Should you build a gaming PC in 2023, you will probably encounter RGB and ARGB technology. This LED lighting technology can transform the appearance of your PC and peripherals with a variety of dazzling lighting effects. RGB, the original lighting technology, is static. In contrast, Addressable RGB (ARGB) is highly customizable. In addition, you can program ARGB to produce a wide range of outstanding visual effects.
Learning about these emerging smart lighting solutions and how you can use them, can help you decide if you want to have RGB or ARGB on your PC. In this guide, we compare RGB and ARGB to help you pick the lighting technology that will be best for your build and budget!
RGB vs ARGB: Side-by-Side Comparison
| RGB | ARGB | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Custom color LED lighting system | Programmable custom color LED lighting system |
| Primary use | Creation of lighting displays on PC components and peripherals. | Creation of lighting displays on PC components and peripherals. |
| Initial release | 2014 | 2017 |
| Influential developers | Corsair, Asus, HyperX, Omen, Razer | Corsair, Asus, HyperX, Razer, Omen |
| Motherboard connection | 12V 4-pin header | 5V 3-pin header |
| Type of lighting effect | Static RGB color | Dynamic RGB color |
| Price point | $$ | $$$ |
- Includes 12 magnetic brackets
- Uses a 5V, 3-pin motherboard connection
- Compatible with various LED control software such as Gigabyte's RGB Fusion, ASUS' Aura Sync, ASROCK's Polychrome Sync, MSI's Mystic Light, as well as SignalRGB software
- Includes a 1-year warranty from Airgoo
What’s the difference between the RGB and ARGB?
RGB and ARGB are both centrally controlled lighting systems that directly connect to the motherboard of a computer. However, these two LED technologies have significant differences. In short, the key differences between these two technologies are:
- RGB is an older technology than ARGB.
- RGB stands for red, green, and blue and ARGB stands for addressable red, green, and blue.
- RGB produces static illuminated color effects on your PC.
- ARGB can be programmed to produce dynamic illuminated color effects on your PC.
- ARGB controls the color settings of individual LEDs.
- RGB color settings affect whole strips of LEDs.
- RGB connects to a computer motherboard via a 12V 4-pin header.
- ARGB connects to a computer motherboard via a 5V 3-pin header.
A closer look at RGB
RGB or RGB LED is a type of lighting technology that uses red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes. Amazingly, just these three simple colors are all it takes to produce over 16 million individual colors of light. RGB LED takes its name from the RGB color model and hex used in electronic and digital imaging systems.
Combinations of LEDs are now being used for customizable electronic device lighting. Thus, you can find RGB integrated into PCs, laptops, smartphones, television, and even domestic smart lighting setups. RGB produces millions of colors, including white light, with a few exceptions. For example, RGB typically struggles with pigment tones like pink, peach, and brown.
RGB PC lighting
If you’re interested in PCs or gaming, you’ll have noticed the trend for customizing and detailing PCs that started in the early 2010s. For instance, we have added RGB lighting to transparent PC box cutouts and styled RAM and VRAM designs to make a performance PC a genuine work of art. Although RGB adds nothing to the performance of the PC, these custom lights look exceedingly cool! Certainly, a static RGB display enhances the appearance of the PC tower and its components.
Currently, we use RGB in PCs in the following ways:
RGB motherboards
These are specially designed PC motherboards that are detailed with RGB LEDs. In addition, a transparent PC case usually houses these motherboards so you can see them light up when they are active.
RGB RAM/VRAM
RGB RAM stands for Red Green Blue Random Access Memory. These are RAM and graphics card modules that are detailed with RGB LEDs for display in a transparent case gaming PC. In this instance, the RGB lights are either static or have neat gradients.
RGB PC fans
RGB fans are PC fans that not only keep PC components cool but also look great. In addition, you can set them into the PC case for added customization.
RGB gaming keyboards
Gaming keyboards were the first PC component to get the RGB treatment. Therefore, RGB-lit keyboards are incredibly popular and can you can customize yours to illuminate different combinations of keys for different gaming actions.
RGB PC cases
PC cases for RGB lighting feature side panels made from tempered glass. The cabling of the PC components is shrouded to allow illuminated components to have maximum visibility. In addition you can even install LED strips in the corners of the case for additional illumination.
How does RGB work?
RGB diodes mix red green and blue light following electronic programming. Subsequently, the circuits that the LEDs are hard-wired into control the blending of these primary colored lights to produce a variety of hues with precision color control.
