How to Make My PC "Inconspicuous"?

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ah__there_is_another@reddit

Get a full mesh case like the Kolink unity meshbay, and no RGB on components. Done!

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blackrack@reddit

Look at sleeper builds and sleeper build cases

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Fixitwithducttape42@reddit

Sleeper build + lock it to something.

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szank@reddit

You can attach the case to something, but it won't stop people from just ripping out the 4090 from the motherboard.

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RumbleTheCassette@reddit

You can get cases that lock shut. Obviously someone can break through that too but it's yet another deterrent that could keep less motivated thieves away.

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velociraptorfarmer@reddit

Or get a case thats held closed with screws, and then swap the screws for something weird like tamper proof torx or pentalobe.

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urielrocks5676@reddit

Triangle bit screws to really fuck with them

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AppropriateTouching@reddit

Exactly. Its like running from bears. You dont have to be faster than the bear, just faster than the guy next to you.

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MagicHamsta@reddit

Locking it to something is the worst thing you can do.

That's just screaming to open it up and steal the GPU/RAM.

Get the cheapest case ever, maybe even repurpose an old Optiplex or something that has the specs listed on the front (A mighty Celeron or something ancient).

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Niet_de_AIVD@reddit

Something like /r/sleeperbattlestations

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evrydayNormal_guy@reddit

Just leave the gfx card and half the ram at home. I don't see the problem

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Also add tracker inside your cases and on your monitor. A SmartTag from Apple or Samsung. So you can track it to where it's beeing taken if stolen. Duct-tape to inside of case. And underneath monitor or something with black tape.

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Niet_de_AIVD@reddit

Something like /r/sleeperbattlestations

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thefuzzylogic@reddit

The best way to make something inconspicuous is to hide it completely. Keep it under or behind the desk, but just be careful about poor ventilation affecting temperatures.

Also, as others have said, rebuild the PC into a "retro" sleeper case. Something boxy with steel sides and a beige or grey front panel and a DVD drive. You don't need to change the whole PC, just install your existing components into a different case.

Then, if all else fails, make sure you have insurance that covers your PC. Since you're renting, you can usually take out "renter's insurance" or "contents insurance" that may cover theft, but make sure to check with the insurer that they will cover theft from a private room in a shared residence.

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samcuu@reddit

Get a case with no side panel.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#t=4,3&B=1

You can also try contacting Fractal's customer support first and see if they sell solid side panel separately for your case.

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LuscombePilot47@reddit

Saw this case from Silverstone about a month ago, retro looking, probably more expensive than getting an old one off ebay though

https://www.silverstonetek.com/en/product/info/computer-chassis/flp02/

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Shishamylov@reddit

Use an old garbage case. Encrypt your hard drive and lock down the OS hard, use bios password. Bolt it to the table and put security blots on the case panels.

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ecth@reddit

If you wsnt to hide it and lock it away, you can put it in a drawer of your desk. But make sure to add ventilation somehow. Backside should be easy, but somehow from another side as well. e.g. you open the drawer to turn it on and keep it open for the air to come from the open front to the back.

Also I'd get energy saving components. Like an 7800X3D or a non-X variant like 7700 or 9700 for a CPU and a GPU not higher than 9070 non-XT or 5070 non-Ti. Plenty gaming power but pretty cool and silent build.

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tyhunter4123@reddit

could you downsize the PC to a ITX build and just get a different case/motherboard? some of the ITX cases are pretty much shoeboxes and would be a lot easier to hide it in plain sight.

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MacintoshEddie@reddit

It's easy to flip the mobo sideways and mount it in a drawer. Just might have to drill holes in the rear of the drawer.

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WaffleHouseGladiator@reddit

Get a shitty old case and make it look world weary. Slap on some band stickers from 20 years ago and distress them. Add a cigarette burn. Throw some stains on it. Make it look like you just pulled it out of a dumpster.

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encidius@reddit

The Silverstone FLP02 is a retro style case but its not cheap ($230).

You could also go with a very plain looking case without a side window like:

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EyeDoThings@reddit

Put it in a case from like 1995. Something that looks like it’s running a pentium 4.

No RGB.

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richard_splooge@reddit

I miss the world before "content creators".

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isssomebodyhere@reddit (OP)

thank you richard splooge

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richard_splooge@reddit

I'm sure you'll make great quality slop.

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No-Repordt@reddit

Get a security/case lock. The kind they use in internet cafes. Last I checked they were about $120 and can fit most fullsize towers, and of course anything smaller too

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Zanos@reddit

Shared housing for summer interns seems like a pretty unlikely environment for someone to steal a PC in, unless you're in some incredibly shady industry.

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bites_stringcheese@reddit

Why not set up (secure) remote access to your PC from home?

