If your gaming PC needs a refresh with a little splash of colour – look no further. As the experts on building the perfect gaming PC, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about RGB lighting. From different types of RGB to synchronisation and control – all your questions will be answered. Plus, to top it off, I’ve even included some of my favourite RGB components and accessories.
What is RGB Lighting?
RGB stands for red, green, and blue. Products that have RGB LED lighting combine these colours to create over 16 million different colours of light.
What are the different types of RGB?
RGB
RGB is the standard LED lighting that can only show one static colour at one time.
aRGB
aRGB or dRGB stands for addressable RGB. With aRGB you can now customise all of the individual LEDs to display a variety of colours at the same time. You can create stunning visual displays using lighting effects, such as rainbow wave or breathing. All of which is controlled via software connected to your motherboard or a separate RGB LED controller.
If you are using your motherboard to introduce some RGB into your gaming PC, you need to take into account which RGB headers your motherboard and components have. If you don’t take into account the different headers, you risk short circuiting your motherboard or the LED strip, due to the different voltages. Additionally, you can only control components with the corresponding aRGB LEDs. 3-pin aRGB headers are not compatible with components that use a 4-pin RGB connector.
12V 4-pin header –
A 4-pin header is commonly referred to as a non-addressable RGB connector. This is because it has four pins that are all used for red, green, blue and ground, meaning there is no data stream. The lack of a data stream means you are unable to edit the individual LEDs in your hardware. Every LED will be on the same circuit, therefore the same colour.
5V 3-pin header –
On the other hand, a 5V 3-pin header is needed for aRGB/dRGB. The 3-pin connectors have separate pins for power, data and ground, and there is a data stream that gets sent across the pins. The data stream enables you to individually control each individual LED. Customise the colours, brightness, lighting effects and much more!
Control Software
Most motherboards will include corresponding control software which is used to customise and control your RGB or aRGB hardware. If you are looking to find which software is compatible, the motherboard’s user manual, along with the manufacturer’s websites will detail this information.
The control software acts as a one-stop-shop for you to customise and monitor all the components that you have connected via your motherboard.
What are RGB controllers used for?
If your motherboard doesn’t support RGB or aRGB headers, then you can use an RGB controller. These usually require a USB header on the motherboard along with a SATA power connector. RGB controllers allow you to wave goodbye to cable clutter as you can connect multiple RGB components and accessories into one hub. Plus, you can connect more lighting hardware compared to the standard RGB and aRGB pin headers. This means you can truly experiment with your customisation to create stunning, unique displays.
RGB controllers usually have software included and will not use the motherboard’s corresponding control software. However, similar to the pin headers on a motherboard, you need to consider the compatibility of your components. Especially if you are looking to synchronise your entire RGB lighting through one software.
How to connect your RGB using Corsair iCUE software
Our Recommendation Products
Overclockers UK has an extensive range of RGB products available. From pre-built PCs, components, to accessories – you can certainly splash some colour into your gaming PC.
I’ve selected some examples of the products we have on offer. You can find out more about each of them by clicking the supplied links.
Pre-built PCs
OCUK Zirconium Ice
- Intel Core i7 12700K Twelve Core CPU
- ASUS Strix White RTX 3090 24GB GDDR6X GPU
- 16GB DDR4 3200MHz Dual Channel RGB RAM Kit
OCUK Spectra
- Intel Core i5 9400F Six Core CPU
- NVIDIA 1660 6GB Super
- Up to 32GB DDR4 2666MHz Dual Channel RAM Kit
OCUK Germanium
- Intel Core i9 11900K Hyperthreaded Eight Core CPU
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming OC 10GB GDDR6X GPU
- 16GB DDR4 3200MHz Dual Channel RGB RAM Kit
The last date for ordering systems to arrive before Christmas is Monday 6th December. Order before this date to make sure you don’t miss out!
