Crystalfontz CFA-635
Date: 8/14/2008
Category: Modding
Author: Drew Duncan
Introduction.
Article by: Drew Duncan
Photography by: Drew Duncan
Crystalfontz CFA-635 review
Review Type: Our pocket (not 3rd party sponsored, supported or funded.)
Company: http://www.crystalfontz.com/
Setup: 9/10 (10=easy)
Difficulty to configure: 7/10 (10=hard)
Ease of use: 9/10 (10=easy)
Learning Curve: Roughly 2 hours for an experienced computer user.
Setup Time: Hardware -about 1 hour | Software -about 3-4 hours depending on how resourceful you are, and what your needs are.
We review the ultimate in computer mods, the CFA-635 and decide whether or not it is worth its weight in gold.
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XCPUS quick Crystalfontz information:
- International shipping.
- USB and Serial connection variants.
- Multiple colors and Backlights to choose from.
- 9.51 / 10 @ Resellerratings.com. (Crystalfontz.com)
- Fully programmable modules using C source code.
- Liquid Cooling interface ability. (page 4)
- Multi core Processor Compatible (Monitors up to 4 cores).
- Linux and Windows compatible.
- CrystalControl Supports Windows 95/98/Me, NT4/2000/XP
- CrystalControl2 does not support Windows 95/98/Me since it is ran as an NT service.
- CrystalControl2 works with Vista although it's still under works, the device works fine in Vista. Most recent Vista driver. (Patch notes included)
- Designed, Manufactured and shipped in the USA for complete quality control.
- Manufacturing is ISO 900x certified.
- Does not support multiple languages.
When most people decide to mod their own computer they decide to get a case with a clear side panel and throw in a cold cathode. The slightly more mod savvy will take it a step further by organizing all the cables with zip ties, and maybe even opt for LED or UV reactive fans and purchase a 5.25" fan controller. Then there are serious hardware people always looking for that serious eye-candy that gives them more functionality for their computer and gives them the ability to manage or even monitor everything. For the most serious of hardware aficionados there is a company located in Spokane, Washington that makes high-quality LCD modules for your computer that can do absolutely everything but massage your shoulders.
Crystalfontz has been around for quite some time and they know what the hardware geeks want and they give it to us in a very appealing fashion. They have many USB solutions available to accommodate anything from 3.5" floppy drive bays to 5.25" CDROM bays, and even a rugged housed external LCD which can rest on your desk and easily be removed and then plugged into your laptop, a friends computer or even your work computer; perfect for lan party goers.
Let's see what we are dealing with here...
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