I Painted My 10-Year-Old Laptop and Now It Looks Better Than a New MacBook
The $20 Makeover That Revived My Old Machine
My old ThinkPad was a reliable workhorse, but its scuffed, boring black plastic shell was an eyesore. I was tempted to buy a new, sleek laptop. Instead, I spent a weekend giving it a makeover. I carefully disassembled the outer shell, lightly sanded it, and gave it three coats of a deep metallic green automotive spray paint, finishing with a matte clear coat. After reassembly, the result was stunning. It looks like a custom, high-end machine. Now, people ask me where I bought my cool laptop, and I get to say, “I made it myself.”
How to Build a “Sleeper PC”: A Gaming Monster Hidden in a Beige 90s Case
The Ultimate Undercover Gaming Rig
My friend came over and laughed at the ancient-looking, beige computer tower from the 1990s on my desk. “Does that thing even run Windows 95?” he joked. Then I launched Cyberpunk 2077 on ultra settings. His jaw dropped. I had built a “sleeper PC.” I gutted the old case, reinforced it, and carefully installed a modern, high-end motherboard, a powerful graphics card, and a quiet cooling system. It’s the ultimate stealth machine—a boring, unassuming exterior hiding the heart of a top-tier gaming monster.
I Added RGB Lighting to My Old Game Console
Giving a Classic a Modern Glow-Up
I love my original fat PlayStation 2, but sitting next to my modern PC, it looked a little plain. I wanted to give it some modern flair. I bought a cheap, USB-powered RGB LED strip for ten dollars. I carefully opened the console’s shell and drilled a few small, hidden holes. I routed the strip around the inside perimeter and wired the USB power to an internal point on the console’s power supply. Now, when I turn it on, it has a subtle, customizable underglow that makes it look like a modern, special edition console.
The “Cyberdeck” Build: Turning a Dead Laptop into a Sci-Fi Masterpiece
My Portable Command Center from the Future
I had a powerful laptop that died from a motherboard failure. The screen, keyboard, and battery were still good. Inspired by sci-fi movies, I decided to build a “cyberdeck.” I mounted the screen and keyboard to a custom 3D-printed frame, powered by a tiny Raspberry Pi 400 computer. I added an external battery, a bunch of toggle switches, and a handle for portability. The result is a rugged, all-in-one portable computer that looks like it belongs in the movie Blade Runner. It’s my go-to machine for writing and coding outdoors.
How to Get Rid of That “Sticky” Rubber Coating on Old Electronics
The Chemical Trick That Rescues Old Gadgets
My favorite old GPS unit had developed a disgusting, sticky, tacky rubber coating over the years, making it horrible to touch. The plastic underneath was fine, but the coating had started to break down. I was about to throw it away. I tried a trick I read online: I put on some gloves and wiped the entire device down with a cloth lightly dampened with 99% isopropyl alcohol. It took some elbow grease, but the alcohol completely dissolved and removed the sticky residue, revealing the clean, smooth plastic underneath. The device felt brand new again.
I Replaced the Boring Power LED on My PC with a Custom Color
The Two-Dollar Mod That Changes Everything
The bright blue power LED on my PC case was blindingly intense at night. It was a small annoyance, but it drove me crazy. I decided to change it. I opened the case, traced the wire from the LED to the motherboard, and saw it was a simple two-pin connector. I went online and bought a pack of assorted 5mm LEDs for two dollars. I chose a soft, warm white one, snipped the old LED off, and soldered the new one in its place. It’s a tiny, simple change, but it made my PC feel much more custom and pleasant.
The Art of “Vinyl Wrapping” Your Gadgets
A New Look Without a Drop of Paint
I wanted to give my boring black Xbox console a unique look, but I was nervous about doing a permanent paint job. The solution was vinyl wrapping. I ordered a sheet of high-quality brushed aluminum vinyl wrap online for $15. Following a YouTube tutorial, I used a hairdryer to gently heat the vinyl, making it soft and pliable. I carefully stretched it over the console’s shell, smoothing out bubbles with a credit card and trimming the excess with a craft knife. The result is a flawless, professional-looking finish that I can peel off anytime.
