Exclusive interview with ClearPC.ca / Watercooling.com owner and case modding expert Frank Goluza

Web site: http://www.ClearPC.ca

Editor's Note : This "interview" was one of the most candid, interesting, and ... well ... scary interviews I've ever done in my three years in the industry. Case modding has become a true phenomenon that is sweeping the computer industry and ClearPC.ca , who manufacture and sell clear acrylic cases, are at the forefront of this emerging group of passionate people. NextGen Electronics will be featuring the latest in case mods and upgrades in the near future and we want to thank Frank Goluza for giving us his time in this insider's look at what case modding is all about. The interview was conducted via a series of emails and is published, completely uncensored. We discuss what true case modding is all about, why case modding isn't just a fad, and where the industry is headed. Those that are weak of heart, easily offended, or a disco nostalgist - beware.
                                                                        -- Sean Gibson, Editor

Sean Gibson: I was just reading through your instructions on how to build a ClearPC, it's really neat an innovative stuff. It seems that the case modding sector is at an all time high in popularity.

Frank Goluza: It's HUGE! I am having a really great time with this SHYTE.

Sean Gibson: Case modding is at an all time high in popularity. Is this a trend that's here to stay or a fad that will eventually mutate into some other popular buying habit for consumers?

Frank Goluza: I am typing in red font standing up because I just got this wicked case mod in my mind right now. I see ClearPC as a canvass and I don't think the idea of modding will go away any time soon: I'm thinking about a fire theme, I'm thinking part ruby red; I am wanting a custom acrylic red dragon permutating from the front of my enclosure, wings outstretched with the head upside down and a trip-ass light mod that freakishly Xplodes from the top of my case. I want something no one else has and I want it now watercooled, simulating the fiery glow of a dragon's heart while I play SOF at my local lan bash. I want to beat that next mod into the ground.

Sean Gibson: ClearPC specializes in creating clear acrylic cases specifically designed for modding out. How hard is it for novice modders to upgrade their system to the acrylic system of their dreams?

Frank Goluza: I don't think it is hard to start modding, even the smallest mods are rewarding but I think the bigger EGO you have, the better your mod will be. They seem to go hand in hand. It's kind of like the owner of a Corvette except there is less cheese there. It's the attitude mostly. Think of something really fucking cool and make it happen. I've got about 80 different mods in my head at any one time: if I had the time, I would do each one but you have to start it to finish it and for me, I've got another case coming out so I don't get a chance to bust my ass over a sweet mod. I leave it to my friends mostly who come in once in a while with a new trick or I'll get an ICQ or an email photo of some schweet ass box. I can't believe some of the fiends out there modding their gear. I am amazed at some of the mail I get: you can sometimes find me bowing at my computer in great reverence to a mod. For the novice modder: I would start by visiting the trick and joke shop and buying some fake chest hair. That will get you ripped for your next mod: worked for me.

Sean Gibson: Watercooling is becoming more and more mainstream. What's your take on this innovative style of cooling and how have you allowed your products to handle the necessary requirements needed for installation?

Frank Goluza: Well, I agree that watercooling is more mainstream. I think ClearPC and Watercooling go hand in hand. Check it out: www.watercooling.com I plan to release some really great blocks this year on that domain (I said that last year too, shit) but any way, have a look at our site in the near future. I've got a drawing I am collaborating on this weekend in fact and hope to have a block prototype of that soon and a start on the retail store for some swank gear you can't find anywhere else. That's the whole thing: I don't want to sell shyte every one else has or can buy at the local electronics depot. It's got to be really trick ass gear. I think some of the cases I manufacture can be that if you have a mind for it. And as for the requirements, well, you have to remember, that ClearPC can mod out any case for whichever kit you might buy. I've modded most of them already, shit, I think I am the world's busiest modder in that regard.

Sean Gibson: Is loudness a factor with acrylic cases (i.e. is it possible to have an acrylic case that's cool (temperature) and quiet)?

Frank Goluza: I modded out a case for watercooling a while ago with sparse ventilation with no 80mm fans -- 1, 120mm in front for the radiator and the report that I got was that it was, "...vely, vely, vely quiet." I don't know what vely is.

Sean Gibson: What's in the near future for case modding?

Frank Goluza: Something worthy of a James Bond film: I hope to have a ClearPC star in one one day. I think that would be cool. In the mean time, look for more watercooled shyte in the near future. That's where I am heading at this moment.

Sean Gibson: Franjo, you're a pretty candid and funny guy. I like that! Is it okay if I publish this interview as-is? Also, I have a dream ... a wild crazy dream ... it's once again the 1970s and Disco is reigning supreme. There's disco lights, disco balls ... all captured perfectly inside a beautiful acrylic cases ... I can see it now ... the first Disco Computer!

Frank Goluza: Of course, I expected you to publish word for word, I apologize for the expletives, but those are my personal faults and not in any way representative of my company's professionalism which I take extremely seriously.

I would have to comment strongly against the association of disco and anything to do with ClearPC as ClearPC case mods and modding in general has nothing to do with the former social exploit known as DISCO. That is definitely a misinterpreted association and definitely should not be drawn. Actually, I am rather sicked by the association as modding is more an extreme aversion, a voice of rebellion against that which is the norm, the BORING, THE BLAND, THE BANAL, the omnipresent beige computer case which I kick every day on my way to work.

We;re not dancing over here flipping our hips at the excitement over a change in computer case styling: we're violently opposing the norm and out of violence we're producing some of the most brilliant mods you and the community at large have ever seen. My apologies again for the expletives but I know no better choice of words than to say "FUCK DISCO." Go to [H]ardOCP and you'll find a glut of guys like me. I leave it to Kyle and his cohorts, they are the real geniuses behind the world of modding. I salute them although I have never been a Marine. I just wish it were so.

Sean Gibson: Also - are you really from Victoria, BC? I've been there! It's one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been too. Go Canucks (Bertuzzi is one of my favorite players...)!

Frank Goluza: Yes. My home town. Nothing much to say except that it is perfect here.

Sean Gibson: I never thought my little joke of a "Disco Computer" would illicit such a ... unique response. I like the fact that you think that a computer isn't just a functional device, but can also be used as a free form of creative expression. At least, I think that's what you're going for. If I was to build a case modded computer, it'd have to reflect my personality ... I'd want something that when someone came in and saw it for the first time to say, "Holy Shhhhiiittt!". Disco? Of course not, I wasn't around for it anyways (well maybe technically, but I was just a little tike). Oh, expletives don't scare me. I'll reference a review I did on Gaming Illustrated for the review of "Swimfan" where I called it "Cinematic Diarrhea" . I have a colorful vocabulary myself at times.

So - I do appreciate all your responses and can see adding them all up together is going to make one of the most entertaining Q&As I've ever done in my professional life. !

Frank Goluza: A former friend of mine emailed me this morning to add that he would like to see a disco ball spinning in front of his 80mm fan. I told him I could no longer be his friend. Any way, I hope the interview was ok. I look forward to seeing it.

Editor's Conclusion : As you can see the case mod sector of the tech industry is one filled with color and passion. Frank Goluza is a person that seems to be at the forefront of this exciting and creative form of computing. Case Modding - it's the wild, crazy, and unique that rules and not the mainstream "what you see everyday" that's been shoved down our throats for years. ClearPC not only "gets it" - they're teaching the rest of us some attitude. There's something a little disturbing about Frank and his attitude ... but for some reason, I really like it. I'd like to personally thank Frank and hope we can correspond with him again in the near future for another feature.

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