LED's and resistors

[catkicker]

I have some LED's
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1879/ele-42/3mm_Blue_LED.html?tl=g44c77s117

Power Dissipation:120 mW
Peak Foward Current: 100 mA
Continuous Foward Current:30 mA
Reverse Voltage:5 V
Forward Voltage: 3.50 V

Now my calculator says I need a standard 300ohm 1/4Watt resistor

I have some 470ohm 1/4watt resistors.
Would those be OK to use or do I need to go to radio shack?

[iii9ix3]

I think it should be fine. Maybe a bit dimmer glow than the 300ohm. Been a while since I've thought about that stuff.

[Red_LightRanger]

ya hes right, as long as you can limit that current your ok, then you wont wind up with blown led's, but it will be dimmer. Where are you puttin them?

[catkicker]

I think it should be fine. Maybe a bit dimmer glow than the 300ohm. Been a while since I've thought about that stuff.


ya hes right, as long as you can limit that current your ok, then you wont wind up with blown led's, but it will be dimmer. Where are you puttin them?


Thast great. I was leaning towards them being a bit less bright for the this mod
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=500516

[Rsgunter]

You'll be fine. An exact match will get your LED at its brightest with a safe current. A bigger resistor like you have is fine, but your LEDs may be dimmer.

Just don't go under the spec and you'll be fine.

[Red_LightRanger]

hey thats not a bad idea. It looks like an easy way to light up your case and it looks real clean. Your right though, a dimmer led would look better.