5 Best RGB Controllers for Fans and LED Strips
Gaming PCs are gaining popularity day by day. As gaming has become so mainstream over the years, a lot of people are moving to PCs for better performance. However, sometimes performance just isn’t enough. This is because most people want to have that aesthetic factor in their setup. Maybe you want to mix things up and add some visual flair. A great way to do this is by adding RGB LED strips and fans inside the PC.
An RGB controller is a small tool this is used to govern the RGB lighting modes of your gadgets (RGB Fans, RGB LED Strips, etc). This is possible through either software in Windows or through remote control. Sometimes, it can be both. An RGB controller is crucial if your motherboard does not have enough headers for it. Although this seems simple it is sometimes a bit challenging to find the best RGB led controller that fits your needs.
More often than not, there are additional ports in the controller too for you to plug in your fans. This allows you to keep everything in sync. Keeping all this in mind, we are going to look at the best RGB controllers. Hopefully, by the end of this, you can decide on one that is right for you. So, here are the best RGB Controllers.
1. Cooler Master RGB Controller/Hub
Best Overall
Pros
- Easy to use software
- Multi-purpose use
- Can easily be mounted
- Overall intuitive experience
Cons
- No remote control option
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Remote control: No | Software support: Yes
Check PriceCoolerMaster is a brand known for its high-quality products. They have a huge lineup of peripherals for gaming PCs. They have introduced an excellent RGB controller that is equipped with many features. It is one of the best out there in the market. CoolerMaster makes this easy with this controller, as the software is intuitive. They have delivered this high-quality experience at a decent price. This is why it’s on top of our list.
This is an extremely straightforward and simple to use RGB controller. It works seamlessly for RGB Fans, RGB LED Strips, etc. This low profile and compact RGB controller comes with intrinsic magnets and fits simply within your PC case. The controller offers four RGB ports that support 12V RGB Fans or RGB LEDs with a 4-pin RGB connector. However, you’ll be able to attach two more additional RGB Fans / LED Strips to the only port to increase the lighting via splitter cable.
For power, the RGB controller uses one SATA power connector, and therefore the communication interface used here is USB (9-pin connector) for operating with the RGB software. The varied RGB lighting effects and customization is done with the Cooler Master RGB Software. It should be noted that this RGB controller isn’t compatible with alternative RGB software however from its own. The RGB controller works with any RGB Fans and RGB light-emitting diode strips that have a 4-pin (+12V-G-R-B) connector. The package includes an RGB controller alongside all the specified adapter cables and connectors.
So, if your motherboard lacks RGB support, but you would like to use RGB Fans and RGB LED Strips in your computer case, then this RGB connector will serve your purpose really well. Not only is this quite inexpensive, but it is also very efficient in what it does.
2. NZXT HUE 2
Premium Choice
Pros
- Extremely reliable
- Easy to use CAM software
- Can be used to control wide range of accessories
- Four separate channels
Cons
- Expensive
Remote control: No | Software support: Yes
NZXT has always been at the of the lighting game. Their cases made an appearance with accent lighting even when it was not so popular. This company now makes top-notch best RGB lighting controllers and LED strips along with many other products. It is a complete package that takes into consideration consumer needs and checks out every box of the essential feature.
This is an addressable RGB controller that comes with 4 ports that hold a capacity to support 6 accessories or 40 LEDs ( 10 LEDs per channel ). To establish the connectivity it uses USB 2.0 (9 pins) connector and a Molex connector. It is compatible with Hue+ LED strips RGB fans. This controller comes as a part of the Hue2 lighting kit which includes 4 LED strips with 10 individually addressable LEDs. This kit can then use 4 ports to create endless designs. For changing and controlling the strips, it uses NZXT’s easy to use CAM software. They go even further by giving users an easy installation process. The controller can be mounted with magnets and screws. This kit enables you to create an amazing PC experience by taking things a step ahead and giving you more than you could ask for.
It comes with 4 LED strips of individually addressable LEDs. When mixed with the 18 LEDs from the Cable Comb accent and 30 LEDs from the HUE 2 UnderGlow, the HUE 2 produces a spectacular display of RGB lighting fixtures. They are all without difficulty managed via CAM and it comes in handy to save you from distractions whilst gaming. There is not a lot of things that go wrong with the NZXT Hue 2 kit. It not only provides you with a plethora of options but also comes with a full kit for a full experience. However, this makes things expensive too and many will wonder whether getting such an expensive product just for the lights is worth it in the first place.