I Built a See-Through “Ghost Case” for My Old Game Boy
Revealing the Inner Beauty of a Classic
I love the internals of my original Game Boy—the neat green circuit board and a web of ribbon cables are a work of art. I wanted to show them off. I found a company that sells clear, transparent aftermarket shells. For $20, I got a new case and buttons. I spent a Saturday afternoon carefully transplanting the “guts” from the original grey shell into the new see-through one. Now, my Game Boy is a conversation piece, a “ghost” version that proudly displays the beautiful, iconic engineering inside.
How to “Retire” an Old Phone into a Beautiful, Framed Piece of Art
The Deconstructed Masterpiece
My original iPhone, a device that changed the world, was sitting dead in a drawer. It felt wrong to just throw it away. Instead, I decided to turn it into a piece of art. I found a template online and carefully disassembled the entire phone, piece by piece. I laid out the logic board, the screen, the battery, and all the tiny screws in an aesthetically pleasing “exploded” view on a piece of white cardstock. I then framed it in a deep shadow box. It now hangs on my wall as a tribute to a revolutionary piece of design.
I Water-Cooled a 15-Year-Old Computer Just for Fun
The Most Over-the-Top Retro Build
I had a classic gaming PC from 2005, a Pentium 4 beast. It ran hot and its fans were loud. As a ridiculous project, I decided to water-cool it. Modern water cooling kits wouldn’t fit, so I had to get creative. I bought a cheap, generic CPU water block and radiator kit. I used a Dremel to cut holes in the old steel case and hand-drilled mounting points. It was completely unnecessary, but the sight of a vintage beige computer with glowing coolant tubes running through it is an amazing and hilarious contradiction.
The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your Mechanical Keyboard
Building a Keyboard That’s Uniquely Mine
I bought a basic, entry-level mechanical keyboard. It was good, but not great. Over a few months, I transformed it. First, I desoldered the “clicky” switches and replaced them with smooth, linear ones. Then, I added foam to the inside of the case to deepen the sound. I replaced the boring black keycaps with a set of custom-designed, retro-colored ones. Finally, I swapped the standard USB cable for a fancy, coiled aviator cable. My keyboard is now a one-of-a-kind creation, perfectly tuned to my preferences in feel, sound, and look.
I Replaced My Laptop’s Logo with My Own Custom, Backlit Design
Making My Laptop Truly Mine
The glowing Apple logo on my old MacBook was iconic, but it wasn’t me. I wanted to personalize it. I found a service online that could laser-cut a custom design out of a thin sheet of opaque material. I designed my own personal logo, a simple geometric fox. When it arrived, I carefully opened my laptop’s screen assembly, removed the stock Apple logo from the inside, and replaced it with my custom one. Now, when I open my laptop, a soft, white fox head glows instead of an apple.
How to Make a Custom Faceplate for Your Old PC
The Personal Touch for Your Tower
My PC case was a standard black box, completely devoid of personality. I decided to make a new front panel for it. I bought a sheet of beautiful walnut wood veneer. I carefully removed the boring plastic front panel, traced its shape onto the veneer, and cut it out with a jigsaw. I drilled holes for the power button and USB ports and finished the wood with a nice oil. The warm, organic look of the wood completely transformed the aesthetic of my high-tech machine, making it a unique piece of furniture.
I Polished the Scratches Out of My Old iPod So It Looks Brand New
Bringing Back That Mirror Shine
My beloved iPod Classic had a mirror-finish chrome back that was covered in a decade’s worth of scratches. I decided to restore it. I bought a set of fine-grit polishing compounds, typically used for cars or jewelry. Starting with a heavy-cut compound on a microfiber cloth, I spent an hour buffing out the deep scratches. I then moved to a finer swirl remover, and finally to a finishing polish. The result was astonishing. The back of my iPod is now a flawless, perfect mirror, just like the day it came out of the box.
The “Steampunk” Mod: Adding Brass and Gears to an Old Monitor
The Victorian-Era Computer
I had an old LCD monitor that worked perfectly but looked boring. Inspired by the steampunk aesthetic, I transformed it. I disassembled the plastic bezel and spray-painted it with a hammered copper finish. I bought a bag of assorted brass gears and fittings from a craft store. I used a strong epoxy to artfully arrange the gears around the frame and added some vintage-looking toggle switches. Now, my monitor looks like a mysterious contraption from a Jules Verne novel. It’s a functional piece of tech and a work of art.