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Most_War2764@reddit

Misdirection. Nasty beaten case. Badges to throw off mfgr I'd. EMachines logo with a celeron case badge. A little schmutz, a little sticky. a little rust, a little dust. Fake cigarette burns and coffee stains. Maybe something to make it smell just a bit. A fake windows Vista boot screen.

Safe as houses.

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Virtual-Courage6706@reddit

Bolt PC to desk. Bolt desk to wall and/or floor. Hidden air tag for potential retribution if the above is overcome.

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EchoesOfYouth@reddit

I think if you’re truly worried about something happening you should lock it rather than focus on making less visible

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WastingMyLifeToday@reddit

And invest in a spy camera or two.

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blakesoner@reddit

Put an air tag or some kind of tracker inside of the case to be extra safe.

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Vertigomums19@reddit

Some cases have tabs you can put a lock through to keep the sides from opening. You could also bike chain it to something using the same spot.

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stonecats@reddit

there are entire pc's the now size of a brick.
make all connections wireless besides power
lock up that brick somewhere or keep in car
when you are not around to deter "fingers".

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BigBananaBerries@reddit

As said, get an old desktop pc case, they're likely ATX just the same as what''s used today & most back in the day had built in locking mechanisms. Of course, you'll need the keys which might make it more difficult to get hold of but if you make it ugly AF you could stuff it with good parts & have a beast in there. Before you built it inside, bolt it to a desk or something using security bolts to stop people lifting it too. It might make it more obvious there's valuable stuff inside but if they're trying to lift it then it'd be gone by that point anyway.

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NoteWinter5435@reddit

Hyte x50 air is pretty inconspicuous

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AgentTin@reddit

I would rent a cloud PC and log into it with a Chromebook or an old ThinkPad.

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WillowOfWisps@reddit

I know you said getting a laptop or second PC wouldn't be possible for at least a month, but would it be possible for you to get a dirt cheap old laptop so you could leave your pc at home and just remote into it with the laptop for now? You can typically find some old laptops that are in pretty decent shape for under $100, and all it needs to do is connect to the internet and have a half decent screen.

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sob727@reddit

Grab an ATX case from the 90s and shove your components jn it.

For extra effectiveness, pick one from a defunct brand like Compaq with a nice cream color.

Add dust and coffee stains.

You're welcome.

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mydogcaneatyourdog@reddit

Bonus points if it's a full size atx made of steel. Then it will be unattractive and a pain in the ass to pick up and move around for anyone that is undeterred by appearances.

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Aromatic_Year_2426@reddit

Get really old case from ebay, build your pc inside. Then place couple of dirty kleenex on it and bugspray beside it. Maybe smear some coffe on the case …make it look like biohazard. Nobody gonna touch it. Maybe get a case with CD drive, leave it open with a cup of old coffee in it.

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AsinineSeraphim@reddit

Bonus concealment stat if you can find one that used to be white but has the obvious yellowed stain of being from the late 90s.

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ruinal_C@reddit

Add some dummy fans or fake vents and stuff them with lint from the clothes dryer.

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exredditor81@reddit

Leave an open tub of Vaseline on the top.

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MetalmanBonkers@reddit

Holy shit this is the way 😭

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goretsky@reddit

Hello,

Anti-theft screws can prevent or at least make it much more difficult for people to open your computer and steal valuable components. Some cases also have a place for a padlock to be added. Kensington may sell the latter--not just the laptop solutions which cause obvious damage when forcefully removed.

I think the best option is here would be to get a laptop and keep it with you at all times, if you can do so before your internship starts.

I would also suggest asking the organizer about whether you should bring a computer, and what steps they can take to secure it in the community housing.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

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PrairieNihilist@reddit

Honestly, leave your rig at home and work off of your phone, or buy a cheap rig on marketplace to use.

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PrairieNihilist@reddit

Alternatively....Case locks, and a plain case with black fans...and cable lock it to a hidden spot in your room. If it's someone who would steal the computer, then they likely know what sleeper builds are. Also, put a BIOS password and air tags in your case and inside your GPU fan shroud(on the cooler) if you can fit one.

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Ahnteis@reddit

Go buy an old nightstand/cabinet at a thrift store and put it inside. Add some inconspicuous vent holes and a cheap door lock. Use a Kensington cable and connect the case to the inside of the furniture.

Monitor seems like a bigger problem.

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darkpallys@reddit

Put a couple of airtags in your case

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crazedhark@reddit

put a dying case fans on it. if its on its gonna sound horrible lmao

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TheDoctor1699@reddit

Silverstone FLP02, or the 01 version. Love the 02 case!