3. Corsair iCUE Commander Pro
Temperature Controlled Lighting
Pros
- Many useful features
- Easy to use software
- Temperature sensor
Cons
- Expensive price
- No remote control
Remote control: No | Software support: Yes
Corsair has a huge reputation among the gaming community because of its wide range of high-quality gaming hardware. From gaming headsets, PC cases, memory cards, RBG fans, mouse to even liquid cooling systems. For gamers, Corsair needs no introduction. They’re widely recognized for their excellent performance RAM cards, in addition to add-ons like RGB keyboards. The iCUE Commander Pro is a whole controller kit, designed to function as a channel LED system. It connects to your PC through a 6-inch SATA connector, which offers enough strength for all of its functions. On the face of the unit, you’ll discover a pair of 3-pin connections for LED strips. There aren’t any strips blanketed inside the kit, however, that’s negligible considering everything else you get in the package.
To start with, you get Corsair’s iCUE software program. This is a piece of software that controls your lights, in addition to six fans. There are 4 temperature sensors inside the kit. You can place these wherever you like inside the case. This lets iCUE to intelligently control your fans, supplying cooling precisely where it is required. The greater the number of fans you install better would be the results. In many cases, three fans are enough for everyday use. You may even use the iCUE software program to govern a liquid cooling system, which works wonders in cooling down your PC
The low-profile layout makes it easy to put the Commander PRO in the back of your motherboard. Alternatively, you could mount it wherever you need inside the case. So if you’re already rocking loads of Corsair hardware, you’ll get even greater functionality. The only downsides are that the price might be a bit high and there is no remote so you have to go through the process of changing via the software every time.
4. Silverstone Addressable RGB control box LSB02
Bang for Buck
Pros
- Easy to install
- Wi-Fi remote
- Temperature sensor
Cons
- No software support
- Less number of pre-customized layouts
Remote control: Yes | Software support: No
Silverstone is mostly known for its PC cases and other peripherals targeted towards gamers. They are definitely in a race with companies like Cooler Master, Antec, and Thermaltake. For people who do not know the company, this might be a great chance to use their RGB control box LSB02. Loaded with different features and sporting a reasonable price, this RGB control box is ideal for almost everyone.
This is an incredibly practical RGB controller from Silverstone. It works well for addressable RGB devices, LED strips, and PC case fans. It comes with six ports for 5V ARGB LED gadgets and 4 ports for 4-pin / 3-pin case fans. The electricity is fed into this tool from a 4-pin Molex connector. It additionally consists of a thermal sensor probe that connects to the tool and can alter the LED shades and fan velocity to be consistent with the temperature. The RGB Lighting / Effects and fan velocity may be managed with the use of a Wi-Fi remote, which also can be used to turn your PC on or off. It’s a neat little feature to have and is something unique too.
The LSB02’s wireless remote lets you navigate through various color schemes etc. The functions of the remote control are fairly easy to understand and learn to use it. For people looking for a controller that has no software running in their taskbar, go for this budget pick. There are a few drawbacks such as the lack of additional options for customization since all options are restricted to the remote control. However, many people don’t really experiment with color schemes and shades all that much so it may not affect them at all.
5. Thermaltake TT Sync controller
Easy Installation
Pros
- Easy installation with velcro straps
- Syncs with other programs
Cons
- No remote control
- Limited compatibility
- Less pre-designed customization options
Remote control: No | Software support: Yes
Thermaltake is another major player in the business of making PC cases, power supplies, cooling devices, and peripherals so it comes as no surprise that they were able to deliver an incredible package with many features. One interesting thing about this product is that it can use available software to control functionality. It definitely offers more ports than any controllers on the list however the 9-pin port means that anything you have with 3-pin or 5-pin would go obsolete for you.
This is an addressable RGB Controller and Fan Hub for Thermaltake Fans and different Thermaltake gadgets. It comes with 9 ports (nine-pin) for RGB gadgets and gets power through the SATA connector. The controller connects to the motherboard with a 9-pin cable. The RGB customization is possible through the usage of the Thermaltake Riing Plus RGB software. Also, it syncs with different software too such as Asus Aura RGB Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome RGB through motherboard 5V ARGB header. This kit is can handle up to nine addressable LEDs.
The setup is easy, which may be completed by the usage of the covered Velcro straps. Also, all of the cables needed are different connections that come covered within the package deal alongside the RGB controller. You can check with the Thermaltake legitimate internet site for sorting out the entire listing of merchandise supported through this narrow and compact Thermaltake RGB Fan Hub & Controller.
