Basic LED wiring

[Fahrenheit]

So I have a Photon 170 res/pump combo. It came with a sleeved 5mm LED to molex to light it up. Well mine burned out. I know XSPC sells more but did it burn out because it was wired wrong? Should I try and build a new one my self with a high quality LED? Do they need a resistor or anything?

 

Sorry for the basic questions

[AMICLG]

You'll need a resistor of the proper ohms which can be figured out with an online calculator also the longer lead on the LED is positive.

[Fahrenheit]

You'll need a resistor of the proper ohms which can be figured out with an online calculator also the longer lead on the LED is positive.

Thanks I was poking around at that site. "Supply Voltage" is easy enough for me to figure out I have no idea were to get the "Voltage Drop Across LED" and "Desired LED Current" values. SuperBrightLEDs doesn't seem to list them specs for their LEDs. 

[Fahrenheit]

So i'm trying to use this http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/through-hole/5mm-white-led-15-degree-viewing-angle-10000-mcd/262/1189/. The resistor calculator says i need a  "1/4W or greater 27 ohm resistor. The color code for 27 ohms is red violet black". Can't seem to find it anywhere. I feel really dumb now 

[Scheer]

http://www.jameco.com/1/1/28689-cf1-4w270jrc-resistor-1-4-watt-5-carbon-film-27-ohm.html

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-1-4W-0-25w-1-Metal-Film-Resistor-18-300-Ohm-18-300R-18-300-/291116930495?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item43c7ebd5bf

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-x-Resistors-27K-Ohm-1-4W-5-Carbon-Film-USA-SELLER-4-Days-Delivery-/231202994938?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35d4c5bafa

 

Or digikey.com or mouser.com

 

http://www.amazon.com/Assorted-Clear-LOTS-Resistors-Colors/dp/B0081IC18W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401294290&sr=8-3&keywords=1+4+watt+resistor

[Fahrenheit]

Thanks buddy, i already order the LEDs and 100ohm 1/4 resistors. The thing I don't get is everyone says to check the calculators for resistance. Then when I asked (other places besides here) they tell me to just get a 100ohm 1/4watt resistor and i'll be good. I don't get why people say to check the calculator then say to ignore the results. 

[Scheer]

Thanks buddy, i already order the LEDs and 100ohm 1/4 resistors. The thing I don't get is everyone says to check the calculators for resistance. Then when I asked (other places besides here) they tell me to just get a 100ohm 1/4watt resistor and i'll be good. I don't get why people say to check the calculator then say to ignore the results. 

 

Because its easiest to just buy a ton of 100ohm resistors that work as a catch-all for all colors of LEDs.

 

It won't be as bright as if using the correct resistor, but its minimal and most people don't care.