How to Dye the Plastic on Your Old Gadgets
A Deep, Permanent Color Change
I wanted my white mouse to be a deep, rich blue, but painting it would eventually chip and wear off. The solution was a synthetic fabric dye called Rit DyeMore. Because both the mouse shell and the dye are synthetic polymers, the dye permanently penetrates and stains the plastic instead of just coating it. I disassembled the mouse, submerged the plastic shell in a pot of hot water and dye for about 30 minutes, and the result was a beautiful, even, and incredibly durable new color that will never fade or scratch off.
I Carved a New Case for My Old Router Out of Wood
Hiding Ugly Tech in Plain Sight
My internet router is a necessary evil—a black plastic box with annoying blinking lights that clashes with my living room decor. I decided to hide it in plain sight. I took a solid block of scrap wood and carefully hollowed it out using a drill and chisels, creating a cavity just big enough for the router. I drilled some discreet ventilation holes in the back. Now, my router sits inside this beautiful, minimalist wooden box. It gets plenty of airflow, but its ugly plastic form is completely hidden.
The “Cable Sleeving” That Makes the Inside of Your PC Look Amazing
The Art of Organized Wires
Opening my PC case used to reveal a “rat’s nest” of ugly, ketchup-and-mustard colored power supply cables. It was a functional mess. I decided to clean it up by individually sleeving each wire. I bought a kit with a special woven fabric sleeving and heat-shrink tubing. The process was meticulous, requiring me to de-pin and sleeve every single wire, but the result is breathtaking. Now, the inside of my PC looks incredibly clean and professional, with perfectly organized, color-coordinated cables. It’s the ultimate detail for a custom build.
I Turned an Old CRT TV into a Cat Bed
The Retro Pet Retreat
I found a beautiful, retro-styled 1980s CRT television on the curb. It was completely dead, but the curved plastic shell was too cool to throw away. I carefully and safely discharged the high-voltage components and then completely gutted the inside, removing the tube and all the electronics. I was left with a perfect, hollow shell. I spray-painted the inside a bright color and put a soft, round cushion in it. Now it’s my cat’s favorite bed. He loves the enclosed, cave-like space, and it looks like a hilarious piece of pop art.
How to Install a Backlight in a Game Boy That Never Had One
Letting a Classic Shine
Playing my original Game Boy in anything but direct, bright sunlight was impossible. The old, non-backlit screen was incredibly dark. I decided to give it a modern upgrade. I ordered a modern IPS screen kit online, which comes with a backlight built in. The mod required some careful soldering to connect the new screen’s power to the Game Boy’s main board. Now, my 30-year-old console has a screen that is brighter, more colorful, and has better contrast than the new Nintendo Switch. It’s the best way to experience a classic.
The “Minimalist” Mod: Removing All Branding from Your Devices
My Unbranded, Distraction-Free Laptop
The lid of my laptop had a big, chrome logo of the manufacturer on it. It was a visual distraction. I wanted a cleaner, more minimalist look. For this “de-badging” process, I gently heated the logo with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive. Then, using a piece of dental floss, I carefully worked my way under the logo and sawed back and forth until it popped off. A little bit of rubbing alcohol removed the remaining residue. Now my laptop is a sleek, anonymous black slab, completely free of corporate branding.
I Replaced the Boring Shell on My Controller with a Custom One
A New Skin for My Favorite Tool
After hundreds of hours of gaming, the shell on my Xbox controller was worn and shiny. I found a company online that sells high-quality, custom replacement shells. I chose one in a transparent “atomic purple,” reminiscent of the classic Nintendo 64. For $25, I got a new front and back plate. The process of swapping the internal components into the new shell took about an hour and was like a fun, simple puzzle. Now my old, worn-out controller looks like a brand new, limited-edition model.
How to Make Your Old Beige PC “Case of the Year”
The Ultimate Transformation
I took the most boring object imaginable—an old, yellowed beige PC tower from 1998—and set a goal to make it beautiful. First, I thoroughly cleaned it and used a chemical process called “retrobrighting” to restore the plastic to its original color. Then, I used painter’s tape and a Dremel to cut a clean, modern-looking window in the side panel. I gave the interior a sleek, matte black paint job and added some subtle white lighting. That once-ugly box is now a stunning, minimalist case that gets more compliments than any new one.
