Cold Cathode Lighting - noise?

DG · Post by DG » Sun May 13, 2007 5:30 am

I'm thinking buying some cold cathode kits for my pc. Do these kits make any noise? I see they have an inverter, does it makes any noise?

Max Slowik · Post by **Max Slowik** » Sun May 13, 2007 6:16 am

I can't hear well past 19,000hz, and I can't hear the CCFLs in my machine.

(I put the lights in there because I got them for free, then I discovered how useful it was having lights on inside the case. Now I hate working in un-lit PCs, heh.)

DG · Post by DG » Sun May 13, 2007 6:42 am

I'll put them in a very quiet pc (2 120mm nexus fans @ 800rpm), that's why i'm asking.

nici · Post by **nici** » Sun May 13, 2007 7:12 am

The inverter makes noise, it's high frequency so if you have good hearing you will most likely hear it. I know i do, or did when i had them. Get some LED lights instead.

DG · Post by DG » Sun May 13, 2007 7:15 am

Can the inverter be noise isolated in box or something?

Mr Evil · Post by **Mr Evil** » Sun May 13, 2007 8:10 am

There's not going to be a definitive answer to this. Some inverters may be silent (LCD monitors use cold cathode backlights and most of them are silent), some are very loud and annoying.

There should be no problem putting one in a soundproof box, although you will need to allow for ventilation.

bonestonne · Post by **bonestonne** » Sun May 13, 2007 11:11 am

well, mine doesn't make any noise, however it makes for a nice turkey roaster, keeping everything warm...they're pretty hot if left on long enough, just watch out for that.

DG · Post by DG » Sun May 13, 2007 11:29 am

bonestonne wrote:well, mine doesn't make any noise, however it makes for a nice turkey roaster, keeping everything warm...they're pretty hot if left on long enough, just watch out for that.

The inverter or the light tube? And if they get hot, why are they called "Cold cathode lights"?

Max Slowik · Post by **Max Slowik** » Sun May 13, 2007 11:33 am

Oh, cold is relative. As in, they won't burn you or require heat shielding. Also, the inverter puts out heat.

FWIW the CCFLs I have are CoolerMaster and I can't hear any electronic noise.

Mr Evil · Post by **Mr Evil** » Sun May 13, 2007 12:14 pm

DG wrote:...And if they get hot, why are they called "Cold cathode lights"?

They're called "cold" because they're not deliberately heated, unlike "hot" cathodes that can be found in CRTs, which are heated to boil off electrons. They can still become hot on their own though.

bonestonne · Post by **bonestonne** » Sun May 13, 2007 1:57 pm

i have a mad dog CCFL, makes no noise, cost $8...it gets significantly warm after enough time...i wouldn't suggest leaving it on unless you need it on, or you're in a dedicated computer room [they're normally about 68F year round]

DG · Post by DG » Sun May 13, 2007 2:53 pm

So, no noise but heat.

Seems no ccfl for me, i'll use leds instead.

bonestonne · Post by **bonestonne** » Sun May 13, 2007 5:29 pm

generally the wiser idea, sometimes it looks neater...where i go the cathode gave me more light for less money than had i bought a few LED kits.