Question about the UV-reactive substances in computer parts...

[Xpred]

I think DFI has some UV-glowing in their motherboards. What does this do exactly? I think it's a growing trend now to have for appearances ie.. some fans, cases, and cable sleeves have 'em now. What if you shine just natural UV sources like the sun or natural light on it? Would that light up? Or would it just damage it cause the sun would be too hot? hehe...

Also, is this substance or coating particularly dangerous since it involves nuclear physics? :/

 

[ElTorrente]

In light sources greater than 120W, the UV reactive substance emit an extremely bright glow that can damage the cornea.

There is a law-suit in process right now to get DFI to put warning labels on their motherboards because of several partial, and full, blindness cases.

The Sun would have much worse effects, I imagine. I would keep this out of sunlight unless you want to start a fire or something.

 

[imported_Tick]

Basically, the problem is that the board focuses all the light and frequencies into a single direction at a single frequency, and further, UV, light is particularly damageing.

 

[chrisrod01]

Damageing in what what As far as comonents wise? Does it decrease performance?

 

[Xpred]

What about the material itself? Like, my main concern is just the material that it's made out of... I have a DFI motherboard, but I never intend to have a UV cathode/light of any kind for any appearances or so. I got the board for it's o/c ability, but not for the UV. Unfortunately, the side of my case that I bought is a see-through clear glass... I guess the best solution is not to have that side stare into the sun, yes or else it'll be hazardous to me and the rest of the computer parts?

 

[ElTorrente]

Just be careful with it. Scientists still aren't quite sure what is happening on a quantum level in the DFI boards. If you see your reflection in a mirror with the light emitted by the DFI board, you will not only see yourself - but one of your possible selves.

Just keep it out of the bright light.

 

[Xpred]

Huh? :/

 

[ElTorrente]

What?

 

[Xpred]

What was that all about?

 

[ElTorrente]

Hell, I don't know.

 

[Xpred]

So, what were you saying exactly about the UV?

 

[ElTorrente]

Nothing. I just made it all up. Sorry.

 

[Xpred]

Woah, even the 120W and lawsuits, and stuff?

 

[ElTorrente]

Yup. All BS.

 

[MobiusPizza]

lol
UV are not that dangerous unless prolonged exposure to skin
Gosh women even go into those UV sun beds full of Cathode UV lights

 

[Xpred]

I just want to know more about the UV-reactive material. What if I never use any of those UV cathodes/light at all (in which I'm not. I already said I am not using this motherboard for aesthetic purposes)? Is the reactive material itself hazardous, etc?

 

[batmanuel]

Originally posted by: Xpred
I just want to know more about the UV-reactive material. What if I never use any of those UV cathodes/light at all (in which I'm not. I already said I am not using this motherboard for aesthetic purposes)? Is the reactive material itself hazardous, etc?

The material is safe. I they just use plastics that have pigments that happen to react more strongly to UV light. A lot of stuff glows brightly under UV. I even found a bunch of colored zip ties at Home Depot that would glow under UV rays.

The science of the 7337 glowey mobos. It is all quite safe, no nasty radioactuve compounds or anything.

 

[Xpred]

Ah.. what about sunlight or natural light or even a REGULAR LIGHT BULB, would that trigger anything? If so, my computer case's side is damned! I shouldn't have gotten a clear see-through window one

 

[batmanuel]

Originally posted by: Xpred
Ah.. what about sunlight or natural light or even a REGULAR LIGHT BULB, would that trigger anything? If so, my computer case's side is damned! I shouldn't have gotten a clear see-through window one

Nope. You need the blacklight to cause the motherboard to flouresce.