So you want to bling out your computer? I get it – that boring black rectangle under your desk could use some personality. Last year I tried putting LEGO minifigures in mine and nearly melted Darth Vader when my GPU heated up. Learned some hard lessons about how to safely put decorations inside your pc case the hard way.
Look, decorating your PC interior isn't just about making it Instagram-worthy. Done right, it turns your machine into a conversation starter. But screw it up? You might be shopping for new components. Let's walk through this together – no tech degree required.
Why Bother Decorating Your Computer Anyway?
PCs don't have to look like Soviet-era appliances. When I finally made my build look as good as it performed, friends who couldn't care less about RAM specs would actually ask about it. Beyond showing off, thoughtful decoration can:
- Make component upgrades more satisfying
- Help spot dust buildup faster (white fur shows on black backgrounds!)
- Turn routine maintenance into less of a chore
But here's the reality check: your $2000 gaming rig isn't a kindergarten craft project. I've seen people use glitter that shorted motherboard pins. Not pretty.
Straight Talk About Risks
Before we get to the fun stuff, let's acknowledge what can go wrong when putting decorations inside your pc case:
- Heat issues - That cute plushie near your GPU? Kindling at 80°C
- Electrical hazards - Metal decorations touching circuits = fireworks
- Airflow blockage - Your cooling system isn't decoration-friendly by default
- Component damage - Loose items vibrating against circuit boards
My buddy learned this the hard way when his bobblehead shattered and sent ceramic shards across his graphics card. $500 mistake.
Planning Your PC Decor: The Smart Approach
Diving in without planning is how disasters happen. Ask yourself:
Case Real Estate: Where Can Things Actually Go?
Pop open your case right now. See those empty zones? We call them "safe zones" for decoration:
| Location | Safety Rating | Decoration Ideas | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom PSU shroud | ★★★★★ | Light figurines, acrylic stands | Tall items blocking intake |
| Front panel area | ★★★★☆ | Thin decals, magnetic items | Mesh-blocking objects |
| Backside (cable side) | ★★★☆☆ | Lightweight foam cutouts | Conductive materials |
| GPU backplate | ★☆☆☆☆ | Heat-resistant stickers ONLY | Anything 3D or insulating |
The PSU shroud is your best friend. Mine currently holds a miniature TARDIS that doesn't interfere with anything. Perfect spot.
Material Matters More Than You Think
Choosing the wrong material is the fastest way to ruin your hardware. Here's what works:
- Plastics - ABS or acrylic are generally safe (avoid cheap PVC that melts)
- Metals - Only if non-conductive coated and secured (rarely worth risk)
- Fabrics - Felt or fire-retardant cloth only, kept away from heatsinks
- Paper/vinyl - Good for backgrounds if not near hot components
I tested materials using a heat gun set to GPU temps (70-80°C). Results were scary:
• Cheap plastic figurines warped at 65°C
• Glitter glue bubbled at 75°C
• 3D printed PLA softened at 60°C
Budget-Friendly Tip
Vinyl stickers from Etsy cost less than $10 and survive better than most "custom" decorations. Stick them to non-heated surfaces like PSU shrouds or case walls.
The Step-by-Step Process: How to Safely Put Decorations Inside Your PC Case
Alright, let's get hands-on. This is the exact process I've used in 20+ builds without issues:
Preparation Phase: Don't Skip This!
- Unplug EVERYTHING and hold power button for 30 seconds to discharge
- Clean interior with compressed air (dust + glue = nasty sludge)
- Measure clearance spaces with calipers or ruler
- Do the "thermal test": Run intensive game for 30 mins, note hot zones with IR thermometer
Seriously, just yesterday I saw a Reddit post where someone mounted decorations without cleaning first. Dust bunnies fused to their Ryzen cooler. Nightmare.
