LED vs Cold Cathode

l33th3tr33 · 6 Mar 2013 at 22:20

What's going to be better for case lighting, LED's or Cold Cathodes? I've never had anything but Cathodes and was wondering if there are any benefits to using LED's?

Also, do the LED's shine more light in the direction they are pointing?

Also, some pics of anyone using LED's would be appreciated.

paulstung · 6 Mar 2013 at 22:35

Led's are easier to mount , and they take up less room , no inverter to hide round the back of the tray . They also run cooler , and give of a nicer light .

pryere · 7 Mar 2013 at 01:01

And you can change the colour/brightness etc.

Tealc · 7 Mar 2013 at 12:56

LEDs, at least non RGB strips give a single colour output, while Cathodes give out more subtle light.

LEDs are lower voltage, lower power (generally), lower heat and are less obtrusive than CCFLs.

LED strips generally have a 180 degree+ viewing angle, whereas a CCFL has 360 degree. The other type, the more traditional bulb shape LED, are a more focussed beam, with maybe 20-60 degree viewing angle so should be considered if you want a more spot lighting effect and can be nice for highlighting areas.

l33th3tr33 · 8 Mar 2013 at 04:49

That's great, thanks! Looks like I'll be buying some led strips then

Deceptor · 8 Mar 2013 at 05:24

Take it from me, cathodes suck

Especially UV ones, weak as hell. The inverter is just annoying as hell too. Plenty of great LED strips to choose from now though, like the bitfenix alchemy ones

Gittins · 9 Mar 2013 at 07:16

Cathodes are really cheap though compared to led strips

davido_labido · 9 Mar 2013 at 07:41

dont buy the "pc modding led strips" and buy just led strips, i bought a 3 meter led strip that can be cut down every foot or so for 10 quid (ish) plus delivery, the same for anything branded as a pc mod would have cost around 30 - 50 quid!!!!

its the same, except of course you dont have a 4pin molex connector on the end, but you can just solder one on if thats how ya want it...