Rapid LED. Am I right or wrong? COB pros, chime in please.

StonerPimpson

StonerPimpson

Well-Known Member
So I ordered the 4x4 kit from Rapid LED that comes with 12 Cree CXB3590 COBs and 3 drivers run at 1400ma (50w). Then they released the 5x5 kit while my order was still processing that runs the Cobs higher at 2100ma (75w). So in my ignorance thinking more watts equals the more bud I will get, I upgraded to the 2100ma drivers for an extra $120. Then I started watching more Growmau5 videos and did a week more of reading from you guys' posts on here and other sites, and learned that the Crees ran at 50w would be more efficient and give me more photons per watts used than 75w. So I decided to exchange them when the kit arrived.

The kit arrived today and I called Rapid LED to return the 2100ma drivers and downgrade again to the 1400ma drivers. I explain to him all of this info and he says the above information is not true and that I'm making a mistake and misunderstanding Growmau5's info. Saying also that the Vero29's and the Crees are no different in efficiency at different watts, and trying to convince me that the higher the watts, the more photons I'll be getting. I already had the video of Growmau5 saying it pulled up, so I played it for him over the phone.

Here's a link to the Growmau5 video that says this. (22:14 - 23:00 minute mark in the video):

AND, this video from Growmau5. (16:22 - 17:00 minute marks):

So, what do you guys say? Am I getting more photons, which translates to bud yield/happier plants, out of the CXB3590s running at 50watts or 75watts (1400ma or 2100ma)?

COB pros, chime in! Please and Thank You!
 
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DankaDank

DankaDank

Well-Known Member
StonerPimpson said:
So I ordered the 4x4 kit from Rapid LED that comes with 12 Cree CXB3590 COBs and 3 drivers run at 1400ma (50w). Then they released the 5x5 kit while my order was still processing that runs the Cobs higher at 2100ma (75w). So in my ignorance thinking more watts equals the more bud I will get, I upgraded to the 2100ma drivers for an extra $120. Then I started watching more Growmau5 videos and did a week more of reading from you guys' posts on here and other sites, and learned that the Crees ran at 50w would be more efficient and give me more photons per watts used than 75w. So I decided to exchange them when the kit arrived.

The kit arrived today and I immediately called Rapid LED to return the 2100ma drivers and downgrade again to the 1400ma drivers. I explain to him all of this info and the guy damn near starts a full out argument with me about how the above information is NOT true and that I'm making a mistake and misunderstanding Growmau5's info. Saying also that the Vero29's and the Crees are no different in efficiency at different watts, and trying to convince me that the higher the watts, the more photons I'll be getting. He says, "I don't know where your getting your information from, but its wrong, and Growmau5 didn't say that." I already had the video of Growmau5 saying it pulled up, so I played it for him over the phone.

He then gets more pissy with me and says, "Look dude, I don't need to hear anything else, it looks like you already have your mind made up. I'm giving you the right information and it sounds like you don't want to listen." Again, all very rudely to a paying customer, and keep in mind that I'm buying ANOTHER $1200 kit from them in a FEW DAYS, which he already knows this. It just really rubbed me the wrong way as a customer with his, 'Fuck you, you're an idiot' tone of voice. Growmau5 obviously thinks what I'm saying is right because he says this CLEARLY in the video I played for him over the phone.

Here's a link to the Growmau5 video that says this. (22:14 - 23:00 minute mark in the video):

AND, this video from Growmau5. (16:22 - 17:00 minute marks):

So, what do you guys say? Am I wrong or right here? Am I getting more photons, which translates to bud yield/happier plants, out of the CXB3590s running at 50watts or 75watts (1400ma or 2100ma)? I'm pretty sure I know the answer because Iike I said this is straight out of Growmau5's mouth! Along with countless of other posts I've read regarding this subject. But I would love to hear what the community has to say about this before I send them back.

COB pros, chime in! Please and Thank You!
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I believe you are not understanding it properly. a CXB3590 @ 75 watts will produce more light than a CXB3590 @ 50 watts. A CXB3590 @ 50 watts will be more efficient and have more light per watt than at 75 watts.
Scenario (A) a cob is 150lm/w at 100 watts (150x 100 = 15000 lumens).
Scnario (B) the same cob is run at 50 watts and is 180lm/w (50 x 180 = 9000 lumens)

In Scenario (B) there is more lumens per watt, but overall scenario (A) will produce more light.
 
StonerPimpson

StonerPimpson

Well-Known Member
I understand 75w produces more light than 50w, thats not the point of discussion. Lumens, as I understand it, is for humans and what we see. The plant is concerned with the photons that any given amount of light produces for use in the photosynthesis process. If you check out those videos links at the time stamps, Growmau5 says that running these COBs at 50w will produce more usable photons than running them at 75w. But the main question is, which should I do in you guys' opinion. Keep the 2100ma drivers and run them at 75w? Or return them and get the 1400ma drivers and run them at 50w?
 
