Glow, Baby, Glow: The Illusion of RGB and the Reality of Real PC Performance

Why Your RGB Gaming Rig Maybe Nothing More Than a Glorified Disco Ball

It's hard to enter the realm of desktop gaming PCs today without being blinded by the dazzling array of RGB lighting. Almost every PC gamer worth their salt has succumbed to the siren call of the rainbow-coloured beauty of RGB. But, dear reader, let's take a step back and critically examine this obsession. Is it worth having a gaming tower that shines brighter than the Vegas Strip at midnight? Or should we focus on what truly matters, such as performance, value for money, low noise profile, and longevity?

The reality is that RGB lights are often a marketing ploy designed to manipulate your decision-making ability, enticing you to prioritise aesthetics over substance. PC parts manufacturers capitalise on the allure of vibrant, eye-catching lights to push products that might lack performance, build quality, and longevity. It fits their business model perfectly, as components that fail or degrade quicker compel consumers to purchase replacements more frequently. This tactic is eerily reminiscent of how gambling machines use lights to lure and hook players; in much the same way, the RGB lights on gaming PC parts can seduce buyers into making frivolous purchases.

Warning: Don't Read This Advice If You Are This 👇

If you are a hardcore RGB "fan" reaching the level of an RGB fanatic who starts clenching fists, grinding teeth, or your face or ears start changing colours like RGB lights upon hearing even slight and polite criticism of PC RGB lights, please don't read any further. At Computer Barn, we understand that some clients just can't imagine any possibility of letting go of the idea of not having RGB lights as one of their top priorities. We take care of such inverted priorities when selling custom-built gaming PCs. Still, explaining to the customers where they should place the RGB lights in their gaming pc priority list is essential. We suggest the last place. Please read further if you want to know why.

Performance: The True Glow-Up

Let's start with the basics. You want a gaming PC, right? Your main goal is to own a gaming rig that can handle the latest games and other tasks efficiently without glitches or hassles. So why, oh why, would you spend all that hard-earned money on RGB lights? Those flashy, multicoloured LEDs do nothing to improve your frame rates or reduce input lag.

Instead, imagine that money in better quality parts that offer higher performance and will last longer than similar prices flashy RGB counterparts. For instance, a PC case that boasts superior airflow will keep your components cooler and running at optimal levels. For example, a PC case may not be able to put a light show in your bedroom, media room, or wherever you want to put it in your house. Still, it offers excellent airflow, noise dampening, and flexibility for future upgrades. It also provides better dust and lint filtration and is more durable and rust-resistant. Compare that to an RGB-laden case struggling to keep its components cool or to find your PC components disappearing under a layer of dust thickened by moisture if you live in a humid region. At Computer Barn, we have seen and been through all that. Focus on build quality, airflow and noise-related features, and upgrade flexibility. Keep the RGB looks the last preference—it's no contest, folks.

Silence: The Sweet Sound of Performance

Ah, the cacophony of the CPU cooler, chassis, GPU, and power supply fans or AIO liquid cooler pump are all running at high RPMs combined with the hum of an overworked, lazy old ceiling fan churning over your head. Noise can be a significant distraction, trying to pull you off the track every time you start your Desktop PC for whatever you need to do. These flashing RGB lights may become an added distraction over time. For example, you bought a high-build-quality dual tower, dual fan air cooler with lower noise and higher cooling performance than a similar price CPU cooler decorated with RGB lights but with lower heat dissipation performance and runs louder. This is a better choice, especially if this cooler lasts long due to its better build quality. The manufacturer didn't have to cut corners with the quality and workmanship, worrying about price competitiveness. The price of that fancy RGB cooler includes the cost of the lights and the controlling circuitry, leading to compromises in performance and quality. Plus, who cares if your cooler glows in the dark?

Longevity: Beyond the RGB Glitter

RGB lights are like the fireworks of the PC world: they're exciting for a moment, but the thrill fades quickly, leaving you with the stark reality of distractive flashing and circling lights of various colours. You don't want them but have spent time and money acquiring them, so you are reluctant to not turn them off. A strange dilemma to be stuck in. Why not avoid this situation by putting RGB lights as the last thing to worry about when looking to buy or upgrade your desktop computer. Instead, investing in build-quality and performance features as your top priority will serve you better. This PC will have an increased working life, even if you get a few RGB lights blinking inside your PC without asking for it.

Take, for example, the choice of chassis fans. Get 120mm or 140mm pro-grade non-RGB fans that can move relatively higher air volume through your PC case and still run quietly, last longer than cheaper or similarly priced RGB fans, and consume less power. You don't need your PC to fill your room with eerie light like a scene from a B-grade horror movie; your priority should be that your rig runs cool, calm and quiet through all your marathons, ensuring that all the parts inside are performing within their safe temperature limits and thus lasting longer.

Future Upgrades: More Than Just a Pretty Face

When building a PC, it's crucial to think about future-proofing. Some budget-range PC parts with RGB may be less upgrade-friendly or adaptable. A case with ample space, multiple mounting options, and good cable management will serve you much better in the long run than one designed solely to showcase your RGB setup.

For example, consider getting a PC case from a reputable brand that can take micro-ATX and ATX motherboards, accommodate taller CPU air coolers, offer excellent modularity and airflow, high noise dampening, and better dust filtration. It may not win any beauty contests against an RGB-laden case but will be more suited for future upgrades up to the next 6 to 10 years. Imagine a situation where you needed to upgrade your computer's motherboard, let's say, after 3, 4, or 5 years. During that upgrade, you find out that the RGB cables of the RGB fans are no longer compatible with the new motherboard. You must use these fans without the lights or get new RGB fans.

The RGB Mirage: Bright Colors, Dim Results

At Computer Barn, we focus on maximising performance per dollar value in the custom-built gaming PCs we sell, thinking that the allure of RGB is a fleeting pleasure. It's fun to show off your glowing rig to your friends. But after the initial wow factor wears off, you'll be left with a computing machine that may not perform as well as it should, is noisier, and has a shorter lifespan. All this could be avoided if your priority list is sorted based on maximising performance from the money spent and better durability rather than the looks.

If you are relying on YouTube to gain some insight and seek recommendations. Think about it and beware that many such videos and channels either openly or secretly promote paid content, spread biased reviews, and serve as marketing outlets for PC parts manufacturers. An honest and non-biased tech reviewer will not rave about the RGB lights on the PC. They will be focused on what really matters—performance, reliability, and longevity.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Tranquill Airflow, Flexibility and Durability

So, the curious reader, it's time to ditch the RGB lights obsession and invest in a custom-built PC that will be a cool running, ready-steady-go performance workhorse serving you for years without your money being wasted and an annoyance to your eyes, ears, and brain. Let your PC's benchmarks and stability be the real showstopper, and do not let the daily light glow show happen in your room. Remember, RGB lights are just a distraction. Actual PC performance is the real deal.