PC Components

RGB Lighting for the Entire Gaming Area: evnbetter’s Lighting Solutions Tested

evnbetter presents its new digital addressable RGB solution consisting of a sophisticated LightControl unit called #1 and LED strips. This allows you to synchronously control the lighting inside the housing as well as the LED devices outside the computer. There are three different LED strip variants: The xcd 1 baseline, flexible digital RGB strips (also called ARGB or DRGB strips) with individually addressable LEDs, the xcd 2 slimline with diffuse LED strips thanks to evnLight technology and the xcd 3 wideline with diffuse strips, which are also slightly wider.

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#1 – An RGB controller to showcase

The heart of the whole light effect system is the control unit called #1. This is an illuminated RGB LED controller with 4 buttons and connectors for digitally addressable RGB strips with 3-pin 5VDG system (xx_x). This allows 144 ARGB LEDs to be controlled twice, a total of 288. The 4×4 centimetre housing has transparent key elements on the top. So you can see the matt black, illuminated circuit board with all electronic components, such as the 32-bit high-end microprocessor. It looks chic and elegant.

But why does an RGB controller have to be stylish? If you consider that the controller is not simply installed invisibly inside a case, that makes sense. The #1 is an external controller that can be mounted on a desk, for example, or on the outside of a PC case thanks to magnets.

The controller is powered directly from the computer’s power supply via a SATA power adapter. Inside the computer there is a 3-pin RGB connector for LED strips and other RGB devices. If you want to control the entire lighting with a compatible motherboard, you can also do this with an existing connector. With the help of an enclosed PCI slot plate, all connections are then routed to the outside of the controller as a single sleeved cable. This prevents annoying cable clutter and provides a tidy look.

The #1 LightControl has an integrated connector for lighting outside the PC case.

Control of the controller

The external control unit #1 with four switches allows an uncomplicated control of all lighting effects. This makes it easy to switch between 15 lighting modes and their five speed levels. The five brightness levels of the LEDs as well as the 12 colour modes can also be switched through via separate push-buttons. It is even possible to directly control the entire setup via compatible mainboards with 5VDG RGB connector (xx_x) and synchronize the entire setup inside as well as outside the PC.
evnbetter has additionally integrated a HighSensitivity microphone into the controller, which picks up ambient noise and converts music into light effects, for example.

Since the entire lighting system is supplied by a SATA power connector, a PC is absolutely necessary. For console or notebook players or anyone who wants to have an area far away from a computer shine in RGB colours, a controller with e.g. USB power supply would be more helpful. Hopefully evnbetter will launch such a version of their #1 LightControl in the future. I would wish for it anyway.

RGB LED Strip – Premium indoor and outdoor lighting

evnbetter currently offers three different RGB strips:

The xcd 1 baseline RGB strips are mainly intended for the interior of a PC case. Equipped with individually addressable LEDs, the RGB strips are particularly flexible and feature magnets for easy attachment to metallic substrates. Self-adhesive metal plates are included to attach the strips to non-metallic surfaces.

With the xcd 2 Slimline, evnbetter creates point-free lighting thanks to its own evnLight technology and thus ensures a homogeneous distribution of light in the room. This means that the flexible RGB strips, which are only 6 mm wide, no longer have to be hidden and can even be used as a decorative element, e.g. on a wall. This allows you to give your creativity free rein and create chic lighting designs with glare-free effects.

The highlight of the RGB lighting series are the almost 10 mm wide xcd 3 Wideline Strips. Like the xcd 2 Slimlines, they also offer homogeneous light distribution for glare-free effects. They are also ideal for decorating walls or furniture, such as a gaming table.

The Slimline and Wideline LED strips are attached with aluminium clips. These can be glued or screwed to the desired location.

Atmospheric light

The digitally addressable RGB LED strips provide a pleasant light overall. The adjustment possibilities for the brightness of the LEDs and the speed of the effects are more than sufficient. Whether breathing, meteorite or pulse effect, each mode brings its own mood into the gaming area. The music mode is very funny, but can get a little annoying when gambling in heated battles.

If you want more than the 15 integrated lighting effects, you can also control the whole system via the mainboard, as long as it has a 3-pin RGB connector (xx_x). But I was very happy with the amount of settings, I wouldn’t have needed more.

The right thing for everyone

evnbetter offers three starter sets for beginners: One set for each LED strip variant, with prices ranging from 30 to 46 EUR. These include the #1 LightControl and two DRGB strips with a length of 45 cm.

If you want to extend your lighting setup, you can choose between further packs with RGB strips in different lengths:

#1 LightControl Baseline*, Slimline*, Wideline*
xcd 1 Baseline 30 cm, 45 cm*, 60 cm*
xcd 2 Slimline 30 cm, 45 cm, 60 cm*, 180 cm*
xcd 3 Wideline 30 cm, 45 cm, 60 cm*, 180 cm*

Fulness

I was convinced by evnbetter’s lighting system with the #1 LightControl and the LED strips xcd 1 Baseline, xcd 2 Slimline and xcd 3 Wideline.

In combination with the controller, the RGB strips deliver atmospheric effects inside and outside the housing. I think it’s particularly good that the control unit is an external device. So you can quickly select a different lighting mode or simply set a different color without annoying software.
For fans of RGB lighting, it’s a must.

evnbetter LightControl

Workmanship
Lighting
Features
Value for Money

A must for RGB enthusiasts! Light up the whole gaming area without annoying software.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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