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Introduction:

HTPC (Home Theatre Personal Computer) is a brand new concept, which involves the integration of computer equipment with a home theatre set-up. An HTPC is basically an ordinary personal computer married with a high definition capable television, video projector or monitor. The advantage of a HTPC system is that they are capable of delivering far better picture quality than an ordinary store bought DVD player and can be constantly upgraded with off the shelf computer components. Most HTPC's have been designed to fit desktop and slim line cases utilizing smaller motherboard form factors such as mATX, Flex ATX and the new ITX. In April 2002, MTB Labs had the privilege of introducing Cooler Master's entry into the desktop case market with the new ATC-600 Aluminum Desktop Case. The ATC-600 as a standalone aluminum desktop case had several excellent attributes but lacked in terms of overall aesthetic design. The focus of this case modification project is to improve the aesthetic design, add in new functionality as well as address some issues with the stock cooling supplied with the case. Overall this project took two months to source out parts and to complete the new design. I'm hoping that this project will encourage those of you to build your own HTPC using some of the ideas presented in this article. For more information on the ATC-600 Desktop Aluminum Case, here is our review of the product.

As with all my previous articles I always set out a list of objectives and here they are in no particular order:

• Complete paint job of the ATC-600 exterior
• Custom built acrylic window aligned with chrome Trimbrite truckside moulding.
• Aesthetics: Computuning 12" Blue Cold Cathode Kit, Bigfoot Computers Blue EL tape, and stock blue high intensity LEDs.
• Custom window applique design.
• Stealthed CDROM/DVD/Burner drive.
• Custom built Stereo VU meter
• Homemade self rounded IDE cables.
• Integration of 2 x Computuning Single Channel Fan Speed Controller Kits
• PSU exterior modification w/ Lazer LEDs
• Replace all stock leds with high intensity ultra clear blue and red leds.
• Black and chrome combination based theme.

NOTE: Proper precautions should be taken when attempting your own case mod project and as with all warnings, you are responsible for your own actions. MODTHEBOX.COM cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to your case or computer equipment by not following the necessary safety procedures.