Aesthetics vs functionality

[FoxxyRin]

For me, building computers is more than just having a computer that works. It's a hobby and an art to me, similar to how some guys look at cars. Internals come first, but once that baby purrs, it's time to shine 'er up. I don't have the funds (or balls) to really get into real modding (such as custom water cooling, cutting panels, etc.), but I *can* get into making sure that every last part in the case ties in seamlessly with everything around it. Matching colors, themes, and making sure that I don't have an awful clash of "muscle car" mixed with too much sleek, else it look like a hot mess. Just because you have a budget, doesn't mean you can't make things look decent, at least. Even things as simple as cable management and electrical tape to hide rainbow wires can make a world of difference if you have some patience.

[Tic-Tac]

Personally, I love to see a good looking PC component and a good looking PC configuration. Everyone perceive "good looking" differently, mostly for kids and teenagers it will be some flashy/over-the-top/gaming-in-your-face type of "good looking" design, something like this :

 

 

And maybe for some elder guys like myself will be something that is a bit more subtle and possibly refined. I personally love monochrome design with two colors max, I think it looks sharper, classy and way refined that all that ridiculous "gaming" design (e.g. Corsair TRAMP STAMP line etc.) but I love cases with window, love to see all that high-tech eye candy inside . Something like this in terms of monochromatic design (and this is THE MOST GAMERY EDGE LOOK FOR ME) :

 

 

 

I would hate if I buy a 2000-3000€ PC and put it all in this for example :

 

[DebatED Nothing]

I bought a Z11 plus because at the time I thought it looked cool. Turns out it's not a very good case, and I don't even like it's appearance anymore, so I would say go for functionality over looks, and get something plain in appearance but not boring. Most Corsair cases fall in this category, they're not overtly "gamer-ish" and they'll look fine anywhere, but they're not just featureless boxes.

[Mushious]

I go for function first. Once I have that, I make it pretty.

[Mudgee1994]

For me, building computers is more than just having a computer that works. It's a hobby and an art to me, similar to how some guys look at cars. Internals come first, but once that baby purrs, it's time to shine 'er up. I don't have the funds (or balls) to really get into real modding (such as custom water cooling, cutting panels, etc.), but I *can* get into making sure that every last part in the case ties in seamlessly with everything around it. Matching colors, themes, and making sure that I don't have an awful clash of "muscle car" mixed with too much sleek, else it look like a hot mess. Just because you have a budget, doesn't mean you can't make things look decent, at least. Even things as simple as cable management and electrical tape to hide rainbow wires can make a world of difference if you have some patience.

Exactly my feels right there. It's what I've aimed for in my current system (just cleaned her up yesterday) although I'm starting to look at some modding to make a PSU and HDD cover similar to an H440. You're also very right how its basically like car guys although a bit cheaper, I can't really afford to have a flashy car but at least I can have a cool looking computer that I can drive a flashy looking car in a simulator with.

 

Personally, I love to see a good looking PC component and a good looking PC configuration. Everyone perceive "good looking" differently, mostly for kids and teenagers it will be some flashy/over-the-top/gaming-in-your-face type of "good looking" design, something like this :

 

 

 

And maybe for some elder guys like myself will be something that is a bit more subtle and possibly refined. I personally love monochrome design with two colors max, I think it looks sharper, classy and way refined that all that ridiculous "gaming" design (e.g. Corsair TRAMP STAMP line etc.) but I love cases with window, love to see all that high-tech eye candy inside . Something like this in terms of monochromatic design (and this is THE MOST GAMERY EDGE LOOK FOR ME) :

 

 

 

 

 

 

I would hate if I buy a 2000-3000€ PC and put it all in this for example :

 

 

Those concept cases you posted were just amazing, if they ever come out I couldn't help myself but buy them.

 

I bought a Z11 plus because at the time I thought it looked cool. Turns out it's not a very good case, and I don't even like it's appearance anymore, so I would say go for functionality over looks, and get something plain in appearance but not boring. Most Corsair cases fall in this category, they're not overtly "gamer-ish" and they'll look fine anywhere, but they're not just featureless boxes.

Made the same mistake but with a Thermaltake Chaser MK-1. Still have the case in the box and I did have a system in there but I didn't like the build quality, lack of a full size window and the lack of removable air filters. Been trying to sell it but I don't think I could even give it away.