‘PC Modding with OcUK’ is back with another way in which you can add a unique touch to your PC case – RGB lighting.
In this blog article, we’ll be covering the basics of RGB, all the different ways you can mod your case with RGB, and how to configure your lighting.
What is RGB Lighting?
RGB lighting is one of the best ways to add vibrant colours to your PC. With RGB you can change the entire look and aesthetic of your gaming set up, choosing from various lighting effects and over sixteen million colours. You can add colour to your PC in a variety of ways, from LED strips illuminating your precious hardware to RGB fans or cables.
Want to read more about RGB lighting? Is there a difference between aRGB or RGB? Check out our dedicated RGB lighting guide for everything you need to know about adding a splash of colour to your PC.
RGB LED Strips
Typically consisting of multiple LEDs, you can utilise RGB strips to illuminate specific parts of your PC. This could be highlighting your powerful GPU or the tempered glass panels of your PC case. Installing these strips is easy as they typically come with either double-sided tape or magnetic backing.
Most RGB LED strips plug into your motherboard and can be customised by the corresponding control software. For example, with an ASUS motherboard, you need ASUS Aura Sync.
CableMod Addressable 30cm RGB LED Strip:
- 30cm LED strip
- 15 digitally addressable LED
- Adhesive backing and magnets for easy installation
- Compatible with 3-pin RGB headers
- Customisable via corresponding motherboard control software,
RGB Fans
Whilst your case might have arrived with pre-installed fans, you can upgrade these to fans with RGB lighting for that extra unique touch to your PC. You can find singular fans or triple packs that you can tailor to suit your desired aesthetic.
RGB fans are typically customisable through your motherboard RGB connector or a fan and RGB controller which is often included (depending on the model).
Corsair AF120 RGB PWM Triple Pack 120mm Fans:
- 120mm RGB fans
- Triple pack
- PWM
RGB Fan Frames
In love with your current fans and don’t want to replace them? You can still add a splash of RGB lighting to your case fans by utilising an RGB fan frame. Available in both 120 and 140mm sizes, you can find RGB frames that suit every type of case fan.
What’s more, you can customise the colour and lighting effects thanks to compatibility with a large number of control software, including MSI Mystic Light and Gigabyte RGB Fusion.
Phanteks Halos 120mm RGB Black Fan Frame:
- Black fan frame
- 120mm
- 18 LED diodes
- Compatible with control software such as Mystic Light and Aura Sync
RGB Cables
Another great way to add vibrant colours to your PC is utilising an RGB cable. You can find replacement RGB cables for your motherboard, PCIe, or 12VHPWR.
These cables are compatible with your motherboard’s 3-pin RGB header, ensuring you can adjust the colour and lighting effect via the corresponding software.
Lian Li Strimer 24-Pin RGB Motherboard Cable:
- 24-pin motherboard cable
- Customisable RGB lighting
- Includes controller
- Compatible with 3-pin RGB header
Lighting Controllers
With an RGB light controller, you can daisy chain multiple products under one controller to freely adjust the colour and lighting effects of your hardware simultaneously. Thanks to compatibility with control software such as Aura Sync, freely customise each individual LED or a whole set.
RGB light controllers are easy to install inside your case with most featuring either magnetic backing or Velcro tape.
Phanteks Digital RGB LED Starter Kit:
- RGB controller
- Includes controller hub, a remote, and 2 x D-RGB strips
How to Configure My Case RGB Lighting
How to configure your case RGB lighting will differ depending on the control software that you are using. We’ve included an example below of the common steps you’ll have to follow to customise the lighting. In our example, we’ll be using Aura Sync.
You can access Aura Sync in the Armoury Crate app, which you’ll need to download in order to customise your RGB. All the compatible devices you have installed with be displayed in Aura Sync.
Head over into ‘Aura Effects’ to customise both the colour and lighting effects for your hardware. You can choose from ten different effects and have full use of a colour wheel to ensure the lighting suits your aesthetic.
Plus, you can even set up in-game lighting effects, meaning your RGB lighting will change depending on the game you are playing. This isn’t a feature that’s limited to Aura Sync only. For example, when I play The Sims, I can adjust my Glorious mouse to light up green.
Read More from Our ‘PC Modding with OcUK’ Series
Want to see more about all the different ways you can mod your PC case? Why not check out some of the other articles in our ‘PC Modding with OcUK’ series?
- 5 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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