Powering Cold Cathodes from USB?

benji182 · 14 Aug 2014 at 20:32

Hi,

Rather than running a long Molex to Molex from within my PC out the back along the back of my desk to behind my monitors; Is it possible to power the inverter box from a USB to molex cable?

Tealc · 14 Aug 2014 at 23:05

Only if the inverter will accept 5v as a guess. Ccfl are low power so the low USB current shouldn't be an issue but if the inverter needs 12v then you'll either find it won't work or the ccfl may not reach enough potential to start emitting light.

benji182 · 14 Aug 2014 at 23:23

I've had a look at the inverter and online and cant quite work out what it's input power is.

I'd assume it was 12v requiring a molex connection from a PSU but was hoping it could be less.

What does a USB 3 connection output? Is that more than USB 2?

Tealc · 14 Aug 2014 at 23:37

USB3 is still 5v although it allows for a slightly lower voltage in the spec than USB2.

Molex connectors do have both 5v and 12v so you never know.