Installation: Precision Beats Creativity
- Position decoration in desired location WITHOUT securing it
- Close case panels temporarily
- Run GPU/CPU stress test for 15 mins (FurMark + Prime95)
- Check for:
- Temperature changes (HWMonitor)
- Physical contact with components
- Obstruction to fan blades
- If all good, secure using suitable method:
| Mounting Method | Best For | How to Apply | Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M VHB tape | Plastics/metals | Clean surface with alcohol, apply pressure for 30 sec | Don't use near heat sources |
| Magnetic sheets | Steel cases only | Attach magnet to decor, position carefully | Test magnetism strength first |
| Zip tie mounts | Cable management areas | Use existing case holes, secure loosely | Prevent overtightening |
Post-Installation Checks
Your job isn't done once decorations are placed. For the first week:
• Monitor temps daily using HWInfo
• Listen for new rattling/vibration noises
• Visually inspect during gaming sessions
• Smell for burning plastic (no joke - saved my rig twice)
My Personal Decor Fails (So You Don't Repeat Them)
I'll admit my mistakes so you can avoid them:
The Pop Vinyl Disaster
Thought a Funko Pop would look cool beside my GPU. Even though it wasn't touching anything directly, it disrupted front-to-back airflow. CPU temps jumped 12°C in Valheim. Lesson: Objects near fans create turbulence.
Glitter Apocalypse
Tried coating the PSU shroud with craft glitter using spray adhesive. Within days, glitter particles were EVERYWHERE - including between RAM contacts. Cleanup took three hours with a makeup brush and isopropyl alcohol. Never again.
Maintaining Your Decorated PC
Decorations turn cleaning from boring to terrifying. Here's my survival guide:
The 6-Month Deep Clean Protocol
- Remove decorations carefully (mark positions with painter's tape)
- Use electric duster instead of canned air (moisture risk)
- Clean decorations separately with microfiber cloth
- Inspect all adhesive points for degradation
- Reinstall only after full system cleaning
Pro tip: Take phone photos before removing anything. Saved me hours of re-positioning agony.
Monitoring for Problems
These tools will save your bacon:
• HWMonitor (free temp monitoring)
• Open Hardware Monitor (custom alerts)
• GPU-Z sensor tab (detailed GPU stats)
Set baseline temps before decorating. Any sustained increases over 5°C mean something's wrong.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Can I put funko pops inside my pc?
Technically yes, but I don't recommend it. Their fabric hair collects dust like crazy, and the plastic base can warp at 60°C+ temps. If you insist, place it on the PSU shroud far from components and monitor temps closely.
Are magnetic decorations safe for pc?
Only if: 1) Magnets are weak neodymium types, 2) Securely attached so they can't shift, 3) Positioned away from HDDs (SSDs are safe). I use magnetic sheet cutouts instead of raw magnets.
How hot is too hot for pc decorations?
General rule: If the surface feels uncomfortably hot to touch (50°C+), don't put anything there. GPU backplates can hit 70°C - only heat-resistant vinyl survives there. Check your specific component temps first.
Can decorations void my warranty?
Potentially yes. If adhesive residue damages components or you scratch something during installation, manufacturers might deny claims. Check warranty terms before decorating. Asus once denied my friend's RMA because of thermal paste residue on unrelated components!
What's the safest way to attach items?
After testing 20+ methods, 3M VHB tape works best for non-heated areas. For temporary setups, museum putty holds surprisingly well without residue. Never use super glue - the fumes can corrode contacts.
Final Reality Check
After helping 50+ people decorate their rigs, I'll be straight with you - sometimes it's not worth it. If you have:
• A compact case with limited airflow
• High-end components that run hot
• Zero patience for maintenance
...maybe stick to external decorations.
But if you do it smart? Nothing beats powering on your custom creation and seeing your personality shine through the tempered glass. Just remember the golden rule of how to safely put decorations inside your pc case: If in doubt, leave it out. Better a plain PC than a fried one.
What's the craziest thing I've seen inside a PC? A fully functional LEGW train circling the GPU. Took three months to engineer safely. Maybe start smaller.
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