I Used a Laser Cutter to Etch a Design onto My Laptop Lid
Permanent, Precision Personalization
I wanted a custom design on my aluminum laptop, but I worried a sticker would peel off and paint would scratch. I decided to go for a permanent, professional solution. I created a high-contrast, black and white geometric design. I took the file and my laptop’s lid to a local maker space that has a laser cutter. For a small fee, the technician helped me set it up. The laser then precisely etched my design into the metal’s surface. The result is an incredibly sharp, subtle, and permanent customization that looks like it came from the factory.
The “De-badging” Process for a Cleaner Look
The Subtle Art of Brand Removal
The front of my high-end speakers had big, garish silver logos that I found distracting. I decided to “de-badge” them for a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic. The logos were just glued on. I took a piece of thin fishing line, slipped it behind the logo, and used a gentle sawing motion to cut through the adhesive foam. The logo popped right off. A little bit of adhesive remover on a Q-tip cleaned up the residue. Now, my speakers are just beautiful, anonymous black boxes that blend into the room perfectly.
I Built a Working PC Inside a LEGO Case
The Ultimate Crossover Project
I had a small, single-board computer and a giant bin of LEGOs from my childhood. I decided to combine my two hobbies. I built a custom, fully-functional computer case entirely out of LEGO bricks. I carefully planned for airflow, port access, and mounting points for the motherboard. The colorful, blocky result is a complete juxtaposition of low-tech nostalgia and high-tech function. It’s a conversation starter and a daily reminder of the creative possibilities when you think outside the beige box.
How to Add a Window to Your Old PC Case Panel
Giving Your PC a Soul
My old PC case was a solid steel box. I wanted to show off the components I had carefully chosen and installed. I bought a sheet of clear acrylic and some rubber U-channel molding. I carefully taped off a large square on the side panel and used a Dremel with a cutting wheel to cut out the window. I filed the edges smooth and then fitted the rubber molding around the cut to give it a clean, professional finish. I secured the acrylic panel on the inside. For a few hours of work, I completely modernized the look of my old case.
The “BioShock” Inspired PC Mod
A Computer Straight Out of Rapture
I’m a huge fan of the video game BioShock, so I decided to mod my PC to look like a piece of technology from the game’s art-deco underwater city, Rapture. I disassembled the case and painted it with a dark bronze metallic paint and an aging wash. I replaced the power button with a vintage-style toggle switch and added some brass pressure gauges from a plumbing supply store as decoration. I even created a custom-aged “Sinclair Solutions” logo for the front. It’s a tribute to my favorite game and a completely unique piece of functional art.
I Gave My Old Speakers a New Life with a Fresh Fabric Grill
The Easiest Audio Makeover
I had a pair of fantastic-sounding vintage speakers, but the 30-year-old black fabric on the speaker grills was faded, dusty, and had a few small holes. It made the whole system look shabby. I went to a fabric store and bought a yard of new, acoustically transparent speaker grill cloth in a beautiful, modern grey color for $15. I carefully pried the old grills off, used a staple gun to stretch the new fabric tightly over the wooden frames, and popped them back on. The speakers instantly looked brand new and fit my modern decor perfectly.
How to Change the Boot-Up Screen on Your Old Console or PC
The First Thing You See, Personalized
Every time I turn on my old PC, I see the same boring manufacturer’s logo. I found a utility that allowed me to edit the BIOS firmware. I created a simple, custom splash screen with my own personal logo in it. I flashed the modified BIOS, and now, when my computer boots up, my logo appears instead of the Dell one. It’s a small, deeply nerdy change that no one else ever sees, but it makes the machine feel truly, fundamentally mine from the very first moment it powers on.
The “Portable” N64 Mod: A Classic Console You Can Take Anywhere
My Childhood, Now Handheld
I decided to take on a classic console modding project: creating a portable Nintendo 64. I bought a broken N64 and a small LCD screen. I carefully trimmed the motherboard down to its absolute minimum size, rerouting connections with fine wires. I 3D-printed a custom handheld case to house the board, the screen, controller buttons, batteries, and the game cartridge slot. The final result is a chunky, but fully functional, portable console that lets me play Super Mario 64 on the go. It’s a triumph of patience and soldering.
I Turned a Broken iMac into a Luxury Pet Bed
The iNap
My beautiful, iconic G4 iMac, the one that looked like a sunflower, finally died. Its unique design was too beautiful to throw away. I carefully disassembled it, removing all the electronics but keeping the white hemispherical base and the arm that held the screen. I was left with a perfect, dome-shaped shell. I cleaned it thoroughly and put a plush, round cushion inside. Now, it’s my cat’s favorite bed. She loves the enclosed space, and it looks like a hilarious, high-design piece of modern pet furniture.