Components
Cases
Lian-Li Lancool II
- Mid-Tower case
- Full mesh front panel
- Dual tempered glass panels
Phanteks Eclipse
- Tempered glass side panel
- Capable of holding up to e-ATX motherboards
- Mesh filters
Kolink Unity
- Full aRGB front panel
- Tempered glass side panel
- Designed for e-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX and Mini-ATX motherboards
Motherboards
MSI MPG Z590 Gaming ATX Motherboard
- Intel Z590 Chipset
- 4 X DDR4 DIMM slots – support up to 128GB RAM
- ATX form factor
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk ATX Motherboard
- AMD B550 Chipset
- 4 X DDR4 DIMM slots – support up to 128GB RAM
- 2 x M.2 Ports – 1 x lightening gen 4 M.2
ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero X570 ATX Motherboard
- AMD X570 Chipset
- 4 X DDR4 DIMM slots – support up to 128GB RAM
- On-board Wi-Fi 6
DDR4 RAM
Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 2 X 16GB RAM modules
- Multi-zone RGB lighting
- 3600MHz
Gigabyte Aorus RGB 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 2 X 8GB RAM modules
- 3733MHz
- Supports for Intel XMP 2.0
Crucial Ballistix RGB 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 2 X 8GB RAM modules
- 4400MHz
- Compatible with Aura, MSI Light and RGB Fusion
CPU Coolers
Lian Li Galahad AIO RGB CPU Cooler
- Intel and AMD compatible
- Triple chamber design water pump
- 400mm long tubing
Corsair Hydro Series iCUE RGB Liquid CPU Cooler
- Intel and AMD compatible
- Corsair iCUE Commander Core included
- 360mm radiator
NZXT Kraken X53 RGB AIO CPU Cooler
- Intel and AMD compatible
- NZXT CAM lighting software
- 400mm long tubing
Graphics Cards
ASUS GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU
- NVIDIA Ampere streaming multiprocessors
- 2nd Gen RT cores
- 3rd Gen tensor cores
Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 GPU
- NVIDIA Ampere streaming multiprocessors
- 12GB GDDR6X integrated memory
- Compatible with RGB Fusion 2.0
Gigabyte Aorus Radeon RX 6900 XT GPU
- 5120 streaming processors
- 16GB GDDR6X integrated memory
- LCD edge view – display GPU stats, pictures, GIFs etc.
Fans
Cooler Master Masterfan MF120 aRGB LED Fan – Triple Pack
- Tri-loop aRGB lighting
- Silent Driver IC and cooling technology
- Included aRGB Gen 2 controller – compatible with MasterPlus+ software
Corsair iCUE SP120 RGB Elite Fan – Triple Pack
- Eight aRGB LEDs on each fan
- Included Corsair iCUE Lighting Node RGB controller
- Compatible with Corsair iCUE software
Lian Li ST120 aRGB Fans – Triple Pack
- Twelve aRGB LEDs in each fan
- Connect and synchronise to your motherboard with the 5v-pin header
- PWM Function: allows the motherboard to control fans at different RPM levels
Accessories
Keyboards
Corsair K100 USB RGB Keyboard
- Optical-mechanical keyboard
- PBT double shot keycaps
- Customisable RGB lighting – via Corsair iCUE
Ducky One2 USB RGB Keyboard
- Silent Red Cherry MX RGB key switches
- PBT double shot keycaps
- Detachable USB type-C cable
Razer Huntsman Elite RGB Keyboard
- Mechanical keyboard
- Included magnetic wrist rest
- Customise via Razer Chroma RGB software
Mice
Glorious PC Gaming Race Model O USB RGB Mouse
- Lightweight – 67/68g
- Pixart 3360 sensor
- Customisable RGB LEDs
Steel Series Rival 650 RGB Mouse
- Wireless – 24+ hour battery life
- 8-zone customisable RGB lighting
- Rated for 60-million click mechanical switches
Endgame Gear XM1 RGB USB Mouse
- Lightweight – 82g
- Pixart PMW3389 sensor
- 16 customisable RGB LEDs
Headsets
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless Headset
- Omni-directional detachable microphone
- 20 hours of wireless battery life
- Customisable Corsair iCUE software
ASUS ROG Delta S USB RGB Headset
- ASUS AI noise-cancelling microphone
- Customisable RGB lighting
- Exclusive ASUS Essence drivers
ASUS ROG Strix Fusion RGB Headset
- Exclusive 50mm ASUS Essence drivers
- RGB Lighting
- Virtual 7.1 surround sound
RGB Controllers and Hubs
Corsair iCUE Commander Pro RGB and Fan Controller
- Compatible with Corsair iCUE software
- Control up to six case fans and two RGB lighting channels
- Compatible with zero-RPM fan mode
NZXT RGB Lighting and Fan Controller
- Compatible with NZXT CAM software
- Control three case fans and two RGB lighting channels
- Max 10W per fan channel
Phanteks RGB Controller Hub
- Compatible with ASUS Aura Sync or MSI Light Sync
- Easy installation with magnets and 3M velcro tape
- Compatible with motherboaords with a 3-pin RGB connector
LEDs strips and RGB LED cables
Lian Li Strimer Plus Triple RGB GPU Power Extension Cable
- 30cm long
- 162 aRGB LEDs with 77 effects
- Included RGB controller
Corsair Lighting Node Pro RGB Lighting Controller
- Compatible with Corsair iCUE software
- USB 2.0 interface
- Control four aRGB LED strips and up to six HD RGB fans simultaneously
Phanteks Digital RGB LED Strip – Combo Set
- Compatible with ASUS Aura Sync and MSI Mystic Light Sync
- Each strip has 30 RGB LEDs
- Included 2 x 40cm dRGB LED strips
Ask the Experts
With years of experience in the industry, Overclockers UK is widely known for building some of the finest custom gaming machines on the market. If you want more information on building the best PC why not contact our team of friendly experts on 01782 444455 and they will be happy to help.
You can also ask us a question by clicking the button below
- 9 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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