Since modding and gaming gear became popular, RGB LED lighting has become very popular. However, when it comes to this type of decorative lighting, we must differentiate between variants such as Conventional RGB LEDs, A-RGB LEDs or D-RGB LEDsThis can create confusion when choosing between the different options, so we're going to dedicate this tutorial to explaining the differences and everything you need to know.
As you know, a few decades ago the lighting for the PCs It was based simply on LEDs, but now, the advancement of technology has allowed the use of RGB LEDs that can automatically generate different lighting patterns and can be easily customized with the software included with components with RGB LEDs…
There are differences between the three types of RGB LEDs
As you well know, motherboards from different manufacturers have begun to include specific connectors for RGB LED lights that are so widely used today. This allows for easy lighting control and powering of all these lighting elements from the motherboard itself. However, with the arrival of different solutions, different connectors have also appeared:
Differences between RGB and A-RGB LEDs
Between the differences Some of the types of color LED lighting used in different types of computers are:
- LED RGB: is a type of lighting that can only display one color for all lights connected to that outlet.
- A-RGB: They can make each of the LEDs in the lighting system represent a different color. This allows for more complex lighting designs.
- D-RGB: They're no different than A-RGB LEDs, except that some manufacturers refer to them as such. Instead of Addressable RGB (ARGB), they prefer to call them Addressable RGB (DRGB).
With this, you can now differentiate between the three terms and know what the basic differences are, and how the type affects the possible lighting effects. Of course, the lighting systems Newer ones use ARGB or DRGB, since they're more versatile and can present more complex and attractive lighting. But RGB LEDs are still here...
Connectivity in RGB lighting
It must be taken into account that, as I have mentioned, depending on the type of RGB LED lighting, a different physical connection to be able to configure the parameters of lights, colors, effects, etc. Therefore, you must choose the motherboard carefully, since not all of them have connectors for ARGB or DRGB lighting.
However, if you don't have these types of connectors, you can also purchase separate hubs. In either case, you should keep in mind that they will not only control the lighting, but can also usually control other parameters such as the speed of the fans. refrigeration system.
On the other hand we have components such as some models of RAM or graphics cards These cases don't require additional cables, but instead use the same power supplied by the motherboard to power the RGB LED lighting they implement. Therefore, A-RGB or D-RGB connectors aren't necessary in these cases. This is quite interesting, as it means you won't need to connect extra cables that would hinder the aesthetics of transparent-paneled towers or impede proper cooling airflow.
How to connect RGB and ARGB (DRGB) LEDs
Both types of LEDs use a Connector A male connector, located on a controller, and a female connector, usually located on the LED strip we want to illuminate. However, the connector for RGB LEDs is different from that for ARGB/DRGB LEDs:
- LED RGB: uses a basic 4-pin connector and must supply +12v for proper power supply.
- ARGB or DRGB LED: It has a connector of only 3 pins and supplies a voltage of +5v.
Therefore, one of the easiest ways to determine which type of connector you have is to count the number of wires coming out of the connector or, if it's sleeved, the number of pins. This way, you'll know that if there are 4, it's a conventional RGB connector, and if the header has 3, it's an ARGB/DRGB connector.
But be careful, because if you look at the header, you'll see that it appears to have four connectors, even if it's ARGB, and that its cable connector also has four holes. However, if you look at the header, you'll see that one pin is missing, which is disabled.
How to differentiate an RGB cable from an A-RGB cable?
Likewise, on the connector itself we can see that the RGB has 3 pins while the ARGB has 4, but this is something you can easily see in the following image.
As you can see, the connector has a arrow, This indicates the location of the pin responsible for supplying power to the component with the LEDs. The importance of making the connection correctly is clear, because if it's done incorrectly, it won't work at best. On the other hand, there's a high probability that the LEDs will burn out, so be careful with this.
Tips for buying RGB LED lighting
When purchasing items from RGB-LED lighting internal or external, and motherboards, you should first follow a series of considerations or tips:
- Whenever possible, A-RGB or D-RGB lighting is recommended for its greater efficiency and benefits. The advantage of purchasing a A-RGB compatible lighting The advantage lies in the fact that we can illuminate all our equipment uniformly, as well as manage the lighting via software. Otherwise, we'll have to rely on independent lighting, which will cause us even more headaches.
- But you should always keep in mind the compatibility of the lighting elements and the headers on your motherboard.
- Keep in mind that manufacturers often use their own proprietary software for RGB lighting control. This forces you to purchase components from the same brand so you don't have to have multiple different programs installed.
- You always have the option of using a specialized hub to control RGB LED lighting through this device, instead of apps, but most people prefer apps that don't require additional installation or investment.
- Never prioritize lighting over other technical features when choosing components with RGB LEDs, as lighting is purely aesthetic and the last thing you should focus on.