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Case, Power Supply, Fan Reviews
  Product:     MTB Exclusive: Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit  
  Price:     $15 (CAN) / $11 (U.S) 
  Supplied By:     Lizard Tree
  Author:     Hi-TEK
  Date:     June 8th, 2003
  Rating:     star star star star star star star star

MODTHEBOX would like to thank Richard from Lizard Tree for sending the Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit for review.

Lizard Tree

Introduction:

Case modification is considered an art form of self expression and takes on several different levels to complete one project. The popularity of deploying multiple acrylic windows in a standard design is more common and consumers have the option of using the DIY approach or purchasing a pre-modified kit. Aesthetics play a very important role in terms of defining design and function. One of the key areas that need to be addressed when a window design is used is cable management. There are currently a wide variety of solutions available ranging from split loom, spiral wrap, zip ties and now sleeving material. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit, a brand new product from Lizard Tree designed to simplify the process of keeping a case interior clean and cable management to a minimum.

Specifications:

The Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit is one of several available all-inclusive kits that will be available to the Canadian and U.S markets. Kits can be ordered in different sizes and colour formats ranging from Black, Tangerine, Neon Orange, Neon Yellow, Neon Red and Neon Amber. Potential vendors looking to stock this product can reach the manufacturer at lizard_tree@rogers.com. Here are the full specifications taken from the Lizard Tree website:

Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit - Key Specifications:
Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit: Manufactured by Lizard Tree
Lengths in 12 and 36 inches
Current sizes: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 14mm and 18mm
Available in 7 colours
Suitable for all standard and P4 certified PSU's
Adds structual integrity to wire groupings
Expandable
Does not interfere with air flow dynamics

Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
 

The Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit arrived in a clear plastic baggie with the Lizard Tree label and address across the front. Included in the package is the following:

  • 4 x 6mm springs
  • 1 x 8mm spring
  • 1 x 13mm spring
  • Instructions and tip sheet.
A single dual page instruction sheet covers the product features, warranty information and suggested applications where this product can be used.

Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
 

There are a total of 6 springs included in the package with a circular diameter ranging from 6mm to 13mm. Each spring is coiled in a circular pattern extending in two different lengths both 12 inches and 36 inches. The springs are constructed of soft plastic and have a a good level of flexiblity for cases which have small case interiors. Lizard Tree advises that the Chameleon Springs work well in heat sensitive environments and will not interfere with air flow dynamics.

Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
 

The primary feature of the Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit is to completely tame wire management issues with standard ATX and P4 certified PSU's. For this review, I removed a Turbolink 300w Power Supply with dual fan speed control. The PSU rivals similar units currently on the market and includes a standard 20-pin ATX connector, P4 12v connector, 6-pin AUX P4 connector, 4 x 4-pin Molex connectors, and 2 x floppy connectors. In a previous installation of this PSU, all cables were bundled using zip ties and split loom.

Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
 

Installation the Chameleon Springs is straightforward and begins by seperating each PSU cable into groups. The 4mm spings are used for the smaller wires which connect to computer components while the 8mm can be used to double up wires. The larger 13mm spring is used to bundle the wires connecting to the 20-pin ATX connector. All that is required is to twist the springs in a 360 degree motion to cover the complete wire. After 15 minutes of work, each of the PSU wires were neat and organized.

One point that I did note is that there are a few PSU's on the market such as the Enermax brands where the length of each wire extends at least 2-5 feet. Consumers might want to invest in two of these kits in order to cover the desired length of each cable.

Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit
Click image for larger view
 

The Turbolink 300W PSU was installed back into a standard desktop case which contains a Pentium III 1 GHz CPU, Asus TUSI-M motherboard, Oboard video, Soundblaster 128, 256MB RAM and a Western Digital 10GB hard drive. Prior to using the Chameleon Springs cable management was a big issue since it complicated regular system maintenance and air flow. The case interior is less cluttered and PSU wire management has been minimized.

Conclusion:

The Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit is a simple yet effective solution for managing a cluttered case interior by bundling loose cable wire. The installation is straightforward and can be completed in less than 15 minutes. The kit is available in 7 different colours to suit any case theme and retails for less than $20. Consumers will appreciate that one kit can cover a complete PSU unit but results may vary for different brands of PSU's where the cable length extends up to 5 ft in length. Overall, I'm rating the Lizard Tree Chameleon Springs ATX P4 Kit an 8 out of 10 and would recommend this product to consumers looking for an all-inclusive cable management alternative. If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Lizard Tree website for more information or discuss them in our forums.

Thumbs Up! Pros:
  • All-inclusive kit
  • Adds structual integrity to wire groupings
  • Available in 7 different colours
  • Price
  • Simple and effective
  • Installation can be completed in less than 15 minutes
Thumbs Down! Cons:
  • Dual kits may be needed for PSU's which have wires that extend 5 feet

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