GreenLogician

GreenLogician

Well-Known Member
Which do I recommend? Hmm, the trade off is usually lower initial investment vs lower running cost.
But, that would be given the same amount of photons, i.e. buying more cobs if you are going to run them lower.
You aren't going to do that are you? You're sticking with a set amount of cobs, 12.
That means choosing to run them at a lower watts and more efficiently will reduce your total photons.
So, for you perhaps instead of those two usual trade off factors to consider, you gotta think about if you need the extra light; if the more efficient set up will be enough light.
 
GBAUTO

GBAUTO

Well-Known Member
That's exactly the reason I chose to use to dim my 2.1A Meanwell. It has the balls to crank out some photons at the higher drive current at the cost of a few points of efficacy and then allows me to cut back the drive current to regain better efficacy when I don't need the PPFD.
 
StonerPimpson

StonerPimpson

Well-Known Member
CobKits said:
people still spec CXB3590s for new builds?

that is crazy
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I now know from more research that the CXB3590 isn't the top dog anymore. Before my purchase I wasn't paying attention to the thread and video post dates and heard a lot of people saying they were the best, but the info was old. Seeing more recent posts I found out that they are not the best anymore. But that was after I made the purchase. But luckily I have two 4x4 tents, so I still need to buy another setup for the other tent so Ill get better COBs for it. What do you suggest for the next COBs and drivers? Its a 4x4x7 tent.
 
waynejohn

waynejohn

Active Member
Actually no you are not and you owe that guy an apology, say it's some new strain you've been smoking and it does that sometimes
Watch the videos you posted again, what does he say how much energy goes to photons and how much on heat compared with currents?
To put it simple...you have 2 rigs, both 500w for example
On first one you have 10 cobs run @1400mA
On second one you have 20 cobs run on @700mA
Now watch the second video again...what does growmau5 say which rig will give more photons and which one more heat?
 
CobKits

CobKits

Well-Known Member
StonerPimpson said:
I now know from more research that the CXB3590 isn't the top dog anymore. Before my purchase I wasn't paying attention to the thread and video post dates and heard a lot of people saying they were the best, but the info was old. Seeing more recent posts I found out that they are not the best anymore. But that was after I made the purchase. But luckily I have two 4x4 tents, so I still need to buy another setup for the other tent so Ill get better COBs for it. What do you suggest for the next COBs and drivers? Its a 4x4x7 tent.
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luminus citizen or veroB
 
StonerPimpson

StonerPimpson

Well-Known Member
waynejohn said:
Actually no you are not and you owe that guy an apology, say it's some new strain you've been smoking and it does that sometimes
Watch the videos you posted again, what does he say how much energy goes to photons and how much on heat compared with currents?
To put it simple...you have 2 rigs, both 500w for example
On first one you have 10 cobs run @1400mA
On second one you have 20 cobs run on @700mA
Now watch the second video again...what does growmau5 say which rig will give more photons and which one more heat?
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Well I dont owe him an apology because I didn't argue with him or be rude to him in the first place lol. I just played a video sound bite for him and let him talk in a condescending tone to a customer spending thousands of dollars with him lol.

I know now I was apparently wrong, point taken lol. So at this point, I just need people to comment if they would keep the 2100ma or send it back for the 1400ma. If it was your 4x4x7 tent, what would you do?
 
StonerPimpson

StonerPimpson

Well-Known Member
waynejohn said:
Still man, he was right and you were wrong, dollars and euros can't change that.Just my 2c
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We kinda established that already right? lol. I didn't know if I was right or wrong, which is why I asked the question on the forum. Can I get 2 more of your cents on what you would do? Keep the 2100ma or go to the 1400ma? Im actually 2 cents short on money with buying my next setup, so the change would be much appreciated lol.

And Im pretty sure he was wrong in saying the Vero29's and the Crees have the same efficiency no matter the wattage.
 
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CobKits

CobKits

Well-Known Member
StonerPimpson said:
And Im pretty sure he was wrong in saying the Vero29's and the Crees have the same efficiency at different watts.
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hard to say. what you just typed can be taken several different ways and you are telling us what you think someone else was saying so its anyone's guess as to what he was actually conveying
 
StonerPimpson

StonerPimpson

Well-Known Member
CobKits said:
hard to say. what you just typed can be taken several different ways and you are telling us what you think someone else was saying so its anyone's guess as to what he was actually conveying
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I meant to say, to be more clear, he was saying no matter the wattage going into the different COB brands, they run at the same efficiency when running at the same wattages. So if they are running at the same wattage 35w, 50w, or 75w, they are gonna be getting the exact same efficiency. I know thats not true based on reading actual data on sites testing them in comparison. But thats neither here nor there, because thats not important to me. I just want the best setup to grow the fattest buds in my 4x4 tents lol.
 
SSGrower

SSGrower

Well-Known Member
Keep the kit, dim it if it is too bright, then pick up more chips and heatsinks (assuming it was indeed too bright at full power) and expand your footprint.
 
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