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alextpale@reddit

Phanteks xt pro without RGB fans is a good case option

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Fire_and_icex22@reddit

Step 1: uninstall all internals Step 2: put em in a drawer, with holes cut on the side for airflow Step 3: ???? Step 4: Profit

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Money_Fish@reddit

Step 3: put a claymore in your PC case Step 4: put PC case back on desk Step 5: go to jail

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Fire_and_icex22@reddit

How do you fit history's longest great sword in a drawer? GOSH

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RJsRX7@reddit

Shove your components into an ewaste ATX case. Something with CD drives and a plain appearance.

It won't make it look like not-a-PC, but it will make it look like the sort of desktop nobody would bother with. The SWFT 309 is kinda long for cases with 3.5" drive trays at the front, but you can usually hack those out without much trouble.

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cuteman@reddit

My thoughts exaftly. Make it look like an old emachine from the outside.

Maximum points if you use an old min spec label

3.14" inside! Windows ME!

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conaii@reddit

Yea, my 2016 EATX build with a DVD burner will never get stollen now that I replaced the clear wall with an opaque side panel and turned the RGB off. That 1080ti still works great, and the water cooling keeps it whisper quiet.

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cuteman@reddit

Insides are probably irrelevant unless someone knows what parts are worth and looks inside. If you really wanted to be inconspicuous, you could grab a lame black or even a beige case. Get one of those old school looking ones for maximum to really go under the radar.

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sa547ph@reddit

Besides trying a sleeper build, I would also consider storing the PC somewhere safe, like leasing space at a self-storage service facility while being elsewhere.

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FearTheFuzzy99@reddit

I think the obvious answer here is you mod a toaster to fit your pc components

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Outrageous-Basket426@reddit

Nobody wants ants in their PC

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isssomebodyhere@reddit (OP)

Don't test me lol I had an Amazon box as a case for a few months

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skyfishgoo@reddit

run windows 11 with a bone stock edge browser ... you will blend right in.

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DereokHurd@reddit

Storage Unit will probably be cheaper.

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WindsongFlutters@reddit

Buy a 2 drawer filing cabinent with lock an cut yhe bottom of the drawers out an store it inside locked?

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mrbig1999@reddit

Get a locking case and appropriate Kensington lock.

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RichJMoney@reddit

Fractal Design has always been my preferred case brand and style. Just a quiet black box in the corner or even behind a desk. I'd also make sure you use one of those locking cables. While they won't stop someone who is targeting something like that, it will stop someone deciding to grab it and go while the roommate that invited them over goes to the bathroom.

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Full_Vegetable_5348@reddit

Make it dusty asf and smear some boogers or soda stains on an old case you get for free from Facebook marketplace

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barkingcat@reddit

Put some dog poop on your case

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isssomebodyhere@reddit (OP)

I have a cat will that work

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Botched_Euthanasia@reddit

Yes and you don't even have to use real poop. get some clumping kitty litter and some glue, like the kind people said not to eat when you were a kid, which was elmers for me.

Stick the tower in an empty litterbox, pour some of that glue all over it, you might want to water it down a little to make it look more natural, then dump a bunch of that litter on it so it sticks to the sides and fills about a ½ inch of the bottom of the pan. wait for the glue to dry overnight then vacuum up the sides of the tower to pick up any loose bits.

i'm assuming you wont have your cat at the internship but make it look like you just didn't care and brought the tub with because you didn't feel like bothering to take it out of the litter box.

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barkingcat@reddit

Yah cat poop and a bit of cat pee works too

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Overall-Tailor8949@reddit

If you want an "inconspicuous" build why did you go with a glass sided case? Choose something like the Thermaltake V100 or any other steel sided chassis.

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isssomebodyhere@reddit (OP)

This is a completed build that I did a year ago. It's what I have at the moment, not so much something I'm building.

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Overall-Tailor8949@reddit

Maybe contact Fractal Design and see if there is a plain metal or acrylic side panel for the case. If you have an iPhone maybe get an airtag to put in the chassis just in case it DOES grow legs (I'm not certain there's an Android equivalent, there probably is).

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_RrezZ_@reddit

Get a PC locker or similar, it's a literal metal locker with a lock on it to prevent people from accessing or using the PC.

Then you just attach the locker to something with a wire cable or similar. You could just straight up screw it onto the side of a piece of furniture you own if you wanted to.

You could also probably find an alarm system that would activate from say motion or if someone tried to open the locker. You could also just get motion activated security camera for your room that alerts you on your phone if something is detected.

I highly doubt anyone is going to use bolt cutters and lock-picking tools to steal your PC out of community housing. Even if they wanted to it would increase the odds of them getting caught due to the extra time it would take. Also walking around with bolt cutters isn't exactly stealthy.

