It's what's outside that counts: The coolest and craziest case mods from Computex (pictures)

Ever since hardcore gaming fans started building their own PCs, there has been a solid core of enthusiasts who have ditched the rule book and taken their PCs to new heights. These case modders keep the same guts inside the machine, but they go above and beyond in reshaping what happens on the outside. And at Computex in Taiwan, they were out in force.

While DIY PC builders are concerned about processor speeds, there are some that are more focused on lap speeds. If that's the case, why not build your gaming machine into your very own racing set-up?

There's no better way to destroy your enemies on the battlefield than to covert your PC into a tank, throw on some machine guns and let the metal do the talking. Sure, it mightn't help in-game, but you'll look cool!

If there's one thing that unites all the professional mods on the Computex floor, it's their cooling systems. And while a few fans (or six) can play a part, there's nothing quite like liquid cooling -- especially when it comes to looking cool as well as keeping hardware from overheating.

We love how this mod blurs the lines between the structural frame and the liquid pipes. Although we certainly couldn't be trusted to keep this one clean!

You know better than to trust a strange computer, but at least R2-D2 should be familiar.

Made by German modder Ali Abbas, this tank-like rig is inspired by "muscle steel and sex appeal." Say no more.

Recreating Ghostbusters HQ in perfect detail, right down to the Ecto-1 parked out the front, this lego mod was one of the standouts of the show. We really, really wish it was actually slime cooled, but that might have melted the plastic.

Bonus points for spelling out the name of your sponsor on the side in Lego.

Created by Thailand-based case modder Jengki WMP, this nod to Captain America looks more like a set piece from "Captain America: Civil War" than a functional PC.

On the reverse side, Cap's shield covers all the internal mechanisms of the PC, though it's unclear whether these modders were able to source real Vibranium for their build.

This open-air chassis from D-Frame shows just what a difference the hardware makes. A fairly bare-bones structure on its own, the frame becomes a whole new machine depending on how you fit it out inside.

While it's technically not kitted out with PC hardware, we'll give this Cooler Master case mod a pass cause we have a soft spot for Lego! Clear a few of those minifigs out and you've got yourself plenty of space for a CPU and graphics card.

With all the action up front and all the ports around the back, you wouldn't know that this futuristic green and black space machine on show at Gigabyte was actually a PC boasting an Intel Core i7 processor and Geforce GTX graphics card.

Described as a "weapon of mass distraction", the WMD was shown off at the Republic of Gamers event at Computex, care of Aussie mod team, Team Down Under.

Wrapped all the way around in a bandolier of bullets, there's also a screen on the front of the case showing bullets dropping the ground after being 'shot'.

This is one very archaic looking mod for a very up-to-date machine. We particularly love the Joan of Arc vibe -- perfect for slaying one's enemies.

The kind of PC that we bet Johnny Blaze keeps in his house between motorcycle stunts, this mod from Asus' Republic of Gamers is dedicated to all things Ghost Rider.

At the top, the chassis is fitted out with a detailed and devilish skull...

...While the whole front of the case is left open to reveal the inner workings of the hardware.

A gaming machine and a forklift for picking up things around your spare room. Double duty!

With LED lighting and a delightfully alien-looking liquid cooling system, this mod reminds us of something we'd rather not see lurking in the outer reaches of space.

The perfect mix of alien skeleton and space ship, with power cables to keep things running.

Our pick of the show, this Steampunk creation is one of the more detailed mods we've seen in a long time.

Part memento mori, part time machine (a dial telling us when we've travelled into the past? Convenient!) this mod wins serious points for its paint job and for the small details around the outside...

...Right down to the clawed feet on the base.

As soon as you put signs on the outside telling us to keep it locked, all we want to do is see what's inside!

A liquid cooling system that doubles as 'fuel' and the potentially deadly cocktail that will end your dalliances with time travel.

What better than a case that combines old-school arcade gaming in the front with a super modern PC rig in the back?

The silver exterior has an open back and a crack on the side revealing the custom liquid cooling system inside.

Dedicated to all things rock 'n' roll, this mod is more mixing turntable than PC, but inside you'll still find all the hardware you'd expect from MSI.

At the centre of the case, a mirrored turntable dotted with dragons spins around while rock music plays for all to hear.

Credit where credit is due: This mod could have just been a plain old black box. But why be so boring when you can add some faux firepower to make it look the part for your next first-person shooter?

If you've never seen a car play soccer, then you'll really need to start playing Rocket League. And what better machine to do it on than this one, which comes with wheels on the base -- very in keeping with the Rocket League theme.

Designed by German mod team Babetech, the creators of this sci-fi themed mod say it wouldn't be out of place on a space station, "somewhere deep in the galaxy."

On show at Corsair's event at Computex, this awesome shark case was surprisingly lo-fi, made out of painted polystyrene.

Created by modders Team Mongoose, this Titanfall-themed mod has been kitted out in its own mech suit exoskeleton to match the Titans of the first-person shooter.

At just 17 centimetres (6.7 inches) thick, this skull and crossbones PC is thin enough to put on your desk, and its glowing eyes will put the fear of death in you!