RGB your gaming rig. Some things to pay attention to.

Hello good people,

today I want to give some advice on getting your rig enhanced with some RGB hype. Plz note, that if you build your system from the ground up, there are special parts that already have RGB build in. RGB mainboards, RGB cases, RGB RAM!!!! (WTF) and many more... The focus of this post is the upgrade path. Meaning you have an existing system and want give it some light. And here comes the things I have learnt in the past:

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1. Decide, if you really need rgb or if mono is enough

This is a major question. Especially if you are low on budget. All RGB items that u will buy for your system are quite expensive. But in most cases there is also a mono option, meaning that the LEDs only emit one color. Yes, that kills the pupose of controlling the lighting effects and it is no longer RGB. But some people only want to show off there gear and not mainly their RGB system. So make up your mind. What is your objective? Show off your gear or have fancy lighting that impesses people. Both valid consideration but with a different price tag.

2. Window?

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Of course people need to see your RGB lights. So you need a case with a window. Plz don't think that you can just leave off the side panel. This is a very bad idea! Dust will enter your system, airflow is destroyed, and last and foremost...it is ugly. If you are lucky and you bought a solid case, there is quite a chance that you can go to a store or the manufactuerer homepage and order a new side panel with a window. My rig is on Define R5 and I was lucky this case has the option to order a windowed side panel.

3. Switch off!

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No matter what you install in your rig. Make sure it has the option to turn off the lights. Yes the lighing is nice and you want to show it everyone... But believe me there are times when you want darkness in your room. E.g. watching a (horror) movie. So make sure that you have the option to turn the lights of. I have a system from NCXYT that has a hardware button on the PCI slot where i can turn off the lights with a simple click. But any other solution with software works as well.

4. The LED are your enemy.

Never ever let LEDs be visible to the outside. You should not be able to see the LED. Place them inside the case so that you only see the reflexions of the LEDs from the window. The homogen reflexions of the LED look very nice but spots shining in your rig are ugly. As you HAVE to work with reflexions...

5. White is your friend.

Yes! You will not believe what a difference it makes if you have white parts in your system. If you plan your RGB system wisely you can use these white parts for the relexions of the LED. The white will shine in your RBG color and create awesome effects. In modern RGB parts like keyboards ( cough cough Corsiar) this technique is used to enhance RGB. It is a fact that many people are not aware of.

6. Use the shadows.

Shadows are also your friends. There will be parts in your system that you don't wnat to show off. Most of the time it is the area down at the power supply. Or the area of the SATA connections. Use the sahdows to hide those areas. Sounds simple but actually it is not. It is quite challenging to not light these regions by any of the LEDs there....

7. Take your time

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To Enlight a system so that is looks really stunning, takes time. Much time... Especially if you want to impress someone that knows RGB systems. And invest this time. Don't hurry. You will be proud of your system later on.

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So... I for myself I'm about to build a new RGB system soon. If it is rdy I will sure make a post. But as the GPU market is dead atm due to mining... I delayed this project. What is your experience with RGB systems? Do you have one? You find it childish? (Something I hear on a regular basis :) ) Or is it something you plan on building?