The Science Behind Snowblind: How the LCD Side Panel Works

[@FilthyIcon]

I'm a simple man. I see IMDN, I press like

[@ImmodderNation]

I have 100 more videos you can press "like" for me.

[@thedudedylan]

your channel is criminally underrated. keep up the amazing videos man.

[@ImmodderNation]

Thank you Dylan. Your compliment means a lot to me!👍

[@MosquitoMade]

The large pixels is definitely a good mention. That was one reason I went with a 720p screen instead of 1080p. I've also had the chance to look at 2 versions of snowblind, and I'm not a fan of their first implementation, but the second is a little better

[@ImmodderNation]

Hey Modsquito! The Snowblind Element looks much better with the tempered glass and front panel. Plus I'm a fan of NZXT cases. You reminded me that I need to finish my worklog on ModZoo.

[@EltonLeonidas]

Im still chosing my case, but i think the NZXT H500 will be my choice. But its side panel is about 430x330mm and its fully glass, i dont think i can attach a screen to it :D And if i can, i'll need a 16:9 monitor instead of 4:3. Which is sligthly more expensive :D If i build it succesfully, i'll attach a wifi module to the led strip to modify the brightness and turn on/off with my phone/alexa. Btw with this strong lightning, the pc inside looks a bit messy. Should i use less bright led, or just leave the dark pc components?

[@ImmodderNation]

Why would you need a 16:9? A 4:3 is much closer to the dimensions you specified. You'll likely need to create a shelf with super glue for the screen to sit on. You'll need bright lighting and white background for it to look best. Clean up the wiring with cable management the best you can. On Barncules channel, this guy painted his motherboard shield white to help the effect. Maybe that will help you.

[@EltonLeonidas]

thanks for the fast reply. Sure, u're right. I dont know why am i associated to 16:9, the case just looks so different on picture :D Anyway, as i measured, the monitor should be around 16,9"x13,7" (22" diameter) which is kinda big for old monitors :D

[@MosquitoMade]

@@EltonLeonidas 22" shouldn't be too hard should it? Also, definitely yes on bright LEDs needed

[@OnePixelataTime]

The light guide was something I looked into for a while as well, but decided against it due to the same reasons you suggested. Great video.

[@ImmodderNation]

I was quoted $200 for a custom light guide from ePlastics. Not worth it, but there may be another solution. I'll discuss in the V2 video.

[@OnePixelataTime]

@@ImmodderNation Yeah, I looked at several places in the US and received the same quotes, then I tried a few places in china and received the similar quotes. Not cheap at all.

[@Cerberus984]

@@ImmodderNation Did you ever consider frosted film covering on backside of lcd to mitigate the need for white components? Check out these models of films SXWV-0200 Clear Luster or SX-14316 Frosted Rectangles

[@ImmodderNation]

@Satoru Not a frosted film, but definitely looking at UV dot film. I need a custom pattern to match iBuyPowers.

[@TefenCa]

I have an LCD display 15.6" in my Tiberium Reactor build I'm working on but have it on the other side panel to display graphics or use to game on for LAN events. I will probably do a future mod with the transparent style like in video & will let you know if I do. Hit me up on Facebook if you like to chat about LCD screens in Mods!

[@ImmodderNation]

Well do Tefen! Yes let me know when you do so I can see it!

[@fmbar00]

Thanx for the videos!!! Funny story: I had the idea and was like “man! I wonder how a transparent screen would look like as a side panel on a computer after seeing Linus checking the transparent LG tv and then I got a little sad because then I discovered that some people had the same idea I had, then I saw your video as reference as I went along on trial and error while building mine, so I might have some ideas that make the build easier in some areas but that need remediation in other areas, like, if you have a tempered glass you can use the LOCA glue and the technique that glue the lcd/oled phone screen to the outer glass of the phone, to glue the lcd to a tempered glass from the iside of the case, it makes much easier to secure the screen in place without losing any quality to the image and either paint the rest of the glass or just mask it from the inside, you can also use a usb display to make the electronics of the panel muuuch easier and also use a usb adapter that goes directly into the mobo usb connector to keep all the cabling reduced to just one cable to power and drive the panel. Please reply to my message so I can show you how mine looks! And again, thanks for the guides!!

[@ImmodderNation]

Good suggestions. Masking has been talked about at length already. Loca glue might be a good option. USB monitor was used by Mosquito already. You can check out my Discord and share your build there! Link in the video description.

[@harper8808]

These videos have been amazing, and I anxiously await the 2.0 build video. BTW I would love to see a video showcasing more of just the sidepanel itself displaying different types of images

[@ImmodderNation]

Thanks for the compliment Harper. Any suggestions for images?

