If you’ve just gotten yourself a computer with cool, colorful RGB (Red-Green-Blue) fans, you’re probably loving the colors they shine. But maybe you’re thinking, “I wish I could change these colors to something else.” Making your computer setup feel more “you” by tweaking the color of your RGB fans sounds awesome, right? But if you’re not too tech-savvy, this might seem a bit tricky. No worries, though! This guide will walk you through different ways you can change your fan colors. We’ll keep it simple, no matter what kind of PC you have, so you can figure out if and how you can switch up your RGB or ARGB fan colors.
Also see: ARGB vs RGB Fans: Controller, Header and Splitter
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Solution 1: Using motherboard RGB software
One easy way to play around with your RGB fan colors is by using the software that comes with your motherboard. The exact steps might vary a bit depending on your motherboard’s make and model, but here’s the gist for most brands:
- First up, figure out what brand and model your motherboard is. This bit’s important because each brand has its own software for controlling RGB lights.
- Then, grab the software that matches your motherboard brand. For instance, ASUS has “Aura Sync” or “Armory Crate”, Gigabyte has “RGB Fusion”, MSI uses “Mystic Light” or “Dragon Center”, and ASRock uses “Polychrome Sync”.
- Once you’ve downloaded and installed the software, open it up. You’ll usually see a layout of your motherboard and all the RGB stuff you’ve got connected, including your fans.
- In the software, you’ll find all sorts of options to tweak the colors, effects, and patterns of your RGB fans. You can even sync up all your RGB gear for a cool, unified look.
This way tends to work best if your RGB fans are made to play nice with your motherboard and are hooked up right. If the software doesn’t see your fans, double-check the connections or look into the other methods we’re about to cover.
Related concern: Can I Use 4-Pin Fans on 3-Pin Headers or Vice Versa?
Solution 2: Using a dedicated RGB controller
If your motherboard doesn’t have the right spots for RGB fans, or if you just want more control, you might like using a separate RGB controller. Here’s how:
- Make sure your RGB fans are plugged into the controller. It’s usually pretty straightforward.
- Controllers come in different styles. Some have simple buttons on them for manual control, while others hook up to your computer so you can use software.
- If your controller’s the manual kind, it’ll have buttons to press to change colors and effects. Some setups even let you use the reset button on your case to switch through RGB modes.
- For software-based controllers, you’ll need to install their specific software, which gives you a bunch of customization options, kind of like the motherboard software does.
- If your controller is manual and inside your case, think about where it’s placed so you can easily reach it. Some folks even rig it so they can adjust the lights without opening the case.
This option is great if your motherboard isn’t RGB-friendly or if you’ve got a lot of fans to connect.
Useful guide: All Motherboard Slots and Connectors Explained
Solution 3: Utilizing third-party RGB software
Sometimes, the built-in software or a manual controller doesn’t cut it. That’s when third-party RGB software comes in handy. Here’s what to do:
- Pick a well-known third-party RGB software like “SignalRGB”, “OpenRGB”, or “iCUE” from Corsair. These are good because they work with lots of different hardware.
- Install the software you chose and open it. It should automatically find any RGB stuff you have, including fans. Just make sure everything’s plugged in right.
- You’ll get lots of options for customizing colors, brightness, and effects, and you can sync up all your RGB devices.
- If the software doesn’t see your fans, double-check your connections and make sure you’ve got any needed drivers or extra software for your fans or controller.
- Having multiple RGB software programs can cause headaches, so you might want to stick with just one to avoid problems.
This is a good choice if you’ve got parts from different brands and want to control them all from one place. But remember, not all fans will work with every software.
Linked issue: Computer Fans Randomly Speed Up, Why?
Solution 4: BIOS settings for basic RGB control
If you’re not into software and want something more stable, the BIOS might have what you need, though it’s a bit basic:
- Restart your computer and go into the BIOS settings by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Del as it boots.
- Look for the RGB or Lighting settings in the BIOS. It could be under “Advanced” or its own section, but this varies by motherboard.
- Here, you’ll find basic options for your RGB stuff, like fans. You can pick colors and maybe a few effects, but it’s not as fancy as software options.
- Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your new settings should start working right away.
Using the BIOS is a simple, dependable way to set up your RGB lights without extra software, but you won’t get as many options.
Relevant problem: Why Are My PC Case Fans Not Spinning?
Solution 5: Using the case’s built-in button
A lot of new PC cases have a special button just for RGB lights. If you want the easy route, check this out:
- This button is usually near the front, close to where the power and reset buttons are. It might be marked with an RGB symbol. Cases like the Cooler Master MasterCase, NZXT H series, and Corsair iCUE cases often have one. Check your manual to be sure.
- Pressing this button changes the color or effect. It’s an easy way to switch up the look without any fuss.
- In some cases, the reset button might also control the RGB lights. A quick press changes the mode, which is handy if you don’t have a separate button.
- This method is super simple but doesn’t give you as many options as software does. Still, it’s enough for basic changes.
- Best of all, there’s no setup needed. Just press the button and see the colors change right away.
Might be useful: What Are The Different Types of PC Cases?
Concluding thoughts
Changing your RGB fan colors basically comes down to knowing what tools you’ve got. Start by figuring out what kind of fans or computer you have. This matters because different setups need different approaches for changing colors.
Once you know what you’re working with, pick the best method for you, whether it’s a software solution, a manual controller, or just pressing a button on your case. Finding the right way to change your fan colors might need a little effort, but it’s all about matching your setup’s needs. With the right approach, you’ll be all set to make your computer look just the way you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I control the RGB colors of my fans if my motherboard doesn’t have RGB headers?
Yes, you can use a dedicated RGB controller for this purpose. These controllers often come with RGB fans and allow you to change colors and effects manually or through controller-specific software.
What should I do if the RGB software doesn’t recognize my fans?
Ensure the fans are correctly connected to either the motherboard or an RGB controller. Also, check if there are specific drivers or adapters required for your fans to be recognized by the software.
Is it possible to synchronize the RGB fans with other components in my PC?
Yes, most RGB software, whether it’s motherboard-specific or third-party, offers synchronization options to match the lighting across different components.
Can I change RGB fan colors without software?
Yes, some simpler RGB controllers use manual buttons to change colors and effects. Additionally, some motherboards allow basic RGB control through BIOS settings.
Are all RGB fans compatible with all motherboards?
Not necessarily. Compatibility depends on the RGB connector types (like 3-pin ARGB or 4-pin RGB) and the motherboard’s support for these standards. Always check compatibility before purchasing.
What’s the difference between ARGB and RGB fans?
ARGB (Addressable RGB) fans allow for more intricate and individual lighting control of each LED, whereas RGB fans typically change colors uniformly across all LEDs.
Will changing RGB fan colors impact my PC’s performance?
No, changing RGB fan colors is purely aesthetic and has no impact on the performance of your PC.
If I have fans from different brands, what’s the best way to control their RGB?
Third-party RGB software that supports multiple brands is usually the best option for controlling fans from different manufacturers in a unified manner. However, it’s important to note that not all fans are compatible with these types of software.
