cathode question

[starmount1]

Hi just bought 2 cold cathodes with psu fitting, anyone know if i can extend the wires on the lights i really fancied having them like 8 feet apart outside my pc case behind each hi fi speaker but i read somewere that this will depleat the power to the tubes making them not so bright or something is this right?

EDIT
i found a few forums about this if anyone else needs info

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-316.html

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=882693

http://www.casemodgod.com/ccfl_inverter_rant.htm

 

[Trip Hazard]

That 3rd link is scary, makes me wish I knew how to make my own high quality inverter.

 

[ashmanq]

i was thinking of getting cold cathodes for my new rig but after looking at that third link ....maybe not

 

[Yewen]

Just something to remember, thoose are the horror stories, think of how many rigs have cathodes, and how many have issues with them.

 

[WJA96]

I don't know if you remember, but some time ago, I was running an ASpire X-Qpack with the standard PSU without any problems. Loads of other people were having to replace theirs because of the PSU's failing.

I got some cathodes and my PSU died. Immediately. There was no fault in the cathodes or the inverter, they just pulled so much power to start up that they killed the PSU. They killed the RMA unit as well. No problem on a Hiper, but no-go with the standard PSU.

I think it's very important to understand that these things are right on the edge of what can be powered by a PC power supply. Not when they're running, but when they fire up they consume enormous current.

If there are any faults in them at all, they could do some damage to the power supply.

I feel if you're going to buy one - buy a branded one like Akasa or Sunbeam.