Before I start this review, I’d like to give my thanks to Light-Mods.com for supplying TechFreaks with this great product to review.

Dual 12" Blue CCFL KIT

   Case modification has grown more and more popular over the years. Not so long ago, case modding was something for only the most hard-core computer enthusiasts and left the average computer-user in awe. Now, almost half the computer cases on the market come with a built in Plexiglas window. But what’s the point of a window if your case is pitch black and you can’t see your lovely computer components? That’s where fluorescent lighting comes into play. Today we review Light-Mods.com Dual 12” Blue CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lighting) Kit.

The CCFL Packaging

   I received the CCFL’s in a box stuffed with Styrofoam peanuts with the CCFL’s themselves wrapped twice in bubble wrap to ensure the safety of the CCFL’s.

What’s in the Box

• Both Blue 12” CCFLs
• Inverter with Molex Connector

   Installation was a breeze. Unpack the CCFLs, insert the male-ended plugs into the inverter and plug the inverter’s molex connector into an open female connector on your Power-Supply. Turn on your computer, press the Red button on the inverter and the CCFLs come alive.

The Magical Red Button

Another Glamour Shot

   The CCFLs are REALLY BRIGHT. If you have never owned a CCFL, when you first turn them on, they may appear a lot duller than you would have expected. That’s normal, it takes on average about 10 minutes for the gas in the bulb to warm up and emit at its fullest brightness. These CCFLs got their brightest in about 7 minutes. As compared to my Raidmax Neon Light, the CCFL is a little brighter and emits a stronger glow. I left the CCFLs on for a period of about 2 days; both of the cathodes were still bright and even in the pitch-black room, the CCFLs emitted enough light so the room was decently lit.

Raidmax Light on the Top CCFL's on the Bottom

   At the end of each CCFL is a plastic cube with an adhesive pad on one of the sides of the cube so you can place your CCFL anywhere in your case without any effort put forth. If it saves me time, I’m not going to complain. The inverter is pretty nifty and though I am a fan of big red buttons, I would have preferred an ON/OFF switch instead. But that comes down to personal opinion and your fascination with button. Another usual problem among CCFL’s is the length of the cords. That is not a problem here with Light-Mods.com’s CCFL’s, they give you a full 12” of cord so you have a good amount of flexibility on how far away you can space your CCFL’s. 12” may seem a little excessive for a smaller mid-tower case, but people with Full-Tower’s will love the extra length.

The Adhesive Pads

The Dual Inverter

   After being on for two hours, the cold cathodes kept their name as the coolest solution to case lighting. The temperature of the CCFLs after two hours was about the same temperature as they were off. And the inverter was warm at most, nothing for anyone should worry about. Overall, the CCFL’s are a great addition to any computer with a window, an acrylic case or you will remove your side-panel for the time being to admire your computer’s new look. With no drop in brightness and the constant “solid” blue the CCFL was putting out, I have no hesitation to recommend these CCFL’s as being an outstanding product. If you would like to order the CCFL’s being reviewed, you can order them here from Light-Mods.com.

Pros:
	Bright and good illumination Ease of Use Easy Installation Longer Wires No heat given off

Cons:
	Would prefer On/Off Switch.