The[Crafty]Gamer: Tyler Stallard

This week The[Crafty]Gamer features fellow Illinois native, Tyler Stallard, and his NOS-inspired Xbox 360 mod. We've seen quite a few console mods across the Web, but this one is pretty cool (it's internally water-cooled and looks awesome). Read on to learn more about Tyler and his 360 mod project that began with an energy drink.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Tyler M. Stallard

Age: 18

Hometown: Algonquin, IL

Occupation: Best Buy Portable Electronics Representative

Creation: NOS-inspired Xbox 360 Mod

Tell us about the mod. What’s the inspiration/idea behind it?

I really like making stuff that not many people do, and really like the reactions I get from people when I finish a project. I was surfing the Web one night and came across an internally water-cooled Xbox 360 (there's not that many out there to my knowledge). After having fan problems with my 360 I decided to do it. I had to think of a theme and thought NOS would be perfect. I figured energy drinks and video games go perfect together.

How much time did it take to create?

I would have to say somewhere between five to six weeks. What took longest was finding a radiator for it. I was really close to buying $100 micro radiators from Britain and having them shipped here, but then I found a NAPA Auto Parts brand power steering cooler, which fit in there quite well. The fans were also an issue. I ordered two 60x10mm fans originally, but found they were too small and didnt produce enough air flow so I stepped it up to 70x15mm for the exhaust fans. I still used one of the 60mm fans for the top of the case to force air in. Other than that, the most laborious task was making the custom shaped reservoir. I actually made three and finally came out with a winner on the third try.

Is it available for purchase anywhere? If so, where and how much?

I do plan on selling it so i can start another 360 project. I'm probably going to put it up on Craigslist in the Chicago area, as well as xbox360forum.com.

Any other information you’d like to share about yourself (do you have a background in arts/crafts/mods? favorite games? etc.)?

Ha, well, I really suck when it comes to art. I've been trying to pick up airbrushing with no real results. However, sometimes stuff just pops up in my head and I decide I'm going to do it, and it happens and it turns out great!

Any Web links to other work?:

Not yet. If I get enough money from this system I want to start another Xbox project, which you will be able to find on xbox360forum.com.

Any future projects you'd like to talk about?

I want to start an industrial-themed Xbox using a lot of diamond plate, or since i love lime green and black, a Monster-themed 360.

I'd like to thank everyone on the Xbox 360 Forum for helping me with all the questions I had during the project!

The[Crafty]Gamer is currently seeking entries. For a chance to have your work featured on this blog, check out our Submission Guidelines and e-mail [email protected].