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Product:
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The Cutting Edge Light Blue Power Supply Mod Kit |
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Price:
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$15 (CAN) / $9.95 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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The Cutting Edge
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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July 16th, 2002
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The instructions included with the kit detail a seven step procedure for completing the kit installation. For this review, I will be using
an A-Open ATX-300GT PSU supply which comes standard in most A-Open mid-tower and server tower cases. To install the kit, first the top mount
screws for the PSU must first be removed one by one. If you have never opened up a PSU before, it is strongly recommended that you exercise
caution and wait 30 minutes to an hour for the capacitors to properly discharge.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The transparent light blue enclosure effectively allows you to see inside your PSU and there are several products on the market which are
perfect for this application. A few months ago, MTB reviewed the Lazer LEDs product from
Glowire which combines three high intensity LEDs wired in series. The three LEDs are positioned at 45° degree angles to create a 3 spread
pattern effect. The Lazer LEDs are small enough to fit under the housing of the PSU and requires only one connection from a molex connector.
Two strips of the black foam tape are used on the left and right hand sides of the PSU housing. The adhestive on the foam tape is comparable
to 3M VHB tape and is strong enough to keep the acrylic enclosure in place.
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Lazer Leds to spare molex connector
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Click image for larger view
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Once the Lazer LEDs are connected, the last remaining step is to position the acrylic enclosure on top of the PSU housing. The Cutting Edge
recommends that you make sure that the inside of the acrylic enclosure is clean prior to installation. This additional step can be completed
using ordinary soap and water or Novus#1 plastic polish. After confirming proper alignment, the cover must be pressed down to secure it properly
to the foam tape.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to prepare a future case modification project, I didn't bother mounting this new modified PSU into a case. The addition of the
Lazer LEDs and acrylic enclosure really enhances of the overall appearance of the PSU. The A-Open ATX-300GT PSU has been
running under this type of configuration for the past week with no issues noted.
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Conclusion:
The Cutting Edge Light Blue Power Supply Mod Kit is definitely a product recommended for case modders. The kit is easy to install and is
available in a wide range of colours to suit any case theme. The enclosure is made of 1/8" thick acrylic and has been designed to fit most
standard ATX form factor PSU's. Case projects, which utilize windows in the side panel to top mount, will love the aesthetics that this kit
provides to a dull looking power supply. One of the benefits of this kit is that there are so many applications, which will work well with
this product including everything from clear acrylic cases to various lighting products such as 4" cold cathodes. The only recommendations
that I would like to make about this product is that future revisions should include enclosures for those consumers who utilize dual fan
PSU's from manufacturers such as Enermax, Top Power and ICute. Due to the additional dimensions this product adds to a standard power supply,
it is recommended for mid-tower and server case use only. Overall, I'm rating this kit a 9 out of 10
and would highly recommend this product to those individuals who want a unique product which adds great aesthetics to any case project. If
you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the The Cutting Edge
for more information or discuss them in our forums.
Update - 07/19/02:
The Cutting Edge has informed MTB that work has started on a prototype dual fan PSU cover which will work with Enermax, Top Power and ICute
PSU's.
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Pros:
- Adds great aesthetics to a dull looking PSU
- Wide variety of colours available for any case project
- Fits most standard ATX form factor PSU's
- Easy to install in less than 30 minutes
- Very case modification friendly
- Price
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Cons:
- No dual fan PSU enclosures available
- Dust can easily get trapped inside the unit
- Voids your PSU warranty
- Adds additional outer dimensions to PSU size
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