Everywhere you look today you see run of the mill, quotidian computer cases that simply lack any kind of “wow” effect. Technology blazes forward, yet the design of the desktop case remains relatively unchanged. It doesn’t have to be this way, and many people have actually designed their own, unique computer cases that match their own individuality and taste. Below are 19 of the most distinctive and amazing computer case mods around.

Coffin Case

(image via funnychill)

This unique workstation design gives whole new meaning to the term “blue screen of death!” When the top is closed, some might wonder who you have buried in your home office, and you can slyly reply, “the last intern who defied my wishes!” However when open, the coffin workstation is a capable and brilliantly designed machine! A cross shaped window on the far end of the case even gives you an illuminated look at the guts of the machine!

R2D2 Computer

(images via thecontaminated)

This computer is encased completely in an R2D2 robot shell. This droid has got it all, including double-decker CD-ROM drives. Wouldn’t it be awesome if it came with a real working projector out of the little scope under his “eye?” Star wars fanatics would have endless fun projecting Princess Leia all over the room saying, “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi! You’re my only hope!”
Awesome Glasswork

(image via unusualnewtechnology )

Reminiscent of the glass work one often finds in cathedrals, this computer case mod proves that technology can also be art. The gorgeous glass sides of the case show flowers extending downward from the top, and the glass is ever so slightly frosted. Soft lights on the inside of the case give the artwork a gentle feel. Tying it all together is a light brown wooden frame work and dark gold colored handles.

Medieval Chest

(image via coolpics)

When one speaks of archaic technology, this is not exactly the what they mean. This small computer was engineered to fit inside a portable case that looks like something you might find in an enchanted forest. Even the wires are insulated in fraying browned cloth. Want to bring it to the LAN party down the block? Just close the top, fasten its straps and you’re good to go.

Trash Bin Computer

(image via coolpics)

This is a mod that must have been no simple task to engineer. Occupying a waste bin, this environmentally friendly PC reminds you to recycle with its lid. It’s too bad this bad boy isn’t a Mac – it sure looks a lot like the OS-X trash bin icon, doesn’t it?

Off-Road Technolgy

(image via zedomax)

Now this is one case mod that you cannot tell your kids not play with. “Son, don’t touch the computer! Its not a toy! Er…well…not anymore anyway!” With a small flat screen and keyboard under the hood, this Ford Bronco look-alike PC is an all in one workstation. Hook up a mouse, turn the key and you’re ready to hit the information superhighway!

Serious Steampunk

(image via boingboing)

Fans of steampunk art are sure to love this amazing looking case mod. With valves and copper pipes extending all over the outside, this PC looks like its ready to fire up and hit the rails. The dark stained wood adds to the intriguing appeal of this case mod which is yet another example of technological artwork.

Elegant Wood

(image via declubz)

Sometimes a case mod doesnt have to be shocking or intricately detailed to be worthy of praise. This wooden design is rather simplistic and minimalist, yet it is still beautiful and worthy of mention.  Wood staining is the key to this piece’s interesting design. Everything on this case is made out of wood, including the inner support structures. No bling, no sparkles, just well executed woodwork applied to an interesting concept.

Pizza Box Computer

(images via techchee)

The perfect computer for a college dorm room, this computer case is nothing more than an old pizza box with the requisite computer components shoved into it. Perhaps a tongue-in-cheek joke about the sterotype of the amount of pizza consumed by computer geeks, this case mod is quite bizarre. At least the designer remembered to cut an opening for the fan, although air circulation through a cramped cardboard pizza box can’t be very good. Playing a high-powered video game on such a machine might just result in a fire.

The Millennium Falcon

(image via gadgetvenue)

Have you ever wished you could pilot the Millennium Falcon? This might be the closest you can come without getting yourself cast in a fan remake of the Star Wars movies. This computer is contained entirely within the famous battle ship from Star Wars, and it’s both detailed and functional. Even the desktop background appears as though you are zooming through space! Mod away, and may the force be with you.

The Tie Fighter Workstation

(image via hardmodding)

Step behind the controls of an Imperial Tie Fighter every time you sit down at the PC. You will never have felt so powerful blasting n00bs away in online game play as you will sitting at a massive Tie Fighter desk. The entire computer is housed in the body of the fighter, which appears to provide more than adequate room for all of the necessary guts.

Harley Davidson Performance

(image via bornrich)

Harness the power of a legendary American Harley Davidson motorcycle with this awesome computer mod. For all those who love their bikes for their design as much as their power, this is the computer for you. The coolest part? The engine actually runs! The small V2 engine uses its pistons to pump water through the computer, cooling its components off. Not even West Coast Choppers can top that!

The Skeleton Case

(image via darkroastedblend)

Ever see a computer’s skeleton before? This design is refreshingly freaky and begs to be studied.  It almost appears as though it belongs in a Tim Burton flick, the sort of computer Jack Skellington would use. It appears as if it is lunging out at you like some kind of perverse jack-in-the-box. One can only speculate on the artist’s inspiration for creating this work.

The Computer Nerd’s Mistress

(image via unrealitymag)

For all those who consider their PC their second girlfriend, why not at least enjoy looking at it? With this bikini babe case mod, you no longer have to feel ashamed for referring to your computer as sexy! Your real girlfriend might get jealous as you slowly start spending more time at the keyboard, but who can blame you?