The development of RGB lighting for PCs
LED lighting is reliant on the LED semiconductor technology that has been in use in consumer electronics for over 60 years. In addition, the gaming hardware company Corsair played a big role in introducing RGB technology, introducing the world’s first RGB gaming keyboard in 2014. However, Razer launched these illuminated mechanical boards at CES around the same time. Corsair’s ultra-customizable keyboard was probably overkill, but it has spawned thousands of more restrained copycats and a new industry specializing in rainbow-lit gaming gear.
This evolving sector is becoming standardized, with Corsair iCue being one of the most widely used standards. Thus, motherboard makers are now routinely including RGB connectors and controllers on motherboards, making connecting and syncing RGB hardware simpler.
You can determine if a motherboard is compatible with RGB by consulting the manufacturer’s compatibility page. Compatible motherboards typically offer two 4-pin 12V RGB headers for connecting lighting and you can increase the capacity for components by using a splitter.
A closer look at ARGB
Addressable RGB (ARGB) is the next level in RGB LED technology. It offers advanced lighting customization and a variety of dynamic effects that are completely programmable. This newer form of RGB allows PC and peripheral owners to:
- Change the colors of individual LEDs
- Created color patterns that cycle through the spectrum
- Synchronize lighting effects like flashes, ripples, and breathing
- Sync lighting to music beats
ARGB differs from conventional RGB LED lighting. This is because each LED in the lighting strip is addressable and you can therefore individually program it to switch on or off and display a specific color. If you have 200 LEDs on an ARGB strip, you can program 200 LEDs. Each ARGB light can behave independently of the other LEDs around it.
We control ARGB lighting through dedicated PC software. For instance, we can use the software to program vivid light animations for a unique gaming rig. We also used this premium lighting technology for TV monitors and other consumer electronics and home decor. ARGB lighting has great reception and is rapidly overtaking the static RGB LEDs.
ARGB requires a powered connection to your PC motherboard
Like RGB lighting, ARGB LED strips are powered by a direct connection to a compatible computer motherboard. ARGB lighting connects to the motherboard via a dedicated 5V 3-pin header, not the 12V 4-pin header used by RGB lighting. If the 3-pin header isn’t available, a SATA cable can connect an ARGB controller as well.
- Supports either magnetic or adhesive application
- Lasts as long as 100,000hrs
- Supports 20 different LED colors as well as 22 Dynamic modes
- Compatible with ASUS Aura
RGB vs. ARGB: Six Must-Know Facts
- ARGB systems are reliant on an ARGB controller that translates the instructions from the software program into a digital signal that controls the lighting combinations of individual ARGB LEDs.
- Corsair has released iCue Murals, a novel smart lighting software with compatibility that extends beyond smart devices to home lighting solutions like Phillips Hue and Nanoleaf. You can use this software to create harmonized visual effects that extend from your computer to your entire room.
- The gaming peripherals manufacturer HyperX has produced an ARGB microphone called the QuadCast S. It is an upgrade of the original RGB QuadCast mic.
- SignalRGB for Windows computers comes with over 100 preset lighting effects and supports the leading ARGB device manufacturers.
- In 2023, manufacturer Twinkly showcased novel ARGB wall-mounted panels that can create customizable wall art.
- We have used programmable RGB technology in some unusual products including face masks, furniture, and dog leashes. You can even sync up your eyewear and headgear!
Is ARGB better than RGB?
Gaming PCs are all about customization and flair, so it’s no surprise that ARGB is being widely adopted and beginning to supersede RGB components and accessories. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing ARGB compatibility in their products. Thus, RGB is likely to become a legacy technology.
The individualized LEDs of ARGB are so programmable that you can create detailed spectral effects on any component, synchronizing the visual effects across your PC motherboard, fan, RAM, graphics card, and peripherals like your keyboard, mic, and headphones. ARGB also benefits from more advanced software control. iCue by Corsair can synchronize the management of multiple ARGB implementations by different manufacturers.
RGB and ARGB are smart lighting technologies that have transformed what you can achieve with the aesthetics of a PC build. In short, this LED technology has been a massive success and is moving from computing to other consumer electronics and lifestyle products like domestic lighting. Of the two technologies, ARGB offers the most customization, control, and advanced visual effects, making it the superior choice for your hardware.
- NEON ARGB PC LED Strip
- Includes 12 magnetic brackets
- Uses a 5V, 3-pin motherboard connection
- Compatible with various LED control software such as Gigabyte's RGB Fusion, ASUS' Aura Sync, ASROCK's Polychrome Sync, MSI's Mystic Light, as well as SignalRGB software
- Includes a 1-year warranty from Airgoo
- Kingwin RGB LED Strip Lights
- Supports either magnetic or adhesive application
- Lasts as long as 100,000hrs
- Supports 20 different LED colors as well as 22 Dynamic modes
- Compatible with ASUS Aura
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