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penywinkle@reddit

Get something like an Ikea Alexa and put your PC in it. (cut out the back for airflow.) Make it look like a nightstand if it's near your bed.
buy a laptop stand to make it look like you use a laptop instead of a tower. (depending on the number of monitors, or maybe even get an old broken laptop to keep on your desk as decoy)
Other furniture about the size of a PC that wouldn't stand out in a room would be one of those big speaker, maybe a microwave, but those get stolen too...
Make a tower of hollowed out shoeboxes that fit over your PC (but again, shoes are often stolen too, especially if you have a tower of them...)
Put your PC in a laundry basket, and cover it with your laundry when you don't use it. (and hope they don't notice the cables coming out of it)
Fake "mini bookcase", fake trashcan (high effort)

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isssomebodyhere@reddit (OP)

These are all great ideas. My favorite comment so far 👍

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CrinosQuokka@reddit

Check out r/sleeperbattlestations .

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UnCommonSense99@reddit

My new PC is built into a beige case from 1998. Still has a windows 98 sticker on it.

(I needed a hacksaw and drill to cut away stuff on the inside of the case to make space for the GPU)

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Caddy666@reddit

camouflage?

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Affectionate_Shoe599@reddit

Grab an old looking case is the only thing i can suggest

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Robin-Hoodie@reddit

Depending how long you'll be gone, if you have permanent private house maybe just leave it there, setup wake on lan if supported, then a cheap older laptop to remote into it. I know u didn't want to buy a laptop but maybe this way u can get something cheaper like refurb m1

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failmafia66@reddit

Nah you don't hide it, you make it too big to be stolen easily. That means you do a desk build.

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/s/YiDLhLxIFS

Like this, but use a wood top so people can't even see it, so it's hidden too. Just use good, high quality locks that are also inconspicuous

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Expert-Jacket-4397@reddit

This!

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Carnildo@reddit

For about a decade, I used an OLPC XO-1 as my "take places" laptop. It was routinely mistaken for a child's toy (including by airport security), which greatly reduced the risk of someone stealing it. You could look for a case with a similar aesthetic.

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venkattalks@reddit

reminds me of when my cousin in Phoenix wanted his PC 'inconspicuous' and kept sending me cases that looked like a wifi router from 2009. easiest route was killing every RGB setting, turning off the motherboard standby light, and picking a plain black box with no glass so it just disappeared next to the desk. funny part was the loudest thing ended up being the keyboard, not the PC. if you're going for truly unnoticed, the visual side is easy compared to fan noise and startup chimes.

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AstarothSquirrel@reddit

There are some youtube videos of people putting their components into a desk. Another option is to build in a flight case or aluminium tool case and then just either take it with you or lock it away when done. You could even lock it away 24/7 and use wake-on-lan and kvm to access it from a desk so the pc is never on show. This is like the cctv in my home, the actual hard-drive is not accessible to anyone but the most determined burglar. I can then access the recordings via my pc or my phone/tablets that connect to it via the network.

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anon6_5@reddit

Put an AirTag in the power supply compartment

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Technical-Coffee7286@reddit

Regardless of what you do for looks, I’d get a Kensington lock or something else to lock the pc to something, and throw an AirTag in there just in case

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Suitable-Leave-1820@reddit

Lock it, put it in your room, slap a tracker on the thing, and lock up when you leave. I’d have it insured just in case if that’s an option.

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oxsprinklesxo@reddit

Get a basic non transparent case that locks Kensington lock that b to the frame of the heaviest possible piece of furniture in your room. Same for your monitor. Wireless mouse and keyboard and put those in your backpack. My husbands cousin did this in college and locked his case frame and monitor to the metal frame of the desk in the dorm room. Turn off all the rgb for now. And for the love of all things lock your stuff fully. And write down all your serial codes and take pictures of all the components of it. Good luck with your internship. :)

Personally I’d just take the cheapest laptop I could get away with and leave my pc at home but…

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username_invalid-404@reddit

You could sharpie all over it "Please don't steal". If someone is going to steal a laptop, they'll likely look for one that's physically identical to when it was built (I.e. no stickers or other personalization items). A dedicated thief could remove stickers, but sharpie is forever. Bonus points if you super glue a fake moustache below the manufacturer's logo.

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Supermr2@reddit

Does anyone remember the real old school cases that had the cylinder locks on them.

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loaba@reddit

Take it out a lot, eh?

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NotChillyEnough@reddit

Does your bedroom door lock, or are you sharing a bedroom with someone?
If you have a private bedroom, keep all your stuff in your bedroom and keep it locked when you're not there.

It takes ~20 minutes to install a doorknob with a keyed lock in it, with 3" framing screws in the latch plate + hinges.

People that are willing to steal a PC aren't likely to be dissuaded by it "looking boring", especially if they see you gaming on it (they'll know it's a good gaming PC). They're a lot more likely to be dissuaded by making it a more difficult to enter your room.

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itsforathing@reddit

Built one of mine into the back of a faux fireplace.

So do that or just buy a cheap beat up case on marketplace

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