[@harper8808]

​ ImmodderNation you mentioned that it really needs dark/high contrast images to look the best, so maybe some comparisons of images that do show up really well and some that don't. Also, would love to see some cool rainmaker/wpengine setups with stuff like system diagnostics up there.

[@harper8808]

@@ImmodderNation one question for you -- of the 2 big improvements (brighter lights & plasti dip interior), which do you think is more important?

[@ImmodderNation]

Both are equally as important. Maybe the lights more than the white background but they work to help each other.

[@harper8808]

@@ImmodderNation much appreciated. I have a Lian Li 011 dynamic coming soon, and I'm going to assess the possibility of this mod in that case. Not yet confident it's doable, but I'll be damned if I don't want to try.

[@mcdjacedad7359]

Hi mate, I like your channel, and I just done the side panels mod led

[@ImmodderNation]

Great job! I'd love to see it.

[@mcdjacedad7359]

@@ImmodderNationI will upload the side panel to my KZbin channel,

[@CheckitOutYaw]

u deserve more subs friend! Your vids are awesome and so informative!

[@ImmodderNation]

Thank you Roxxxor!

[@DeanRendar]

I just spent past 4 days perfecting rgb strips, EL wire, rgb fans, and controller into a custom plexiglass window on a NZXT case with over $125 invested. I immediately regret doing something old an played out the moment I realized people can be doing this now.

[@ImmodderNation]

Oh cool, El wire! I've done so work with El panels and the glow looks really good. I don't doubt your system looks amazing.

[@charlesschneider27]

I am currently peeling apart a 32inch lcd. Due to COVID19 there is no plexiglass at lowes. So it is holding back my mod. So far i am not sure how see through this tv is going to be. I hope its clear too. :(

[@ImmodderNation]

Try operating the LCD fully connected without the backlight and connected to a PC and just shine a flashlight through it.

[@charlesschneider27]

@@ImmodderNation I got it working! Thanks for the inspiration. Since I cant find plexiglass do you thing glass would work?

[@ImmodderNation]

Yeah but remember that glass will add significant weight, making the door heavier.

[@charlesschneider27]

@@ImmodderNation I'm looking into building my own case from the ground up. I want to use the aluminum strips/angles and sheets from Lowes. The door hinge is going to be a piano hinge riveted. I watch probably a hours worth of KZbin videos on aluminum brazing and it's as easy as soldering.

[@charlesschneider27]

@@ImmodderNation do you have a discord?

[@TefenCa]

Great video by the way & I really enjoy your content!

[@ImmodderNation]

Thank you and thanks for the chat last friday!

[@hyunayui1771]

can i use IPS lcd panel for this mod or only TN panel can do it pliz help

[@ImmodderNation]

Both can be used. Thank you for watching!

[@CLBCrew96]

does the led inside the case have to be super bright? I think I got the lcd screen but when I put it over a light its still pretty dark

[@ImmodderNation]

Brighter the better. If you've seen how bright monitor lights are, it's because light helps the colors. If you're just doing black and white images you don't need as much light because of the high contrast.

[@CLBCrew96]

@@ImmodderNation also which side of the screen has the part we need to remove using a damp rag? Is it the front of the screen or the other side? I don't want to try and remove the wrong piece and mess it up. I have all the wiring done just need to remove that film

[@ImmodderNation]

Check with the manufacturer to find out if your screen has antiglare coating. Some monitors do not. The coating is on the outside of the LCD.

[@revolakwatsero1216]

what's the name of that colored smoke animation?

[@ImmodderNation]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnjFeoJ5bZhgidE

[@benwaballs8800]

Great mod. Question for ya, why paint your MOBO white when you can leave everything black and run white lighting on your LCD screen???

[@ImmodderNation]

There is no white lighting. LCDs don't produce white light, it's a white backdrop inside the monitor. That's why you need a white background. Otherwise the whites will be whatever color the background is. Try it yourself and let me know what you see.

[@RodRosenberg]

Nice video I hope to build one of these up someday!

[@ImmodderNation]

You should try it!

[@Baumstyler]

@ImmodderNation Follow up video for your V2 mod Still in editing? Whats your thoughts on oled screens for snowblind mods?

[@ImmodderNation]

I still need to add some pieces to it. Still a work in progress but I'm finishing out the Bubble Wall PC Vlogs as well. As far as OLED goes, there are now transparent OLED TVs. In theory it should work without the bright backlight, but you still need to illuminate the inside of the case.

