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Introduction

Case modding has become a more prominent factor in hardware junkies when purchasing cases as the need to make your computer look “cool” is important to many.

As far as case modding goes, UV cathodes are very good at making your pc’s internals look cool. With this in mind Lamptron have sent over some for me to review so lets light ‘em up and see what’s what.

About Lamptron

Lamptron develops and markets the next generation of high performance computer peripherals using the latest technology which enables a new level of interaction between the end-user and their personal computer. Products developed are through a combination of proprietary technology, innovation and ergonomic industrial design. There are three principal business sectors:

• PC Gaming
• PC Silence
• PC Modding

Product Specifications

• Colours Available: Blue, Red, Green, UV, White, Yellow, Dual Colour and Tricolour
• Dimensions: 300mm x 4mm or 100mm x 4mm CCFL Tube
• Power Supply: 12VDC

Features

• Low heat output
• 30,000 hour lifetime
• Transformer, bulbs, New Style switch, Adhesive strip included
• Tube Voltage: 620V .74 Amps (8.88 watts)
• Average Brightness: 29000 cd/m2
• Dual transformers are sealed
• Very easy to install and use

The Package

The UV cathodes arrived in a thin flimsy plastic tube. Although this did allow for full viewing of the kit it is undeniably a bit boring.

As you can see the packaging has no inserts, instructions or anything else other than the product in it whatsoever. This all makes the product look a little OEM and bland, I cannot see it really sell in shops with packaging like this.

Inside the packaging there is a large black transformer, the UV bulbs, Lamptrons “new” style switch, and some adhesive strip.

Although its pretty straight forward installing a couple of cathodes, it may trouble some so including instructions is always a good bet.

Lamptron UV Cathodes

The cathodes I have for review today are the UV flavour; they are relatively bulky as there is a void between the bulb part of the cathode and its casing, the ends of the cathodes also sports a huge plastic cube which only adds to the size of the cathodes.

The transformer appears to be unnecessarily large as its casing also is not exactly reserved.

The PCI power switch is another part of the kit, which has confused me; I fail to see how the switch is of any kind of new style, as it appears to be a switch like any other. The plate upon which this switch is mounted is very thick which some potential buyers may like to be aware of as if you have your mobo pushed right up close to the back of your case then the plate may not fit in the gap. I have put a coin up against it to give you an idea of scale.

The back of the switch unit sports two pins to which the cables should be connected.

The connectors for the power switch are neatly finished with some soft grippy rubber so that you don’t cut your fingers during installation.

Once the cables are connected to the switch the unit is quite large and protrudes from the back of the plate quite a lot.

The way that it is all put together is also quite strange; it all seems to be melted onto the bulb part which is good as thankfully the cubes on the ends are well fixed.

I found that it was quite lucky that Lamptron had sent two identical products over as one of them had broken with the UV tube shattering inside its casing. I can only guess that this is either because it is very poor quality or was damaged my ruthless delivery men.

Installation

To install the cathodes I simply chose where on the inside of my case (NZXT Tempest) I wanted them and used the sticky pads and cable ties to attach them. I then took the power cables and connected them to a spare molex connector and seated the PCI switch into place.

Once connected I found that there was still quite a lot of cables trailing around the place, and my case isn’t exactly small so anyone looking to mod anything smaller than a full tower case should be aware of this.

Once powered up I realised how silly installing the switch in the PCI plate was – taking your whole case out of your desk just to turn the cathodes on is a lot of hassle. It would’ve been much better for Lamptron to include some soft of 3 1/2 “ floppy connector for the switch, as many people do not use floppy drives anymore and this placement is ideal.

Once powered up they gave a nice effect to the lighting inside the case and illuminated things nicely showing them in a cool UV effect. They aren’t that bright but they do offer enough light for the inside of cases.

Cost

A quick google product search shows that no online retailers are currently selling this product and I could find no guide price for them anywhere.

Conclusion

Overall I have found that they arrive looking a little OEM. They are not good for cable management and are quite bulky. Unfortunately they break easily too so are definitely not a recommended buy.

However they do let out a reasonable glow and depending on price, they could be a good buy. This product definitely needs for some improvement. If all its cons were looked at and improved, Lamptron could be onto a good product.

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