Cold Cathodes VS. LEDs?

massahwahl

massahwahl

VIP Member
Im looking to add some lights to my new case and im confused about my options. The case has blue highlights on the front and the current fans have blue leds so i will probably stick with blue as my color but I want it to be brighter than it currently is.

So what do you think i should use? LED or CC? Which is easier to install and most cost efficient?
 
LED's are dirt cheap if you know how to hook them up. Usually you'll have to put a resistor behind each one and hook it up to the 5v line. you can hide them more easily.

CCL has more of an even light radiance, it's bigger so it's also harder to hide. You'll also need an inverter chip for it, which isn't that small either. Just buy this whole kit if you don't want to do any modding like for the LED's.
 
Yeah, im pretty sure you can just buy CC that plug into your psu, no modding required. They look good and are only a few dollars. Or you wanting something more advanced?

ARe you jusst looking to have lights when you look in the window or something else?

Or are you trying to alter the front lights that are already there?
Which case is it?
 
Pretty much just lights when you look in the case. Also, something that just plugs into the PSU would be an added bonus as well.
 
Go for the Cathodes!

LEDs are just a pain, the majority that I've seen are fiddly and require some sort of modding to get 'em on your PSU. They don't even light up that well, unless you get the 'super bright' ones. Then you're left with a spot light...

Cathodes are so much easier. You normally get two in a pack, with an invertor. You plug the invertor into your PSU via a 4-Pin Molex, then the two cathodes plug into the convertor, Simple!

They look amazing, too! They'll light up the whole case, and the room if you position them right! :P

You could also mount some outside the case, like behind the TV or under the desk, it gives an awesome, trippy glow!
 
Do CC's come in smaller sizes? Ive only ever seen the 8" and 12" ones. Also, where do you buy them from or where have you had good experience with?
 
Blue would be good with blue! :P

Green works pretty well, too. I tried that out once!
IMG_7327.jpg


Told you they'd light the room, lol.
 
In my dream computer I have a Purple and a Green flurescent watercooling loop (2 separate loops, 1 each color) with a blackligh cc lighting it up. Either that or green cc w. purple loop, or purple (or blacklight) cc with green loop
 
Kornowski said:
Thanks man!



Haha! It's two 12" cathodes. One at the top of the case and one at the bottom ;)
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It reminds me of a Christmas tree :P only...nerdier!

Two seem like they would get the job done for me. Theres some really cool stuff on this site i think im going to get.
 
ukulele_ninja said:
It reminds me of a Christmas tree :P only...nerdier!

Two seem like they would get the job done for me. Theres some really cool stuff on this site i think im going to get.
Click to expand...

I've heard that before! :P

Yeah, two could be enough! I'd get the 12" ones if you case has room.
 
The ones I've had didn't. They may do though... doesn't really help, I know, lol.

I'd just buy some double sided sticky pads or something, they'll hold the weight and last for donkeys!
 
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