3-Pin 5V Addressable RGB System
The 3-pin 5V Addressable RGB (ARGB) system has become the standard for modern computer lighting due to its advanced control and customization capabilities.
This system features three connections: VDD (power), DATA (signal), and GND (ground).
The communication over the DATA wire follows a digital protocol, commonly used in WS2812 RGB LEDs, where each LED has an embedded microcontroller. This microcontroller processes the signal, allowing for precise color and brightness control and enabling complex lighting effects and animations to be achieved seamlessly across connected LEDs.
The Gen2 ARGB protocol improves the system further with bidirectional communication, multi-layer control, and enhanced configuration options for more flexible RGB lighting, pioneered by brands like Coolermaster and Asus.
The 3-Pin ARGB 3P4F Connector
The 3-Pin, 4-Pin Footprint Connector.
This connector has become widely adopted by motherboard manufacturers and is the closest "generic standard" that we have for 3-pin addressable RGB lighting. It features an unpopulated "key pin" for polarity protection.
Perhaps the biggest reason for other manufacturers decision to use other connectors than this one is the non-existent physical retention mechanism.
SKU 4075
3-Pin ARGB 24" Extension
Featuring removable male coupling pins for wide compatibility
SL Series 4-Pin Connector
The SL series connector, originally designed by Molex, is now produced by various manufacturers under different model names.
Corsair uses this connector in a 4-pin configuration for their lighting controllers and RGB fans.
It is a standard 5V Adressable RGB implementation with an additional wire for the return signal. This return signal allows Corsair's lighting controllers to automatically determine the LED count in the RGB device.
SL Series 3-Pin Connector
Corsair uses this connector is a 3-pin configuration for their RGB LED strip lighting accessories.
Due to the lack of a the 4th return signal wire this port is easier to use when adapting RGB accessories.
SKU 4076
SL 3-Pin to 3-Pin ARGB Adapter
Connect 3-Pin ARGB devices to Corsair Commander and Node lighting controllers
NZXT
XHB Series 4-Pin Connector
The XHB series connector is an evolution of JST's XH connector with the additional of a physical latch for a more secure connection.
NZXT utilize this connector in a 4-pin configuration for their lighting controllers and RGB fans.
It is a standard 5V Adressable RGB implementation with an additional wire for communicating a resistance value. This value allows NZXT's lighting controllers to automatically identify the LED count of the RGB device.
SM Series 3-Pin Connector
Originally designed by JST the SM series connector is widely utilized wire-to-wire connector and has been adopted by several manufacturers for RGB LED strips.
Exclusively a wire-to-wire connector meaning that there is no wire-to-board SM series connector available for directly connecting with motherboards and hardware controllers.
Note that due to the 3A rating it's not recommended to link more than 55 WS2812.
SM 3-Pin adapter cables coming soon
4-Pin 12V RGB
The 4-pin 12V RGB system, once a mainstay in computer lighting, is now considered an older technology as more advanced solutions emerge.
This setup features four connections: VCC (12V power), G (green), R (red), and B (blue).
Unlike addressable RGB, 4-pin RGB lacks individual LED control, meaning all LEDs on the same strip display the same color and brightness. While it offers straightforward, reliable lighting, its limitations in customization and dynamic effects have led to a decline in use, as builders and enthusiasts increasingly favor the more versatile 3-pin 5V ARGB solutions.