How to Control RGB lighting

[James9oo0]

Hi guys,

My questions is how the lighting of RGB components actually works. After some research I've established the following:

- NZXT Hue + allows you to connect and control all NZXT RGB components --> This includes Case Fans, AIO's, and LED Strips. I assume this is plugged in as a SATA connector on the MOBO?

- RGB RAM doesn't need any extra wiring or anything, the RGB on the RAM is controlled by software. Nighthawk uses Asus Aura and G-Skill has their own software.

- Same thing goes for most motherboard RGB. Each MOBO manufacturer has its own RGB controlling software.

What about everything else? (lmao) The reason I'm asking is because I don't want to buy the NZXT hue + despite the amount of RGB in my system since first off most of my parts aren't NZXT and second off I'm cheap (I know it's cheap but I'm still trynna save as much money as possible). Also GPU RGB?

Also there's this really interesting component https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811984013&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= that I want and I'm not sure how I would control the RGB it provides

For those of you who want to see it here is my part list:

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/James9oo0/saved/

Thanks in advance

 

[CountMike]

No, not on SATA connector on MB but on PSU. SATA connectors on the MB are for data transfer with disks only. If you have RGB connector on the MB, any RGB strip or whatever would be controlled from BIOS and software. Anything else, connected any other way, can't be controlled like that.

 

[James9oo0]

No, not on SATA connector on MB but on PSU. SATA connectors on the MB are for data transfer with disks only. If you have RGB connector on the MB, any RGB strip or whatever would be controlled from BIOS and software. Anything else, connected any other way, can't be controlled like that.

I don't understand?

Do you mean that for any sort of RGB in a pc build you need to have a specialized RGB connector on the MOBO?

 

[CountMike]

Only if you want it to be controlled by BIOS or SW, otherwise it must have own controller.

 

[raisonjohn]

Latest mobos now have some RGB LED headers such as 4-pin 12V/G/R/B, 5-pin 12V/G/R/B/W (these are found in most Gigabyte boards), or in some cases, a 3-pin 5V (usually specific for software-controlled devices). These types of motherboard can support specific types of RGB strips/RGB devices (such as 5050 strips for 12V LEDs, or WS2812B strips for 5V LEDs). Because these mobos have such headers, it has a controller built-in (via BIOS or additional Software) for you to control the device/strips plugged into the motherboard.

Components that have built-in RGB or LED lighting, such as GPUs and RAM are powered and controlled via the slots they are connected to, PCIe x16 in the case of the GPU and DIMM in the case of the RAM. As such, they (usually) don't have separate cables to be connected to the mobo as the actual component itself is already connected in the slot.

In the case of the NZXT Hue+, the controller is on a separate box. This box is powered by a SATA connector (SATA power cable and not SATA data cable). This box also requires a connection to your motherboard via the USB2.0 (9-pin) internal header for it to communicate with the CAM Software and control all RGB devices (fans, strips) connected to the Hue+ box. Note that the box uses 5V wiring for 5V LEDs.

Other type of RGB LED kits don't require a connection with your motherboard (and thus do not require software). For example, the DeepCool RGB 360 (or DeepCool RGB 350) has a controller box with an RF signal (IR, in the case of RGB 350) via a remote control to change RGB lighting/effects of the strips connected to it. The box only needs a power connection to your PSU via Molex (no connection to your motherboard, unlike the Hue+).

In the Phanteks Halos RGB Frame you linked, it can be connected into a motherboard that has such compatible RGB LED headers (such as the 12V/G/R/B). Phanteks specifically states that it also is compatible with softwares such as Asus Aura Sync, or Msi Mystic Light, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion. The Halos RGB Frame, by itself, cannot be controlled without the required motherboard connection (as it doesn't have a controller box or a built-in controller). The lighting is powered by your motherboard's RGB LED header (which is 12V).

