CCFL, Cold Cathode Fluorescent Light

In the last few years CCFL has been gaining popularity in case mod. It reminds me of the flashing neon lights advertising signs hovering over every downtown street in most Asian Cities. With the high acceptance rate by the enthusiasts, CCFL kits could be found packaged in some Mid or Full Tower ATX cases. The way the light kits are “packaged” to deliver varies style, color brightness intensity and applications are changing according to demand patterns. The veteran manufacturer, SunbeamTech is introducing another form of lighting support to further enhance your modding appetite; Double CCFL Fan Grill in 80 and 120 mm sizes and Round Cathode Fan in 80mm.


Features:

Dual-Output Encased Inverter

Comes with a rear PCI Slot Bracket with on/off switch

High brightness

Long lifetime

Multiple colors optional(red,blue,green.UV)

Specifications:

Cold Cathode Lamp Inverter
Voltage: 650V ~10% (Input Voltage Range 11.2-12.2VDC)
Current: 5.0mA ~ 0.5mA (Output Current 5-7.5mA)
Lifetime: Min 15,000Hours
Output frequency: 40Khz ~20%

Remark: This product should be used together with 12cm fan for better heat dispersion.

Features:

Dual inverter for two lamps

High brightness

High reliability

Long lifetime

100% suitable for fan clip of Antec/Chieftec/Thermaltake/Chenming case

Two CCFL fan grill can be placed side by side

Specification:(Round CCFL)

Diameter of double round cold cathode:¦µ7.3CM & ¦µ3.15CM
Supply voltage:620V
Current draw:0.007A
Brightness:28.000cd/m2

Specification:(Fan)

Bearing Type:sleeve
Fan Dimension:80*80*25mm
Rated Voltage:10.2~13.8VDC
Current Draw:0.13A
Power consumption:1.56WATTS
Air Flow:31.73CFM
Rotation Speed:2700RPM
Noise Level:28dB(A)

CCFL operates in A/C (Alternate Current) at high voltage. Therefore, an Inverter made for PC application is included in every kit. The input voltage is 11.2-12.2 Volt DC and delivers 650 Volts A/C. The Inverter from Sunbeam has a single power input socket and two output sockets powering up to two CCFL devices. Do Not Attempt to make any changes or add more than two devices.

So, let’s not waste any more time and see what is in the package ……

Inside The Package:

Using the Clam-shell retail pack, the CCFL fan grill pack is well protected.

The Double CCFL Fan Grill 120 mm contains:

Dual output encased inverter

PCI slot bracket on/off switch

Four mounting screws with nuts

Velcro with double-side taped strips

Here is the enclosed inverter or some call it ballasts, which is similar in function to fluorescent light used in household.



Two outputs and one input sockets




Wirings and PCI mounted on/off switch



Should be a simple bolt onto the 120mm fan



Continue on next page ->

120mm Fan Grill:

At this stage, I was eager to mount the Grill onto the fan and couldn't wait to turn on the light show. Then, I found this problem;




The screws provided are too short. They are the machine screw and do not provide self taping. But, this isn't the only problem, as the acrylic housing of the fan grill is too brittle for self taping screw. This particular fan came from SunbeamTech’s own Tranformer case. Thinking other brands may have different configuration, I pulled out another 120mm fan from my pile of junks which was found to be the same.

The following photo shows the type of fan mount configuration that meets the requirements in using the provided screws/nuts.



I managed to mount the Fan Grill using the 120mm fan bracket came with the "Transformer" case. However, instead of four mounting points on the four corners only two diagonal points could be used. Another option would be getting proper length screws and size of nuts to mount the Fan Grill, which may not be ideal for some users.



Alright, let's turn the lights on .......





The light intensity from CCFL is much brighter than that from a LED. But, the name Code Cathode doesn't mean it is "cold", rather it refers to less warm-up time unlike the fluorescent light (hot cathode) we accustom to using. It fact, it is warm to the touch. Let's measure the heat. Using a Sears Model 82028 auto ranging multimeter with external probe touching the acrylic housing, it reads only 3°C higher than surrounding air temp.

The photo on the left is a full 2 f-stops higher than the one on the right; illustrating the light intensity difference between CCFL and LED.



Next comes the more popular 80mm fan & grill ->

80mm Combo:

The combo "Round Cold Cathode Fan" comes with both 4-pin molex and 3-pin connector with single plug to the inverter which has two output plugs.




The 2 F-stop difference shows the light intensity between CCFL and LED




The fan has a rated speed of ~2,700 rpm; 31.73 CFM and 28dBA. The dimensional specification lists the 80x80x25 fan size and no mention on the grill size. My ruler tells me the grill measures 90x90x8mm.

80mm Double CCFL Fan Grill:



The double CCFL is taller by comparison at 15mm instead of 8mm.




What do you think of the light show insofar?

Thoughts:

Supply and demand comes to pricing point decision. On the other hand, it also means making a product that customers want. Today, you can hardly find a computer tower case without some sort of lighting in it. As the way we use “personal computer” not just for work but also for “pleasure”, why not adding a bit of color into it. CCFL lightings no longer applies to “modding enthusiasts”, they have found their ways into most computers. Sunbeam sees the 120mm fan taking roots and takes the initiative introducing the double CCFL fan grill.


Conclusion:

The double CCFL is bright, very bright. The fan grills provides another mean to brighten your case in colors. Browsing around computer shows and retailers at websites, both the fan grill and combo are priced competitively. Yet, it may not be as versatile as the LED fans due to its “thickness” which at times prohibits the use in certain “tight” areas.

I do see some improvement needed in the area of lengthening the leads so that when installed on side panel one could route the wiring better, perhaps, a way to dim it a little. The 120mm grill mounting hardware may need a better resolution.

This is how much CCFL lighting I want in my case. Using one inverter to power a single 120mm CCFL up front and another single on the side 80mm makes the intensity to my liking:



PRO
Good package for those who want the high intensity lighting effect
It’s better than what LED provides


CON
120mm grill needs mounting refinement
Thickness prevents some applications


I like to thank Keven from SunbeamTech to brighen my case and make this review possible. A safe holiday’s season to everyone.

Question/Comments: Forum thread