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<b>Intro</b>:
There was a time I could say to myself, "a fan is a fan is a fan." Technically, that's still the case these days, but the superfluous cosmetic add-ons just keep piling on. Now when you pick up a computer case fan, you must concern yourself with how it looks as well as how it functions (especially if you're actually into case modding). CompUSA has had some decent cold cathode fans on clearance recently (check your local store for details). The formula: Fan + Light = Cold Cathode Fan. It is a natural pairing of modding accessories.
<b>The Theory</b>:
Before you read any further, please consider this: if you are not concerned with FORM over FUNCTION, then read no further and just purchase a normal fan. The purpose of a lighted fan is to add more flair to your case. Unfortunately, cold cathodes are anything but cold. They do get rather warm and need to convert DC to AC power to drive the light. Cold cathodes also burn out faster than LEDs, but are a nicer type of light.
If you're still interested in the cold cathode fan, read on.
<b>The Packaging</b>:
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</center>
The fan comes in the older style CompUSA packaging - the one with the retarded color scheme. That's why they moved it to a red box, I presume.
<b>The Fan</b>:
<center>
</center>
The material that the fan is made out of is acrylic and is see-through. The blades are made out of the same stuff. A back panel I/O bracket comes with a switch to turn the unit on or off. I'd suspect most people will just leave it on all the time, and maybe turn it off when they're trying to sleep: it's not easy to snooze with a glowing computer staring you in the face all night. Once the fan is powered up and the inverter is activated, the fan spins and the cathode glows. Yes, it's a lighted fan and the product works as expected.
<center>
</center>
The fan specs list this as 28dBA and it is rather quiet compared to other fans I have. It pushes about 31 CFM at 3,000 RPMs. As expected, the fan does its job of moving air from one side to the other. There is some heat generated, but I guess the flair that it adds counters that negative aspect... for some. I still suggest going with LED lighted fans as they are cooler and the light looks nearly the same.
<center>
</center>
<b>Conclusion</b>:
Bottom line: if you want a lighted cathode fan, these work well and look pretty nice. Just be aware they do add a smidgen of heat to the equation. Go to your local CompUSA and see if they have any of these left on clearance, or <a href="http://ase.shopping.com/xGS-lighted%20case%20fan%20cooling~NS-1~linkin_id-3002062">check out some other store's pricing</a>. Buy it if you want your case to glow like it played a supporting role in the movie, "Tron". $5.00 and under is definitely a good deal for any lighted fan.
<b>Intro</b>:
There was a time I could say to myself, "a fan is a fan is a fan." Technically, that's still the case these days, but the superfluous cosmetic add-ons just keep piling on. Now when you pick up a computer case fan, you must concern yourself with how it looks as well as how it functions (especially if you're actually into case modding). CompUSA has had some decent cold cathode fans on clearance recently (check your local store for details). The formula: Fan + Light = Cold Cathode Fan. It is a natural pairing of modding accessories.
<b>The Theory</b>:
Before you read any further, please consider this: if you are not concerned with FORM over FUNCTION, then read no further and just purchase a normal fan. The purpose of a lighted fan is to add more flair to your case. Unfortunately, cold cathodes are anything but cold. They do get rather warm and need to convert DC to AC power to drive the light. Cold cathodes also burn out faster than LEDs, but are a nicer type of light.
If you're still interested in the cold cathode fan, read on.
<b>The Packaging</b>:
<center>
</center>The fan comes in the older style CompUSA packaging - the one with the retarded color scheme. That's why they moved it to a red box, I presume.
<b>The Fan</b>:
<center>
</center>The material that the fan is made out of is acrylic and is see-through. The blades are made out of the same stuff. A back panel I/O bracket comes with a switch to turn the unit on or off. I'd suspect most people will just leave it on all the time, and maybe turn it off when they're trying to sleep: it's not easy to snooze with a glowing computer staring you in the face all night. Once the fan is powered up and the inverter is activated, the fan spins and the cathode glows. Yes, it's a lighted fan and the product works as expected.
<center>
</center>The fan specs list this as 28dBA and it is rather quiet compared to other fans I have. It pushes about 31 CFM at 3,000 RPMs. As expected, the fan does its job of moving air from one side to the other. There is some heat generated, but I guess the flair that it adds counters that negative aspect... for some. I still suggest going with LED lighted fans as they are cooler and the light looks nearly the same.
<center>
</center><b>Conclusion</b>:
Bottom line: if you want a lighted cathode fan, these work well and look pretty nice. Just be aware they do add a smidgen of heat to the equation. Go to your local CompUSA and see if they have any of these left on clearance, or <a href="http://ase.shopping.com/xGS-lighted%20case%20fan%20cooling~NS-1~linkin_id-3002062">check out some other store's pricing</a>. Buy it if you want your case to glow like it played a supporting role in the movie, "Tron". $5.00 and under is definitely a good deal for any lighted fan.