Put away the wire strippers, the rotary cutter, and the soldering iron. Case modding--the term for modifying your PC's internal and external look--now requires nothing more than a screwdriver and some imagination.

With parts and accessories easily accessible via the Web, modding has come a long way from its roots among overclockers and hard-core tweakers. New, off-the-shelf modding products let you add personality to your PC with minimal fuss.

Many of these "premodded" items offer both style and substance, such as illuminated case fans, slick-looking CPU or hard drive coolers, and snazzy temperature monitors. Others are pure eye candy, lending only accents, visual flair, and mood lighting.

Keep in mind while you're shopping for modding components that some vendors' wares can now be found on the shelves of national retail chains, while some mod resellers carry generic or house-brand versions of some of the products here. If you shop around, you won't need to break the bank to jazz up your PC.

-CNET Reviews (2004)