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How to RGB

Sep 2022
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Are you wondering how to customize your PC? RGB lighting is a great place to start and can transform your standard PC build into a colorful and unique masterpiece. In this article, we will run through everything you need to know about RGB lighting and how to get started. If you want to learn how to change PC RGB appearance or where to find the best RGB software, you are in the right place.

What is RGB Lighting?

Have you seen images or videos of PC builds with lots of colorful lights? Well, that is RGB lighting. RGB stands for red, green and blue, and RGB lighting allows you to create over 16 million different color combinations using these three primary colors. RGB lighting is used in PC components and accessories to illuminate your PC.

RGB vs. ARGB

There are two main types of RGB lighting: RGB and ARGB. RGB lighting can only be set to display a single color at one time, whereas ARGB (Addressable RGB) is much more advanced and allows you to customize and control each individual LED. As a result, lots of cool things can be done with ARGB. You can display a variety of colors at the same time, and use impressive lighting effects such as bounce, breathing, and rainbow.

A 12V 4-pin header is used for RGB components, and because every LED is on the same circuit you cannot change the colors of the individual LEDs. For ARGB components a 5V 3-pin header is required to allow you to individually control each LED.

When you install RGB components into your motherboard, first check which RGB headers your motherboard and components have to make sure they are compatible. If you do not take into account the different RGB headers and the different voltages they use, you could short-circuit your motherboard. Most modern motherboards will include both 5V ARGB and 12V RGB headers to control your RGB lights, but always check first!

RGB Control Software

Nowadays, it is a lot easier to make all your RGB components work together as motherboard manufacturers have started to integrate standardized RGB connectors into their motherboards.

RGB lighting is usually controlled and customized via software connected to your motherboard, or by using a separate RGB controller. Your motherboard’s user manual and website should detail which control software is compatible.

Separate RGB controllers can also be used to connect multiple RGB components into one place. These will usually require a USB header and a SATA connector.

How to Get Started

A screenshot showing FURY CTRL software customization options for RGB memory

Building a PC has its challenges, but it can also be a lot of fun as you get to choose all your components and customize the PC to your personal preference. RGB lighting plays a big part in this, as nowadays almost all PC components feature some form of RGB lighting which can be customized in lots of exciting ways!

  • Case – If you are paying a lot of money for your RGB components, you want to be able to see them in all their glory! Go for a glass/transparent case so that your RGB lighting is on full display and has maximum visibility! Also, it can be a good idea to theme your lights to match your case for a sleek look.
  • Motherboard – Most new and high-end motherboards will have RGB lighting built in. Remember to check the RGB headers on your motherboard before you start buying other components!
  • CPU cooler – The CPU is one of the few components where RGB lighting is not an option. But when it comes to the CPU cooler, both air cooling and liquid cooling are available with RGB lights. The best RGB fans can really stand out in a build and can easily be the most noticeable RGB component in your set-up!
  • RAM – There are lots of RAM options available and many kits will contain RGB lighting. The best RGB RAM options can take center stage in a system, especially once you start adding cool effects. However, it is important to note that there is no standard for RGB effects on memory modules. Kingston FURY RAM can be purchased with or without RGB lighting and the colors and lighting effects can be customized using Kingston FURY CTRL software.
  • Kingston FURY CTRL allows you to customize the lighting effects of Kingston FURY RGB products and legacy HyperX RGB-enabled memory products. By using the software, you can access a library of preset patterns and effects and personalize the colors and speeds of the lighting to create your own unique setup. With the addition of Kingston FURY Infrared Sync Technology™, you can synchronize those lighting effects to keep them in perfect alignment.
  • Storage – SSD drives are a vital component for your PC build but although RGB SSD drives are available, consider if this component is worth splashing out on. It is likely the drive will not be visible once it is installed on the motherboard.

Conclusion

RGB lighting is a fun way to add some style and individuality to your gaming set-up. You will want all your components to work in synergy so take advantage of any software that helps you control, customize, and synchronize the lighting in your system.

Once your PC is built, it is easy to add other RGB accessories such as light strips and RGB peripherals to your set-up. Although RGB lighting is pretty cool, remember that sometimes less is more, you can always start with one or two RGB components and upgrade later down the line!

Now go and build your dream RGB set-up!

#KingstonIsWithYou #KingstonFURY

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