ZisaLog: Beginner’s Guide to Building a Custom PC 
LED lighting makes each PC part glow with LEDs, allowing original design and visual effects unique to a custom PC.
Lighting itself does not affect performance, but the charm of a custom PC is full customization, so design and effects can be pursued thoroughly.
However, LED lighting may require sync features and many connectors. It is better to learn the basics in advance.
- Many items can glow: PC parts, accessory parts, and peripherals
- LED lighting makes a highly original custom PC
- No relation to performance; electricity cost increases slightly, so it is mainly for aesthetics
- More LED cables mean more complex cable management
- If connectors are not enough, use a hub or an LED controller
- Always check the connector type (3-pin 5V ARGB or 4-pin 12V RGB)
Basic knowledge, roles, and how to choose other parts from performance and compatibility viewpoints are also explained for reference.
≫ Related article: List of PC Parts and Explanations of Each PC Component [Must-Read for Custom PC Beginners]
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
Table of Contents
What Is LED Lighting?
First, learn the basic knowledge about LED lighting.
Make each part glow with LEDs
Making each part glow with LEDs can change the look of a custom PC dramatically.
Colors and patterns can be customized freely, making it possible to build a one-of-a-kind PC.
Lighting many parts for a bright, flashy build is fine; lighting only a few points for a subtle look is also fine.
Preferences differ, so decide the preferred lighting style.
ケンさん
LED PC parts make cabling more complex
LED PC parts are popular for better looks, but wiring can become complex.
This is because LED parts need not only a power cable to the part, but also a lighting control cable.
As a result, the number of required connections increases and organizing cables becomes harder.
A planned layout helps. First, plan where each part goes and check cable length and connection points to avoid wasted cabling.
Cable-management tools are also useful.
Use zip ties, hook-and-loop straps, and cable guides to bundle and organize cables so the interior looks clean and airflow is not blocked.
Ease of cabling is also important when choosing LED parts.
Some recent PC case fans and AIO CPU cooler fans can be daisy-chained so the lighting cable becomes a single line.
Normally, three fans need a total of six cables (power + lighting). With daisy-chain fans, this can be reduced to only two cables (power + lighting), and in some cases to a single cable.
If connectors are short, use a hub
Sometimes there are not enough connectors for LED parts; in that case, use a hub.
A hub is an accessory part that connects multiple LED parts to a single connector.
This allows multiple LED parts to be used even when lighting connectors are limited.
There are other benefits to using a hub:
- Cables gather in one place, keeping the case organized
- Fewer loose cables for a cleaner look
- Connections are simpler by merging many cables into one hub
When selecting a hub, check that it supports the number and types of LED parts to be connected.
Electricity cost increases slightly
Adding LED lighting to a custom PC increases the electricity bill slightly.
LEDs are low power, but using many LED parts or high-brightness LEDs raises power use.
RGB LEDs that change color need control circuits and extra power, so power consumption can be a bit higher.
As a rough guide, lighting 2–3 spots is about 5W. Lighting the whole system brightly is about 10W.
Using 10W for LEDs and an electricity rate of 31 yen per kWh (※), the monthly cost for running the PC 8 hours a day is:
10 (W) ÷ 1000 (k) × 8 (hours) × 30 (days) × 31 (yen) = 74.4 yen
PC power use depends on workload, roughly 100–600W (744–4,464 yen) per month.
For everyday or business use, about 1,000–2,000 yen; for gaming or video editing, about 2,000–3,000 yen is a common image.
LED use is about 1/60 to 1/10 of total PC power, so the added cost is small compared to overall consumption.
Considering the ability to customize with LED lighting, the increase is often acceptable for many users.
Express personal style
A custom PC can show personality through the case and each part. With LED lighting, parts, colors, and patterns can further express identity.
PC parts have trends. Sometimes “everyone uses the same part.”
By adding LED lighting, it becomes a build that is different from others, a custom PC with unique originality.
For example, colors can match a game or match the room’s palette for a unified look. There are many ways to enjoy RGB lighting.
Purely for aesthetics and hobby
LED lighting in custom PCs does not affect performance; it is mainly for aesthetics and hobby.
A PC is a tool for tasks, so performance matters most. Other parts may be skipped if the budget is tight.
As a work tool, lighting is not required.
In that sense, it is for aesthetics and personal enjoyment.
Unlike prebuilt PCs, a custom PC allows attention to every single part, so with the budget in mind, aesthetics can be pursued thoroughly.
No effect on performance
LED lighting in a custom PC is for looks and does not directly affect performance.
When choosing a PC, performance and price are key factors.
LED parts do not raise performance, and parts with lighting usually cost more.
Therefore, judged only by performance and price, cost-performance becomes worse.
First meet the performance needs for the intended use, then add LED parts within the budget.
LED Lighting Setup
Next is how to set up LED lighting.
How to do LED lighting
Two things are needed for LED lighting:
- Hardware control (prepare parts that support LEDs)
- Software control (detailed settings for colors and patterns)
Hardware control
To use LED lighting, parts that support LED lighting plus a motherboard or a dedicated LED controller are required.
LED-ready parts include many PC parts, accessory parts, and peripherals; details are explained later.
Also check that the motherboard’s general RGB header connector (3-pin 5V ARGB or 4-pin 12V RGB) matches the LED part’s connector.
Left is 4-pin 12V RGB, right is 3-pin 5V ARGB.
Motherboards have multiple connectors, but they may be insufficient when many LED parts are installed. Prepare a hub or LED controller.
Basic LED lighting is possible with hardware alone.
Many LED parts have preset lighting patterns built in and can work by simple connection.
However, using only presets makes each LED part glow in different colors and patterns at random, which is not stylish.
That is not the goal of LED lighting.
Software is needed to control the colors and patterns of LED parts.
Software control
Many motherboard makers provide dedicated lighting control software.
| Manufacturer | Icon | Name |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS |  | Aura Sync |
| ASRock |  | Polychrome RGB |
| MSI |  | Mystic Light |
| GIGABYTE |  | RGB Fusion |
These tools allow fine control of LED colors, patterns, and brightness.
However, LED parts must support the maker’s software or be connectable to a general RGB header.
For example, with an ASUS motherboard, Aura Sync is used. LED fans and other LED parts must support Aura Sync; if the board supports 3-pin 5V ARGB, LED parts must match that as well.
With both hardware and software ready, LED lighting in a custom PC can be customized freely.
LED synchronization
LED sync is a function to control LED lighting across devices together.
This sets all LED devices in a PC case to glow with a unified style.
Motherboards, graphics cards, memory, fans, and LED strips can glow with the same color and pattern at the same time.
Even if a blinking pattern is selected for all LED parts, without sync they blink at random.
Ideally, all LED parts blink together. Random blinking ruins the effect.
A sync function is needed to make lighting unified.
Main sync ecosystems are summarized below.
| Manufacturer | Icon | Sync name |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS |  | Aura Sync |
| ASRock |   | Polychrome RGB |
| MSI | | Mystic Light |
| GIGABYTE | | RGB Fusion |
| Corsair |  | iCUE |
| NZXT | – | CAM |
| Thermaltake |  | TT RGB PLUS |
| Cooler Master | – | MasterPlus+ |
| Razer |  | Chroma RGB |
| EVGA | – | EVGA RGB |
| BIOSTAR |  | RGB Sync |
Using these tools enables sync across devices from each maker, achieving beautiful, unified RGB lighting.
For example, ASUS Aura Sync can control ASUS motherboards and graphics cards and also supported accessory parts and peripherals together.
Likewise, RGB Fusion works with GIGABYTE products, Mystic Light with MSI products, and ASRock RGB Sync with ASRock products.
When using LED parts from other makers, check if they support the chosen motherboard’s sync system.
If the icon in the table is shown on product images or packages, it is supported.
Even without icons, if the general RGB header and pinout match, it can usually be used.
With sync features, the PC’s lighting becomes consistent and the exterior looks better.
PC Parts That Support LED Lighting
Here are PC parts that support LED lighting.
PC case fans
PC case fans are often lit at the fan itself.
A few models light the outer frame.