Jack-O-PC

(image via ursispaltenstein)

The eyes of this Jack-O-PC complete the freaky Halloween look. Fan vents and red LEDs! How much more evil can you get? It appears that you can even take the top off to inspect the computer’s insides – just be careful of the seeds! The case appears to be made out of hand crafted pottery. The look is completed with a CD-ROM drive for a mouth. This computer is delightfully bizarre and begs you to ask: “trick or treat?”

Microwave PC

(image via unrealitymag)

No, that isnt a casserole heating in there, thats the screen! This entire computer is housed in an old microwave with the screen built into the door. One has to wonder if the old microwave controls have any effect on the system. It would be pretty amazing if it was possible to set fan speeds and regulate temperatures with the old timer screen.

Mail Box Case

(image via insanelymac)

This case design gives whole new meaning to the old “You’ve Got Mail” notification. Wouldn’t it be cool if the red arm on the side would raise every time a new email arrived? This case mod features a blue light to illuminate the inside of the computer, which nicely complements the silver metal exterior. So go ahead, jump into an Unreal Tournament game room and go postal!

Lord Of The Rings Style

(image via techfresh)

Looking like an old mystical book from medieval times, this computer would go great with a old pewter  chalice and a posset. If Ash from The Evil Dead movies had a personal computer, is would look like this. Complete with ominous red glowing insides, this computer just looks bad-ass and evil.

Antique Phone Case

(image via darkroastedblend)

Marrying the technology of yesterday to that of modern times, this phone PC is both beautiful and functional. It is even conveniently on wheels, letting you roll it from one room to the next. The only thing that could make this case mod even cooler would be a working phone line hooked up to the phone.

Thanksgiving is a time for recognizing the positive things in your life, being grateful for everything you have, and acknowledging that, overall, life is good. This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for insane computer case mods that, for one reason or another, put us in the holiday mood.

Suitcase PC

(image via: The Inquirer)

If you’re flying home for the holiday, good luck trying to get through security with this in tow. The rather suspicious-looking metal suitcase with three fans will get you pulled off to the side for a thorough search, and we’re guessing the TSA won’t be amused when they discover it’s a clever case mod that’s got them all riled up.

Gingerbread House

(image via: Envador)

Once you get your belongings back, receive a stern reprimand and finally get to Mom and Dad’s house, it will probably look just as welcoming as this delightful gingerbread house. And, much like your parents’ house, this one is 100% inedible – so don’t try. (Trust us.)

Dollhouse PC

(image via: GameOn Forum)

Or maybe your family home is a little more traditional-looking, like this adorable dollhouse that a loving parent transformed into a PC case for a very lucky little girl.

Cooking Implements

(images via: Engadget, SnapStream, Envador)

When it’s time to start cooking the holiday meal, you could go with the traditional microwave or toaster oven (Don’t look at us like that. How do you cook turkey?), but we much prefer the contemporary tabletop barbecue option. All of these case mods were clearly built by people who have more skills in the workshop than in the kitchen.

ToiletPC

(images via: Envador)

Oh no! You say your barbecued turkey mysteriously ended up making everyone sick? Well, maybe next year you’ll stick with the microwave. Luckily, the ToiletPC can help you worship the porcelain gods in the geekiest way ever.

Pizza PC

(images via: Techeblog)

Since no one’s going to eat your cooking now anyway, why not kick back and order a few pizzas? Of course, a greasy cardboard box doesn’t seem like the best or safest place to put all of your computer innards, but this case mod would probably blend right in at any single young geek’s home base.

Cake Mod

(image via: Gizmodo)

After your refreshingly unorthodox Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy a slice of this delicious cake-puter. This was one of the entries in the CeBIT 2007 case mod contest, and it’s pretty mouth-watering for a computer.

Compiano

(image via: Neatorama)

Ok, ok, we admit it: it’s a stretch to say a piano computer is holiday-related. But you gather around the piano and sing songs with your family on holidays, right? So we’re calling it Thanksgiving-relevant. This incredible computer inside a piano was originally built for Elton John.

Beer Dispenser

(image via: Oh Gizmo)

It’s getting later in the day, and your aunt still hasn’t stopped bugging you about when you’ll be getting married and having kids. It’s time to hit the booze. Now, you may not think that mixing a sophisticated piece of hardware with liquids is a good decision. You might also think that beer + computer-generated heat = the equivalent of skunk juice. You may be correct on both counts, but how cool would it be to try it out just once?

Whiskey Bottle

(image via: Metku Mods)

For those requiring something a little harder to take the edge off of family time, this whiskey bottle case mod should do the trick. Yep, that’s a real glass bottle with a real, functioning computer inside. If you’re going to try this mod at home, remember not to attempt it on the same day you kill the bottle of whiskey.

Coffee Dispenser

(image via: ByteMods)

For the inevitable hangover, the Coffee PC is ready and willing to provide a hot cuppa. And you don’t even have to fumble for the coffeemaker’s controls: the modder responsible for this glorious machine wrote a script that lets you make coffee by inputting a command to the PC. Genius.