RGB LEDs

[Tron]

Hi 

I want to put these "5050 RGB LEDs" you can get on ebay into my computer.

They require 12v, so a molex can supply that.

But they say they draw 6Amps for 5 metres of LED.

My power supply is a Seasonic G650 which says it can supply 56Amps on the 12v rail.

 

My question is: if I wire the leds to the 12v rail via a molex connector, how does the amp draw work? will they draw 56Amps and then bust themselves?

 

The other option is get a power supply/transformer from the seller which converts the wall power (240Vac to 12Vdc 6A) but they are expensive.

 

references:

The LEDs: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5M-5050-SMD-300-Leds-RGB-LED-Strip-Light-Lighting-Waterproof-IR-Controller-/261212186880?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cd175a900&_uhb=1

Power Supply specs: http://www.seasonicusa.com/G-series-450-550-650.htm

 

please and thank you

 

[Maskot]

If you put five meters (15 feet+) of LEDs in your system, I'll be concerned.  If you're putting like a meter (3 feet 3 inches) of LEDs in there, you won't have a problem.

[Elven]

Hey,

 

yeah, these aren't necessary for computer use. Although they do use the same 12v supply, hence where the 6A rating comes from. Basic maths for calculating wattage is V * A which would be 12v * 6A = 72 watts of power. Generally the amperage is not a concern, unless using a too small gauge of wire which will heat up and burn out etc. 

 

The specific rating is specified to the full 5M extend of the LED and I don't think you can fit 5M of LEDs into a computer    This will also create a small problem of how to provide power from a molex to *interface for these LEDs* which will be propriety. 

 

To be honest even though it looks cheap. To use in a computer case will cause more hassle than it is worth. You could look into Bitfenix Alchemy strips, which are designed for computer cases and they look absolutely awesome!

 

Here's the link to their website:

http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/premium-modding/alchemy-led-strips/

 

I hope this helps 

 

Elven

[Altecice]

You don't plug these into your PC you buy a plug and power them from the wall.

 

look at my build (in my sig) and you will find all the info you need

[Tron]

I was going to cut them and extend with wires so I could have some behind my 3 monitors and the rest in the case 5 metres is enough hehe.
From what I gather, the amps don't matter? so they won't bust themselves?
I can rip the circle plug needed for the LEDs from an old transformer I have then join the wires to a molex plug. It's called modding for a reason  

Thank's everyone, fast replies. 

[Scheer]

They will only pull the amount of amps that they need to operate, generally more is just fine, you only run into issues when you cannot supply enough amps.

 

As for amp draw, I have them lighting up my workbench and 12' only pulls .63 amps from the wall... factor in the inefficiency of the crappy power supply it came with and they are probably only pulling .3 to .4 amps AC, convert that over to 12V DC and you are looking at around 4.5 amps.

 

To be honest even though it looks cheap. To use in a computer case will cause more hassle than it is worth. You could look into Bitfenix Alchemy strips, which are designed for computer cases and they look absolutely awesome!

 

Its not unlikely that the BitFenix LED strips and the eBay LED strips come out of the same factory and into a different box. The BitFenix strips ARE using 5050 LED's, the main difference is the ends have header pins soldered on to make them easier to install for people who don't know how to solder. The eBay LED strips are not actual 3M adhesive strips, and don't stick very well, this is the only flaw I've found with them. Seeing as how they are about 20 times cheaper I'm fine with that.

[KrazyKap]

NZXT Hue! Check it out ;P

[matt79]

The computer power supply supplies various voltages, 12V being one of them.Fabricate a +12V Molex connection perhaps from an old fan you do not care about.Solder the ends, in the correct polarity, to the LED strip. It should work when your PC is powered on.For extra precaution please make sure you get the order of the wires right, as well as check the actual voltage required for the LED strip first.