So, if your motherboard doesn't have the RGB LED header, you may need to purchase a LED controller (compatible with the 12V or 5V, depending on the device you want to power), for such device's RGB to be controlled separately from the motherboard. Some LED controllers also function like the Hue+ controller (needing a USB2.0 header connection for control using software), while some LED controllers also function like the DeepCool (via remote) or even via Knob or Toggle Switches.

 

[James9oo0]

Latest mobos now have some RGB LED headers such as 4-pin 12V/G/R/B, 5-pin 12V/G/R/B/W (these are found in most Gigabyte boards), or in some cases, a 3-pin 5V (usually specific for software-controlled devices). These types of motherboard can support specific types of RGB strips/RGB devices (such as 5050 strips for 12V LEDs, or WS2812B strips for 5V LEDs). Because these mobos have such headers, it has a controller built-in (via BIOS or additional Software) for you to control the device/strips plugged into the motherboard.

How do you ensure that you have a MOBO with those headers? I can't seem to find it on the official spec charts, even on the really high end 400-600 dollar ones.

After further research into the Halo RGB frame it seems i can connect multiple frames in one string of cables. Is it okay if you take advantage of that, and connect multiple frames to one RGB header?

From what I've seen it seems like I'll have to invest in the Hue + :/. Is it compatible with non NZXT RGB?

Btw thanks for the detailed response it super helped

 

[raisonjohn]

It's only the latest mobos that have such RGB LED headers (e.g., Intel Z270/Z370 and X299 boards and AMD AM4 and X399 boards).

The motherboard in your parts list, i.e., the Msi Z270 Gaming M5, has it (see specs page: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z270-GAMING-M5/Specification), where it mentions: "1 x RGB LED connector"

You can also check the manual (http://download.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/E7A78v1.0.zip) in page 41, where it states:

"JLED1: RGB LED connector
This connector allows you to connect the 5050 RGB LED strips.
+12V / G / R / B"

In your actual motherboard, the JLED1 header is found at the lower left portion of the board (just right beside the 2-digit Debug LED Code display) here:

Yes, you can connect multiple devices on that one header, provided, you follow what the motherboard manual recommends. For example, in the same page of your motherboard's manual, it states: "This connector supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B) with the maximum power rating of 3A (12V). Please keeping the LED strip shorter than 2 meters to prevent dimming."

As for your last question, if you do decide to get the NZXT Hue+, it is recommended to just use the 5V LED strips of the Hue+ or other NZXT RGB devices for compatibility. You can't use 12V devices on the Hue+ as it may damage the unit/device. My (and others) only gripe with the NZXT Hue+ is that the CAM Software is buggy (and somehow, requires internet and log-in information).

 

[James9oo0]

Holy smokes man, thanks a lot for the info. I really appreciate it.

Lmao how do you give someone more credit on this site :_D

One last question... Does this mean for my specific build, only one of the Phanteks Halo mounts can be connected to that port? It says it's +12V G/R/B

 

[raisonjohn]

The Phanteks Halos can be daisy-chained (but I have no information how much amps one Halos mount uses and how many Halos can you actually daisy-chain off of one RGB header). You can check how it works in this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFqDSHk4fuk

There's also an important aspect in using the Halos on the motherboard (mentioned in the above video and the Phanteks website) that you would need the Phanteks RGB adapter cable (http://www.phanteks.com/PH-CB_RGB4P.html) to be connected to that 12V/G/R/B header of yours. There are different packs of the Halos being sold, one that comes with the adapter cable and one that doesn't (like the one you linked in your opening post). Check the video around the 3:50 mark for this information.

 

[James9oo0]

There's also an important aspect in using the Halos on the motherboard (mentioned in the above video and the Phanteks website) that you would need the Phanteks RGB adapter cable (http://www.phanteks.com/PH-CB_RGB4P.html) to be connected to that 12V/G/R/B header of yours. There are different packs of the Halos being sold, one that comes with the adapter cable and one that doesn't (like the one you linked in your opening post). Check the video around the 3:50 mark for this information.

Aw snap that video is amazing. Thanks a lot man! You've been a remarkable help