Lian Li Strimer plus a series of illuminated power extension cables is made for you. Available in each 24-pin ATX and 8-pin GPU variety, the Stimers function as a layer of addressable RGB lights that sits on the pinnacle of the cable itself. Since these are extension cables, you can pair them with the entirety from one of the nice PSUs to the most inexpensive one you discover on sale.
The Strimer Plus V2 line provides some new wrinkles to this flair-filled formula, enhancing the flexibility and brightness of the cables whilst introducing a new controller hub and customized software. Available for $70 for the 24-pin cable (and L-Connect 3 control hub), $50 for a dual-headed GPU cable, or $60 for a triple-headed GPU cable, the new Strimers don’t come cheap, specifically when you reflect on the consideration that a full suite of regular extension cables prices $20. However, if you can afford the price, you’ll get a splash of colorful illumination that makes your PC stand out.
How to Installing and Using the Lian Li Strimer Plus V2?
the Strimer Plus V2 cables out of their packaging, I was really impressed by how Lian Li creates the illusion that each cable itself is lit. Instead, on top of the cables themselves is a thick, silicone cover that tricks you into thinking these are the actual power cables and doubles as a diffuser.
When we reviewed the Stimer Plus, the cable felt a bit too stiff. However, Lian Li addressed this problem on the Plus V2 by using changing the material of the RGB covers from PVC to TPE, a unique kind of silicone that’s stated to make bigger flexibility. The extended flexibility can additionally be attributed to a slimmer cable stack. The peak of the RGB layer, plus the cable layer is solely 8mm, whereas the previous Strimers have been 11mm. The last visual alternative Lian Li made to its new Strimer extensions is the addition of a side mild diffuser, which approves color to shine out of the sides of the cables as a substitute for just the front, making the whole show brighter.
the measurements of the extensions have to be long enough to attain your aspects except showing your present PSU cables. The size of the PCIe cables are 11.8 inches (300mm), which is extra than sufficient for most cases. The 24-pin measures 7.8 inches (200mm), which is additionally generous.
To set up the new Strimers, you simply plug them into your PSU’s power cables and join the little RGB cable to the RGB hub. The extensions are characteristic of tiny cables that join to an RGB hub powered by means of SATA like on the previous version. You’ll additionally choose to make sure that your motherboard has a 5V ARGB header on board, as you’ll want it to join the hub. Unlike the original Strimers, you will now not use the hub to control the lighting. Instead, all RGB goodness is controlled by means of Lian Li’s new software, L-Connect 3.
I installed the Strimers into the Hyte Y60, an ATX case with three tempered glass panels that allowed me to get the right view of the bright, vibrant light show. Because these are extension cables, I related them directly to the motherboard and then looped them thru the rubber grommets to my energy supply’s cables. Even though the Strimers had been reducing down in size considering the fact that we ultimately visited them, I accidentally knocked a rubber grommet out throughout the installation. However, this used to be solely the case with the chonky 24-pin Strimer as the PCIe cables weren’t troubled to install.
I haven’t worked with PSU extension cables in a lengthy time and even when I did, the only cable I extended used to be my PCIe cables due to the fact I love the individually-sleeved cable look. The 24-pin cable had enough flex to create the ideal semi-circular route to the lower back of my motherboard tray. While the PCIe cables were still regarded as gorgeous, I had my pictures card established vertically, so I couldn’t increase a route as pretty as with the 24-pin. Overall, these things really glowed and had been full of color.
Since I moved about a yr ago, I’ve had my private rig nestled below my desk, so I haven’t felt the love for RGB in my chassis. While the Lian Li Strimmer Plus V2 wires don’t make me desire to go out and purchase lots of dollars well worth of RGB kits, these cables raised an eyebrow due to the fact they provide something one of a kind than the common light-up followers that people use to adorn their builds.
Whenever it comes to including RGB in your rig, what additionally joins the party is a bunch of wires that make you question whether or not or now not you need to return the kit. However, with the Lian Li Strimer Plus V2, all it takes is a couple of clips and cable routing and you’re done.
What is the Software for the Lian Li Strimer Plus V2
L-Connect 3 is Lian Li’s new software that piggybacks off of its Uni Fan software, but this time it adds the ability to control the Strimers (controlled initially via your motherboard’s software). The level of customization on the Strimer Plus V2 is similar to what you get with a mechanical keyboard that has per-key RGB lighting.
Single-mode allows users to control each light channel’s color and even features effects from rainbow to ping pong. Honestly, I had a blast experimenting with all of the lighting combos you can create. After I tinkered with the 24-pin cable’s RGB, it reminded me of the Empire State Building when it’s lit up at night. If you already own the previous generation of Strimers, L-Connect 3 is compatible, but you will need to purchase the controller on its own for $20. It comes in the package with the Strimer Plus V2 24-pin cable, but not with the GPU cables
Bottom Line
The Strimer Plus V2 provides a clear indication that Lian Li is listening to comments as it delivered flexibility to the cables, side illumination, and an excessive stage of customization that the prior generation products didn’t have. If you don’t already have a Strimer and don’t idea spending $70 or more, the Plus V2 cables are the most compelling yet. These extensions provide a special RGB addition to your gadget that makes your construct stand out from the crowd.