How to Add Wireless Charging to a Phone That Doesn’t Have It
The Invisible Upgrade
My old phone works perfectly, but I was envious of my friend’s new phone with convenient wireless charging. I decided to add it myself. I bought a thin, universal Qi wireless charging receiver coil for ten dollars online. It has a small ribbon cable that plugs into my phone’s USB-C port. The coil itself is so thin that I was able to tuck it inside my phone’s case, completely hidden from view. Now I can just drop my old phone onto any wireless charger, and it works perfectly.
The “Mad Max” Post-Apocalyptic Tech Modding Guide
Building for the Wasteland
I was inspired by the rugged, cobbled-together technology in the Mad Max movies. I took an old, beat-up laptop and decided to make it look like a “Wasteland” artifact. I removed the plastic casing and built a new, rough frame out of scrap metal and leather. I replaced some keys with ones from an old typewriter. I added external toggle switches and a big, red, covered “launch” button for power. The result is a functional computer that looks like it has survived the apocalypse. It’s gritty, tactile, and a blast to use.
I Built a PC Inside an Old Nintendo (NES) Console
The Ultimate Retro Sleeper
The ultimate “sleeper PC” project for a retro gamer is the NES-PC. I took a non-functional original Nintendo Entertainment System and completely gutted it. I used a Dremel to carefully cut out the internal plastic supports to make room. I then installed a modern, small form factor motherboard and a compact power supply inside the shell. I even wired the console’s original power and reset buttons to the new motherboard. The result is a machine that looks exactly like a classic Nintendo but plays modern PC games in 4K resolution.
How to Replace the Screen on an Old ThinkPad with a Modern IPS Display
The Most Impactful Laptop Upgrade
I love my old ThinkPad laptop, but its original screen was dim and had terrible viewing angles. Colors looked washed out. I discovered that I could upgrade it with a modern, full-HD IPS display. I found the compatible screen model on a specialty parts website for $60. The replacement process was surprisingly simple, involving just removing the front bezel and four small screws. The difference is night and day. My old laptop now has a screen that’s brighter and more color-accurate than many brand-new machines.
The “All-in-One” PC I Built Out of an Old Laptop and Monitor
The DIY iMac
I had a laptop with a broken keyboard and a monitor with a dead stand. Separately, they were junk. Together, they were an opportunity. I removed the laptop’s screen and carefully mounted the main body (the motherboard and components) to the back of the standalone monitor. I connected the laptop’s motherboard to the monitor’s display panel internally. I added a USB hub for a keyboard and mouse. The result is a sleek, custom-built “all-in-one” computer, created entirely from two broken devices.
I Made a Custom Stand for My Headphones Out of Old PC Parts
The Upcycled Audio Perch
I needed a stand for my expensive headphones but didn’t want a boring, generic one. I looked at my pile of old computer parts and had an idea. I took the heavy, circular base from a dismantled hard drive platter motor. For the main vertical support, I used a beautiful, finned aluminum heatsink from an old CPU. I epoxied the two together. The result is a heavy, stable, and industrial-looking headphone stand that is a complete one-of-a-kind piece, built for free from parts that were destined for the landfill.
The Art of “Greebling”: Adding Detail to Make Your Tech Look More Complex
The Sci-Fi Detail Secret
I wanted to make my plain PC case look like a prop from a Star Wars movie. The technique is called “greebling.” I went to a hobby store and bought a model kit for a tank and a spaceship. I didn’t build the models; instead, I clipped out all the tiny, intricate plastic parts—hatches, vents, pipes, and panels. I then strategically glued these “greebles” onto the flat, boring surfaces of my PC case before painting it. This added a huge amount of visual texture and complexity, making it look incredibly detailed.
How to Make Your Old Tech Blend In With Your Home Decor
The Chameleon Computer
My powerful desktop PC was a black, monolithic tower that looked terrible in my bright, airy living room. I decided to make it disappear. I bought a roll of high-quality, textured wallpaper that matched the wall behind my desk. I carefully removed the side and top panels of the PC case and applied the wallpaper to them, wrapping the edges cleanly. When I reassembled it, the computer almost perfectly camouflaged itself against the wall. It’s a simple, cheap trick to make your technology integrate seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic.