PC Lighting is a simple DIY project if you get the right parts, but can be challenging if you don’t plan ahead. What parts do you need? Is it better to buy a kit of individual parts? Here is a brief overview of the important components, and what we consider the best way to light up your PC.
The Key Components
There are just a few key components to lighting your PC, but with dozens of variables on each one. Here are the elements you need to consider:
• LED Light Strips
• Power Module
• Controller
• Remote Control (Optional)
You can buy most of these components separately, or as part of a complete lighting kit. The only two parts you MUST buy together is the controller and remote control.
Advantages – The Kit vs Custom Build
As with almost every other part of your PC build, lighting has the option of being purchased as a kit or buying it piece-by-piece. Which is the best way? It depends on the outcome you are looking for.
The kit provides the easiest method to add PC lighting to your computer. All of the parts are matched and ready to be connected. You know it works together and you won’t need to do any extra research. Kits often cost less than buying all the parts separately. With all of these advantages, why doesn’t everyone do it this way? Flexibility.
Custom building your PC lighting gives you customization. You can choose from a wider choice of colors, choose different powers of LED lights, and get more options on your controller. Your controller determines how your lighting functions. A great controller can make your lights dance, dim, brighten, and even throb with your gameplay.
The challenge of going custom is making sure it all fits together. You need to verify your power module, controller and light strips all work together.
The Cost Of PC Lighting
How much are you willing to pay to make your gaming PC look as good as it performs? Don’t worry, it is not going to cost that much. You can find complete kits with all the options you want starting under $20, with top-end kits running closer to $80. Custom builds will normally run somewhere between those two options.
How much is it going to cost if you go custom? A top end controller may cost $70 or more. Lower priced controllers can cost under $15. Power supplies start from a price of around $5 to $20. Your LED strip lights will start at a cost of under $10 to over $20 depending on color options, lengths, and brightness.
What Is Your Best Option?
What is the best way for you to do your PC lighting? The easiest method is to go with a kit, but not our favorite choice. We prefer going custom, but sticking to only one or two brands. As an example, you could get a great controller and power supply from Corsair and choose your LED strips from another seller. This gives you flexibility while lowering the risks of choosing incompatible parts. Both ways are easy to do and will make your PC look great.