[@rwiersema]

First, thank you for this series, it's really helped me a lot in building my own version. (Using an HP L1950, I got 4 of them for $30 :)) Two quick questions tho. 1. Looking through the panel, the computer looks a little bit fuzzy. I've removed the anti glare layer from the screen, but it still a little blurry. I was wondering if that's something yours does as well. 2. I can't seem to find the background you're using @ 3:29 Could i bother you to look up the name of it?

[@ImmodderNation]

1. No it shouldn't be fuzzy. I've seen it happen with some people performing the mod though. 2. Try searching for "grid psychedelic" 😉

[@rwiersema]

@@ImmodderNation thanks :)

[@ImagineIsAwesome]

@@rwiersema @ImmodderNation I've done this to my pc and noticed the slight fuzziness as well, either it is specific to the screen I used, or (what I think is happening) the polarization panels are causing this. I also was trying to find the animation at 0:47, thanks.

[@ImmodderNation]

@Mini Maker Are you using a TFT LCD panel? the animation can be found here kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2myaZ6XoJaLndE

[@BlueeBubble]

If the components are black but you got 100 led density lights, can it still work? Even faintly :P

[@ImmodderNation]

You can make the screen work but it's hard to see without contrasting images. Try it, but without a white background it won't look as good. You can see the difference from v1 and v2.

[@Blazerboyk9]

I don't understand why transparent LCD screens cannot be bought anywhere or a side panel replacement for the case

[@ImmodderNation]

They can be purchased from China.

[@Blazerboyk9]

@@ImmodderNation can you give a safe link?

[@ImmodderNation]

No. Check websites like AliExpress or Banggood.

[@erkanbilgisayar2269]

it makes my first in turkey

[@ImmodderNation]

Your first what in Turkey?

[@AZACKAL]

i have been wanting to do this mod tutorial of yours sense you released it xD but i want to do it to a media server witch i have yet to build. my main rig is an 80s pc a trs80 model 2 i converted for modern hardware even converted the keyboard to usb instead of din 5 and saddly this lcd side panel mod wont work to well on it xD

[@ImmodderNation]

Yeah that's tough as most media servers are flat htpcs or hidden in a closet. You should definitely do it though!

[@AZACKAL]

nah my media server is just gonnna be in a normal case next to my entertainment stand. though i guess i should say media pc not server. lol though it will house all my movies and music and what not so still a server? i dont know anymore hahahaha xD

[@samlashley4700]

This side panel has the same amount of pixels as the monitor I am using...

[@ImmodderNation]

PCMR isn't just about having the best gear. It's about passion for computers.

[@yoslick9334]

Why do you only have 4k subs????

[@ImmodderNation]

KZbin doesn't care for people who post only once per week. Growth is slow, but thank you for the compliment!

[@shadowr2d2]

Second is still good for me. Happy, Happy Turkey day.. Just shop till you drop. Than enjoy a Cold adult beverage. Ha. Ha. Ha.

[@ImmodderNation]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Hope you didn't spend all your money in one place. Unless that place is Amazon, Newegg, or MicroCenter. 🤩

[@VRNosy]

Is this MIZ TV

[@ImmodderNation]

I don't know what that is.

[@TokenBlkGuy]

why don't u build me one

[@ImmodderNation]

Cause I don't want to. I thought the two part guide was the hint.

[@alfalfachomusuke8258]

i waited for to long ser :(

[@ImmodderNation]

Waiting for version 2.0 of my how to guide I'm guessing?

[@erkanbilgisayar2269]

hello I did the same watching the video I sent you as an e-mail

[@ImmodderNation]

Replied to your message 😀

[@erkanbilgisayar2269]

@@ImmodderNation I did not reply to my mail and I want to know your thoughts

[@erkanbilgisayar2269]

@@ImmodderNation kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2rQaX6MnJunacU I'm curious about your thoughts

[@ImmodderNation]

Looks great! Maybe add a white background? 👍

[@erkanbilgisayar2269]

@@ImmodderNation thanks your comment is very important to me because i did watching your videos

[@beardedpatriot4081]

I made my first attempt check it out on my channel its no where near as nice as yours but its a start i'm waiting for the anti glare to soak right now for take 2

[@ImmodderNation]

Looks great so far. Looking forward to more changes!

[@TefenCa]

First!!

[@ImmodderNation]

A winner is YOU!

[@Macbookpro19991]

the mlp vids on the side panel are v cringe my dude

[@ImmodderNation]

Mlp vids?

[@FaithfulFrets]

My little pony

[@ImmodderNation]

But the little kids at Maker Faire loved them. Think of the children!