RGB lighting for PC builds, covering LED strips, lighting controllers and related accessories from brands such as Lamptron, Alphacool, Kolink and Phanteks. It suits anyone who wants to add or manage lighting inside a case, around a custom water-cooling loop or on a desk setup. Our range has over 80 products, from simple add-ons to more specialised parts.
How to choose RGB lighting for a PC
Connector and voltage. Standard RGB uses a 4-pin 12V connector, while addressable ARGB (also called digital RGB) uses a 3-pin 5V connector. The two are not interchangeable, and plugging a 12V device into a 5V header can damage the lights or the motherboard, so check the connector before ordering.
Motherboard and software control. Most motherboards have one or more 5V ARGB headers and sometimes a 12V RGB header, controlled through software such as ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light or Gigabyte RGB Fusion. If your board lacks a suitable header, or you want to run lighting without installing software, a standalone controller solves the problem.
Controller and number of devices. Count the strips, fans and other lit parts you plan to connect, then check how many channels the controller or hub offers and how many LEDs each channel can drive. Brands in our range also sell their own controllers, which work best with that brand's own lighting.
Length, mounting and fit. Measure the space you want to light, as a mid-tower needs far less strip than a large full-tower or a custom loop with a long reservoir. Check how the product attaches (adhesive, magnetic or clips) and whether the cable is long enough to reach the header or controller without strain.
RGB lighting brands in our range
- Lamptron: known for fan and lighting controllers for PC cases, and the largest brand in this category in our range.
- Alphacool: a German maker of water-cooling components, so its lighting parts suit custom loop builds.
- Kolink: known for PC cases and power supplies, with many of its cases built around addressable RGB lighting.
- Phanteks: makes cases and a Digital-RGB lighting line with its own controllers, designed to work together.
- Lian Li: known for aluminium cases and its Uni Fan series, whose fans link together to reduce cable clutter.
- Hyte: a case maker best known for the Y60, a case with a panoramic glass front built to show off lit components.
- CableMod: known for custom sleeved power supply cables, and also makes lighting accessories that match them.
- Corsair: runs the iCUE software ecosystem, which controls compatible lighting, fans and peripherals from one application.
Also in our range: Akasa, BitFenix, EK Water Blocks and Godox.
RGB lighting FAQ
What is the difference between RGB and ARGB?
RGB lighting shows one colour across the whole strip or device at a time. ARGB, or addressable RGB, lets each LED be controlled separately, which allows rainbow waves and other moving effects. The two use different connectors and voltages, so they cannot be swapped freely.
Can I connect RGB lighting directly to my motherboard?
Yes, if the motherboard has a header that matches the lighting's connector. Most boards offer a 5V ARGB header, and some also have a 12V RGB header. If the connector does not match, use a controller instead of forcing the connection.
Do I need a separate controller for RGB lighting?
Not always. A motherboard header is enough for a few strips or fans, but a controller helps when you have many lit parts or no free header. Some controllers also let you change effects with a remote or button, without installing software.
Does RGB lighting affect PC performance?
No, RGB lighting has no meaningful effect on gaming or work performance. The LEDs draw very little power, though a large number of strips and fans can add up on a single header or channel. Staying within the stated limit of the header or controller keeps everything running safely.
