, just hook up everything and be done with it, but I don't think my wizd Colleagues would let me off that easy :D

Heres some examples of good cable and wire management..

Pug's Hexadragon (http://www.wizarddesigns.co.uk/images/big/_dragInLit.jpg)

fastredponycar's Wavemaster (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/fastredponycar/Computer/Watercooling/IMG_3528.jpg)


Most ppl can mod a case in some form or other but cable management is one of the hardest to deal with but when done correctly looks amazing

[zer0]

i think that a clean overall design that is not very busy perhaps 1 or 2 main focal points with many interesting ways of doing things is the way to go.

i agree with bill wireing is something that every modder or even system builder should learn how to do well.

mine isnt as prety as pugs but i try my best to keep it clean and simple.

[Pug]

Improvements - be they on the original design or the 'normal' way of doing things.
Can be applied to either form or function but if it needs it, both.

My favourite personal quote on the subject sums it up the deeper ethos of it for me though;
"The spirit of modding is unleashing your creativity in the pursuit of individuality."

If it shows how you like things to be and works better for you than it did before, it's a good mod, regardless of what anyone tells you (though they'll probably tell you the same). :thumb:

[Knipex]

Attention to detail.

Without it you have nothing.

The little things create a great mod.

[dutchcedar]

Fun. :thumb:

[Pug]

Speaking of which, I oughtta make a thread 'What defines a good admin?' :D

[Mr.stubbs]

an original feature something that has never been done...

and clean precise work

[GodsUnicorn]

It is very hard to say what is a good mod, because people have very different levels of skill and ability, to some a full case build from the ground up easily within their grasp, but to others something like swapping the case LED's is quite a challenge.
As long as you have fun doing it and you expand your skills and know-how a little then it is worth while and deserving of merit.
I think anythig that gives the person who did it a feeling of satisfaction and achievment is a good mod.

[Starbuck3733T]

Speaking of which, I oughtta make a thread 'What defines a good admin?' :D

That's a silly question. :D

[crazyknight]

I agree with GodsUnicorn...My skill/money levels keep me from doing the extreme, high end mods that most of you do but I am having a blast learning how to do more to my computers and really enjoy it!

[Marquee]

Dito here. I kinda have skill but money/not haveing tools is what stops me modding 24/7. If I had money and the right tools I will be the next pro modder. Call me Mad Mod Mike.