Would the motherboard "mind" a led strip beneath it?

[Tomha]

I have been considering putting together a strip of LEDs myself (perhaps 8, roughly 3 inches apart each), and running it underneath my motherboard so the whole thing has a neat blue outer glow, how ever I know there are a lot of metal contacts underneath from parts soldered onto the board, as well as heat issues. Provided my strip was fully insulated, do you think there would be any issues/dangers in doing this?

Thanks

 

[panais]

Hi.

Usually and normally strip of LEDs are covered with plastic.

Plastic as you may know is a bad conductor of electricity.

So in this case you avoid 90% the chance of contact.

Though if the strip leds is touching the motherboard and your system,especially your motherboard is overheating then is risky.

If the strip of LEDs is not touching the motherboard,then its fine.


Can you please post few photos for us here?

 

[Tomha]

My systems temperatures are extremely mild, overheating doesn't appear to be an issue, however a motherboard processes a lot of electricity, I just wonder what the situation on the back would be like.

As for the LEDs, I was planning on making my own as when you have most of the components it can be cheaper, provided you know what you are doing. I would insulate it all, so it should be fine. However the insulating part may be somewhat difficult, I am actually pondering drilling LED sized holes in the motherboard tray and just having the tips of the LEDs poking through, I think that is potentially much easier.

As for photos, photos of what exactly?

 

[panais]

Photo of your system helps to get a better idea and of course advice better.


I personally,dont like the idea,sorry.


Just a small mistake and contact and it can completely damage your motherboard and more.

 

[richnrockville]

My systems temperatures are extremely mild, overheating doesn't appear to be an issue, however a motherboard processes a lot of electricity, I just wonder what the situation on the back would be like.

As for the LEDs, I was planning on making my own as when you have most of the components it can be cheaper, provided you know what you are doing. I would insulate it all, so it should be fine. However the insulating part may be somewhat difficult, I am actually pondering drilling LED sized holes in the motherboard tray and just having the tips of the LEDs poking through, I think that is potentially much easier.

As for photos, photos of what exactly?

This begs a question.
Why would you want to take a chance on screwing up your motherboard by drilling holes in it?

Additionally, can it be assumed that you just want to have a pretty motherboard?

I personally feel that your begging for problems. Many of the motherboards are multi layer and drilling thru one of these layers will destroy the board.

Don't do it.

Rich

 

[Tomha]

No, no, not the motherboard, the motherboard tray/plate (shoulda described that clearer, the bit of the case the motherboard is raised above). I completely agree that drilling through the motherboard is idiotic . the idea is that you don't see the actual LEDs, just the glow that they emit, they are meant to be completely concealed BEHIND the motherboard, and I would not intend for any of this to make physical contact with it.

I'm on my iPod at the moment so the only
Image I have available is this:

 

[panais]

I can see that your system have a second "layer" between motherboard and the medal case, you can hide wires there,thats good.

You have a nice and trim system there.

Why you want to risk anything?

Well,if you insist and if you are sure that you know what exactly to do.

Then proceed with caution with your own risk,though is a good idea first to completely remove the motherboard avoiding any contact and damage,especially during drilling.

 

[Tomha]

I understand your concerns, it is always hard trying to describe to someone else your vision you have in your head. I have thought it through and I am pretty confident I have a system worked out that won't make contact with anything but the case, and as with many case mods I agree it would be silly not to remove all/most the hardware. I spose this thread is a little redundant really I just wanted to check I wasn't missing something big. Provided all goes well I will share my results so you can see exactly what I meant.

 

[panais]

Yes of course,is always a good idea to ask for a second or a third opinion.


Finish and post back with news,good news i hope


Good luck with this!


As i said i like your system and you are welcome to post your rig here,


http://www.sevenforums.com/overclocking-case-mods/194592-show-us-your-rig-3-a-51.html

 

[pbcopter]

Put all the LEDs inside one length of clear plastic tubing cut to the size of your motherboard.
This will prevent any contact with the motherboard and still let the light shine through.

 

[Tomha]

I do understand the actual circuit will also need resistors to work, this is just proof of concept