removing LEDs from motherboard

[themisfit610]

Hey folks,

So I've got an ECS KN1 SLI Extreme Motherboard. Great features, got a great deal on it, no problems with it so far (almost a year)

The one thing that drives me absolutely insane is the LEDs. It looks like plasma fusion is happening inside my computer when I try to sleep!!!

I need to remove these LEDs.

From what I see, it should be pretty simple, just heat up the solder points and pull the damn thing out. Someone told me that LEDs do not provide resistance so just shorting the connectioin should be ok, no need for resistors. Is this correct?

Anyway, I've very rarely done soldering. I have an iron stashed away somewhere. I'm sort of looking for suggestions regarding the procedure, if I need to buy anything etc...

Thanks

~MiSfit

 

[Rubycon]

If you remove them you will be ok. If you bridge the solder pads when removing them you may inadvertantly cause a problem if the LED's SMD dropping resistor burns up and causes damage to the board or surrounding components.

A more inert way may be to cover them with tape or even paint them with black acrylic paint.

 

[themisfit610]

So just remove the LEDs, dont even worry about having an open circuit??

 

[firewolfsm]

Cover them up with simething, maybe paint

 

[themisfit610]

They're REALLY bright... Not sure that paint would do the trick. I really want them to be totally non visible

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: themisfit610
They're REALLY bright... Not sure that paint would do the trick. I really want them to be totally non visible

This will cover them effectively.

 

[themisfit610]

sweet. I'm going down to OSH to see if they have it right now!

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Black fingernail paint...

 

[slpaulson]

I'd try covering them before removing them. It can be kind of tricky removing SMD devices without a grabber type soldering iron.

I definately wouldn't recommend shorting it. The current limiting resistor might not be rated to allow the new current that would pass through it.

 

[themisfit610]

Tried liquid electrical tape. Didn't do a thing. I covered 3 with 3 coats each and left one unpainted to see the comparison. Absolutely no difference. These are nuclear LEDs im telling you...

So I think I need to take them out. So, just remove them right? Nothing else?

Thanks

~MiSfit

 

[henryay]

Yea, just remove it. DO NOT short it.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: themisfit610
Tried liquid electrical tape. Didn't do a thing. I covered 3 with 3 coats each and left one unpainted to see the comparison. Absolutely no difference. These are nuclear LEDs im telling you...

So I think I need to take them out. So, just remove them right? Nothing else?

Thanks

~MiSfit

LOL did you shake it well before applying? The stuff I've used is thick and black and will cover anything.

 

[anthrax]

Oh, just use silly putty (play-doh) or blu-tack to over the LED.....Its safe, and you can easily reverse the process...