Lighting Your PC

After buying a transparent or windowed PC case, the only logical thing to do is equip it with all sorts of lighting. Of course, the case could be left as-is, but a flashing, glowing computer is far more interesting and enjoyable.

PC-specific lighting comes in two broad categories: light-emitting diode (LED) or cold cathode (CC). Both are typically attached directly to the computer's power supply, so no external power source is needed, and are placed on the inside or outside of the case with adhesives. At about the same prices for a single unit, what effects the user wants will determine his or her lighting needs.

LED's are great for understated enhancements. Common on keychain "flashlights," LED lights are also built into products like lighters and pens. When pressed, they emit strong, bright light in many different colors; while powerful, when used in computer lighting, their glow tends not to travel too far, so different colored lights under the same case shouldn't cause any problems. Encased in everything from computer fans to pulsing tubes, LED's are a popular lighting choice. However, to make an entire computer glow one color, it would take many LED's and could cost a fortune.

What about a single light that makes the entire computer glow? Cold cathode lights can do that, not to mention light up a room. Unlike LED's, cold cathode lighting is contained exclusively in tubes, much like neon signs. These tubes can be circular, often for wrapping around a system fan, or they can be straight and put directly on the PC case.

It doesn't take more than a single cold cathode tube, typically $15, to illuminate both the computer and the surrounding area.

Using both cold cathode and LED lights in the same case can be challenging. Unless in large quantities, LED's often end up drowned out by cold cathode lights, particularly if they aren't contrasting colors. However, if your PC has some dark areas around disk drives, for instance, LED's can serve well as accent lights.

After turning one's PC into a glowing entity that rivals the sun, it's easy to think the LED/CC possibilities have been exhausted. Hardly! LED lights are often built into USB cables, Molex connectors, fan grills, keyboards, mice, and even desktop ornaments.

The most unique PC lighting option, called Brite Line Accent Lighting, consists of a flexible tube that, just like LED's or CC's, light up when connected to the computer's power supply. It can be run inside and outside the PC case, around disk drives and cables, and should any material be unnecessary, it can be cut off.

PC users don't have to limit themselves to merely a glowing tower; their entire systems can glow in LED's and CC's. While in-case fog machines have not yet been manufactured, modders should not discount the possibility or the potential uses of such machines.