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Modding a sound card? Sure, why not?

Joined
Nov 29, 2012
Messages
208 (0.05/day)
System Name "Dark Wind"
Processor Sandy Bridge i5 2500k @ 4.6ghz 1.336v
Motherboard Asus ROG Maximum Gene-Z
Cooling Xigmatek Dark Knight w/AS5
Memory G.Skill Ripjaw X Series 1600mhz 2 x 4gig
Video Card(s) eVGA GTX 670 FTW 2gig
Storage Western Digital Black Cavier 640gig AALS/ Samsung 840 Pro 256gig
Display(s) Dell U2412M / Viewsonic VX2025WM
Case Cooler Master HAF XB
Audio Device(s) SB X-fi Titanium PCI-E
Power Supply Corsair AX860 Platinum
Software Windows 7 64 bit Premium Home
My new Sound Blaster Z is defintely much better looking then the X-Fi Titanium I had in my case, especially with the red EMI shield and LED's. But, honestly, was just TOO much red and it was time to fix that...





Let's mod!






4 screws and the SBZ comes easily apart






The LED is somewhat between a normal 5mm and 3mm LED in size. I erred on the side of caution and went with the 5mm as I rather have too much white light then too little.






After some man handling with my own two hands, pliers and soldering gun and nearly burning myself and melting the static bag, I got that red little bastard out finally





Installing the new LED was a helluva alot simplier





Moment of truth...... Wooo hooo! She works!!







Now that goes with my Asus Republic of Gamers themed case MUCH better



 
Joined
Jun 6, 2012
Messages
550 (0.13/day)
Processor Intel Core 2 QX6850
Motherboard ABIT AB9 Pro
Cooling Zalman CNPS-9900 MAX-R
Memory Patriot PDC24G6400LLK (4x 2 GB)
Video Card(s) Palit GeForce GTX 560 Ti Twin Light Turbo
Storage Not Enough!
Display(s) Samsung T240HD
Case NZXT Zero
Audio Device(s) Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
Power Supply Thortech Thunderbolt Plus TTBPK00G 1000W
Mouse Elecom M-DUX70BK
Keyboard CM Storm Trigger (Cherry MX Brown)
Software NOT Windows 10
I came in expecting op-amp and/or capacitor modding. Pleasantly surprised nonetheless. Have you tried modding the LED lights on other stuff such as computer cases or routers? I really hate the bright blue lights that everything seems to use these days and wouldn't mind replacing them with dim red lights that are easier on the eyes.
 
Joined
Nov 29, 2012
Messages
208 (0.05/day)
System Name "Dark Wind"
Processor Sandy Bridge i5 2500k @ 4.6ghz 1.336v
Motherboard Asus ROG Maximum Gene-Z
Cooling Xigmatek Dark Knight w/AS5
Memory G.Skill Ripjaw X Series 1600mhz 2 x 4gig
Video Card(s) eVGA GTX 670 FTW 2gig
Storage Western Digital Black Cavier 640gig AALS/ Samsung 840 Pro 256gig
Display(s) Dell U2412M / Viewsonic VX2025WM
Case Cooler Master HAF XB
Audio Device(s) SB X-fi Titanium PCI-E
Power Supply Corsair AX860 Platinum
Software Windows 7 64 bit Premium Home
I came in expecting op-amp and/or capacitor modding. Pleasantly surprised nonetheless. Have you tried modding the LED lights on other stuff such as computer cases or routers? I really hate the bright blue lights that everything seems to use these days and wouldn't mind replacing them with dim red lights that are easier on the eyes.

I have done many case LED's over the years as they typically are 3mm or 5mm sized LED. Routers and such are usuall the very small square sized, which makes them tough to remove and replace without damaging them due to heat from soldering gun. If you had a REALLY small soldering tip gun and steady hand, I suppose it would be possible, if you could get proper sized and voltage LED's to replace then with unless your REAL good with circuits then you could add resisters to reduce the current.

 
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