CPU cooler
CPU coolers often light at the water block on the CPU and the fans on the radiator.
Fans can be replaced. If the default lighting is not preferred, swap to a different fan.
It is also possible to buy a CPU cooler without LEDs and replace the fan with an LED fan for a preferred look.
Graphics card
Graphics cards often light maker or brand logos, fans, and other accents.
However, the fan side faces down when installed, so the lighting is not visible directly and looks like indirect light.
The top/back side of the card faces the user. Check whether logos or accents there are lit.
To show the fan side, choose a PC case that supports vertical GPU mounting.
A riser cable and a vertical bracket may be needed to connect to PCI Express. Check these in advance.
PC case
PC cases may have the case itself and the included case fans lit.
When the case itself lights, it is often a tasteful accent rather than flashy lighting.
Many models include lit fans. Fewer models have the case body itself lit.
Power supply unit
Power supply units usually have LED-lit fans. Some models also light the connector area.
Motherboard
Motherboards often light a logo, the rear I/O shroud, or a lower plate.
Compared with other parts, lighting is modest and used as an accent.
Memory
Memory is sold with and without heat sinks. The top edge of the heat sink is often lit.
A heat sink is a cooling cover on the memory module surface, usually metal.
Memory without a heat sink exposes only the PCB and chips and has no LED lighting.
Storage (SSD)
Storage: NVMe SSDs often light on the heat sink; SATA SSDs often light on the front.
That said, LED-lit storage is very rare. It can be hard to find a drive that meets maker, capacity, and speed needs and also supports LED lighting.
Accessory Parts That Support LED Lighting
Here are accessory parts that support LED lighting.
LED tape/LED strip
LED tape/LED strip is a lighting device with many LEDs mounted on a long, narrow board.
These are flexible and can be cut to different shapes and lengths, so they are used in many ways.
*Some models cannot be cut. Check before use.*
In custom PCs, they are mainly used as decoration inside the case.
They can be placed on hidden edges to light parts like indirect lighting, or placed visibly for a bold effect.
Cable comb
A cable comb is an accessory for organizing internal cables and keeping the look clean.
Usually plastic or metal, it aligns power and other internal cables. Some models have LED lighting.
Power cables
Power cables are used when stock cables are too short or when changing cable color for design.
A few models have LED lighting.
GPU support bracket
A GPU support bracket (GPU support stay) physically supports the graphics card and holds it in the correct position.
It is used especially for large and heavy cards. Some models have LED lighting.
Peripherals That Support LED Lighting
Here are peripherals that support LED lighting.
Mouse
Mouse often have LED lighting on the logo or as a small accent.
Recent gaming mice have customizable RGB lighting so colors and patterns can be changed to taste.
This helps keep a unified design with the whole gaming PC setup.
Mouse pad
Some mouse pads support LED lighting.
Often the rim of the mouse pad glows.
Keyboard
Keyboards have LEDs under the keys to light the whole board.
Dedicated software allows detailed control of patterns, colors, and brightness.
Headset
Headsets often have a small LED accent around the ear cups.
Conclusion: Build a Showpiece Custom PC
From the basics of LED lighting to key knowledge, setup steps, and parts with LEDs were introduced.
This should help imagine how to plan RGB lighting when actually building a custom PC.
Here are the key points again.
- Many items can glow: PC parts, accessory parts, and peripherals
- LED lighting makes a highly original custom PC
- No relation to performance; electricity cost increases slightly, so it is mainly for aesthetics
- More LED cables mean more complex cable management
- If connectors are not enough, use a hub or an LED controller
- Always check the connector type (3-pin 5V ARGB or 4-pin 12V RGB)
LED lighting does not affect performance, increases electricity cost a little, and may raise part prices. Even so, it helps create a custom PC with strong originality.
Pursuing favorite colors and lighting styles is a core charm of custom PCs. Use LED lighting to bring out that charm to the fullest.
Basic knowledge, roles, and how to choose other parts from performance and compatibility viewpoints are also explained for reference.
≫ Related article: List of PC Parts and Explanations of Each PC Component [Must-Read for Custom PC Beginners]
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
