Thermaltake Casemod 2026 has been underway since January. It’s time for another update on the progress of my project. As a reminder, this competition pits 8 modders against each other around the same configuration. As promised, I’ll be sharing my news, successes, doubts and, above all, lessons learned with you on a regular basis. Because, from my point of view, this event is first and foremost an opportunity to learn new things and meet new people.
Casemod 2026: the build is ready!
The build was completed a few days ago. After a great deal of thought, and with the help of the community, I’ve decided on a dirty green color for the liquid, which suits the theme perfectly. Not only does it enhance the “rusty” colors of the chassis, it also evokes degradation and the post-apocalyptic universe.
So I was able to fill the (watertight) loop, install Windows and proceed with the basic configurations. For a showcase build, the priority is to adjust the RGB lighting (centralized here in the TT RGB PLUS software), set gentle fan curves and display an animation on the side screen.
An audacious gamble
The previous update raised the question of whether or not to keep the 3D-printed decorative additions. 3D printing is very much in vogue in the world of PC modding at the moment. Very much so ? Too much ? I’m leaning towards the second option. So I made the painful decision not to install the exhausts, bull-bars and other decorations. Painful, because these parts represented many hours of work for my friends and myself.
But with no regret.
The mod definitely looks perfect as it is. The one and only 3D print is the GPU skin proposed by Palit Maker, a compulsory addition to the competition and the centerpiece of the final look.
As for the rest, I’ve gone to great lengths to push realism to the extreme.
The details
All the paintwork was done by hand (four hands for the larger surfaces), with several layers and multiple repeats. It represents several dozen (probably a hundred) hours of work. The numerous reactions from outraged people on the networks, convinced that we’ve packed the Palit GPU in a real block of metal, tend to confirm that the result is satisfactory.
We should also point out that the bullet holes on the chassis are real (made in a controlled environment). We recovered the casings to use as accents in various places and… as GPU support!
Note also the wear and dirt on the pipes. It comes straight from my car’s exhaust pipe.
In my humble opinion, modding implies raw contact with materials, a special relationship with the chassis. That’s what I wanted to express here, and the result suits me.
Casemod 2026: reveal and vote
The deadline is April 20. Before then, we are not allowed to reveal the entire build. A few days later, a vote will be launched. As a reminder, the first three mods will be on display at Computex 2026 on the Thermaltake stand. We’re counting on you to vote and spread the word !
In the meantime, visit the Thermaltake forum here.
