If you’re a passionate gamer, you already know that even the most minor details could improve your gaming experience, and LED lighting is undoubtedly one of them.
In case you’re torn between ARGB lighting and standard RGB lighting, you’ve come to the right place, as we will define both options and then compare the essential aspects.
The main differences between ARGB and RGB lighting are that ARGB lighting offers more versatility and is generally customizable regarding color intensity and variations.
What is ARGB lighting?
Let’s start by explaining what ARGB means in terms of lighting. The “A” in ARGB stands for addressable, which means that ARGB is addressable RGB.
Each light in the ARGB light strip can be customized and managed. This system allows you to control the intensity of every color in your ARGB device.
On the other hand, traditional RGB lighting does not offer this kind of control over the color combination, as you can only change the entire color combination and the intensity of every single light.
It is also important to mention that ARGB strips are powered directly by your PC and connected to the motherboard.
If your PC system does not feature 5V ARGB headers, you will need an ARGB controller and a SATA cable to power the ARGB strip.
The SATA cable connects the ARGB controller to the ARGB strip. In contrast, the controller is essentially an ARGB adapter necessary for powering the strip when there is no ARGB header on the motherboard.
If you have a regular RGB header on your motherboard (12V, 4 pin), remember not to plug the ARGB device into it, as they’re incompatible.
An ARGB controller is an excellent solution for this compatibility problem, as it can be connected to the RGB header on the motherboard.
However, this setup will only give you complete color management, as an RGB header cannot manage one color at a time.
Speaking of ARGB devices, many gamers choose an ARGB fan to bump their gaming experience up a notch.
The principle with the color customization is the same: ARGB fans allow you to control the intensity and pattern of every color in the specter, which is not the case with an RGB fan.
In addition to color schemes and patterns, an ARGB fan also provides vibrant, intense animations that are truly mesmerizing.
What is RGB lighting?
By defining ARGB, we’ve also said a lot about RGB. The main difference between the two is that you cannot control and manage every color individually if you choose an RGB lighting strip.
RGB stands for the three primary color channels in the RGB lighting strip: red, green, and blue.
An RGB strip consists of numerous LEDs that are mounted on the strip, as well as four-wire traces. Three-wire traces are installed for the colors, and the fourth is meant for the common anode.
Each of the LEDs mounted on an RGB strip has to be one color, as there can’t be multiple color combinations on a single strip.
However, this doesn’t imply that you will only get a single variation or shade of red, green, and blue in your lighting, as they will fade from one variety to another and transition from one color to another.
Usually, an RGB strip features a standard 4-pin (C4P connector) plugged into an RGB LED controller.
You may wonder what kind of color combinations RBG lighting can produce. While you can expect many hues and variations, RGB strips do not produce soft pink or brown colors.
However, remember that the intensity and the accuracy of these colors largely depend upon the type and quality of the RGB LED controller you’re using.
The primary role of the RGB controller is to manage the three main color channels. If you choose a quality 3-channel controller that will manage all three channels automatically, it can change the color scheme seamlessly.
What are the differences between ARGB and RGB?
Depending on what you expect from your lighting and how much control you’d like to have over the color combinations, you may find ARGB or RGB more or less suitable for your PC.
That being said, let’s compare the two options in all important aspects so you can make an informed decision.
1. Color management
The main reason why many gamers gravitate towards ARGB lighting strips is that you can control every color individually, fully customizing your experience and creating your own combination of shades.
On the other hand, an RGB lighting strip lacks the versatility and flexibility that ARGB offers since these changes can only be made to the entire color combination, not every specific color.
This innovative design makes ARGB a better choice if you prefer more complex animations, multiple designs, and multilayered color schemes.
If, on the other hand, you don’t prioritize these advanced features but you’d still like to add a touch of color to your PC, RGB is a safe choice. It is also the best option for those who prefer a simple, single-color look without flashy animations.
2. Price point
As you’ve probably already guessed, the more innovative, complex option is also the more expensive. If you want a more advanced lighting system, you will choose ARGB lighting, which is also pricier.
However, keep in mind that the exact prices and the difference between the price of ARGB and RGB lighting will largely depend on the brand and the specifications.
3. Compatibility
As similar as they may seem, ARGB and RGB devices are not compatible. This means that an ARGB strip should never be plugged into an RGB header, which is something the majority of computers have.
As we’ve mentioned briefly, the solution to this problem is purchasing an ARGB adapter that can be plugged into the RGB header without a problem.
Remember that the voltage difference could seriously damage your motherboard by connecting an ARGB device straight into an RGB header.
The same goes for RGB devices that you’d want to plug into an ARGB header. Remember that RGB devices require a 12V analog signal, while an ARGB header offers a 5V digital signal.
Compared to the ARGB adapter, which is highly efficient and safe to use, most RGB adapters aren’t as reliable. On the other hand, a quality RGB controller may be a good solution for this problem.
ARGB vs. RGB: Are they the same?
We can certainly conclude that you cannot get the same experience from both lighting options, but the decision depends on your preferences and expectations.
ARGB lighting strips are more advanced and complex, allowing you to create your own innovative color combinations, patterns, and animations, as you can address each color individually and make tiny changes to each color in the specter.
On the other hand, an RGB lighting strip is a much simpler solution, and it displays only one color at a time. You cannot manage each color individually, and every change you make will affect the entire system.
The more complex option, the ARGB, comes at a higher price. Is the investment worth it? Only if your main goal is to customize colors individually and create vivid, eye-catching animations.
