In Use:

The image below shows the basic assembly procedure for using the sleeved LED kit. The controller board gets connected to both the power lead and the string of LEDs, and if desired it should then be inserted in to an open expansion slot. The whole process is simple enough, but as you can see the power connector is pretty close to the board, which could lead to cable management issues if installed in an expansion slot where an extension cable might be needed to reach from the power supply.



The next two images may technically just be a waste of bandwidth, but they do show a good representation of the LED coloring at their brightest.



I have not decided on a final plan for the LED string, but one thing is certain... A 2 meter lead goes a long way, even in a full tower case. There should be plenty of LED lighting to go around, and the issue definitely won't be that I don't have enough lights to frame my case's side window (and then some). The promotional image below shows a good sized case full decked out in a blue LED string.



Conclusion:

The NZXT blue sleeved LED kit offers an interesting new way to customize a computer case. The light output can be adjusted to three different levels (and can also be turned off), but at any setting there is more than enough light to give a full sized case a nice even glow of the color of your choice.

In addition to my concern that the controller board and short power lead may create cable management issues in an expansion slot, I have just one other issue with this kit. The switch to adjust the LED brightness was a bit temperamental. Most of the time, the change in brightness occurred after the switch was flipped, and the delay would make me think something was wrong with the switch. Other times the change in brightness would occur before I had fully moved the switch, which was even more confusing. Both issues have me a bit concerned about the quality and longevity of this feature.

The Bigbruin.com shopping engine shows that the two meter long version of NZXT's sleeved LED kit sells for about $20 (US). For some reason, red sells for $18.58, while blue is $20.61. Either way, the price is fairly low and if you decide that a 1 meter length is enough you can expect to save about $5.

Pros:

» Kit includes everything needed for installation
» Easy way to add a custom look to any system
» Power button and three position brightness switch included on controller board
» Could have interesting applications outside of a computer
» Sells for about $20 (US)

Cons:

» LED brightness switch was a bit temperamental
» Expansion slot might not be the cleanest location for controller board installation

Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.