Does RGB Actually Make Your Gaming PC Faster?
Lennon Byatt
Every PC gamer knows the rule:
More RGB = More FPS... right?
RGB lighting has become a huge part of PC gaming, appearing on everything from fans and RAM to keyboards, graphics cards and entire gaming PCs.
But does covering your setup in colourful lights actually make it any faster?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
But there is a little more to it than that.
Recommended 1440p Gaming PC Specifications
For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
|
|
Motherboard
|
B650
|
|
PSU
|
750W 80 PLUS Gold
|
This specification is capable of running modern AAA games at high frame rates while providing plenty of headroom for future releases.
Browse AWD-IT's latest AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
What Is RGB?
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue.
By combining these three colours at different brightness levels, PC components can produce millions of different colours and lighting effects.
You'll commonly find RGB lighting on:
- PC cases
- Cooling fans
- RAM
- CPU coolers
- Graphics cards
- Motherboards
- Keyboards and mice
Some setups even allow everything to be synchronised so your entire desk uses the same colour scheme.
Does RGB Increase FPS?
No.
Adding RGB lighting won't increase your FPS, make your processor faster or suddenly give your graphics card more power.
Your gaming performance still mainly comes down to components such as your:
GPU, CPU and RAM.
So unfortunately, changing your PC lighting to red won't turn 80 FPS into 120 FPS.
Even if it looks faster.
Your gaming performance still mainly comes down to components
Can RGB Affect Performance at All?
Technically, RGB control software runs in the background like any other program.
Applications used to control lighting may use a small amount of system memory and CPU resources.
On a modern gaming PC, though, the impact should generally be tiny.
If you're trying to squeeze every possible frame out of a competitive gaming setup, reducing unnecessary background applications can still be worthwhile.
But turning your RGB off isn't going to transform your gaming performance.
What About RGB Fans?
This is where things get slightly more interesting.
The lights themselves don't improve performance, but the fans they're attached to can.
Good airflow helps move cool air into your PC while pushing warm air out.
Keeping your CPU and graphics card at sensible temperatures helps them operate as intended during long gaming sessions.
So:
RGB = No extra performance
Good fans = Potentially better cooling
You can have both at the same time.
If you're building a system, AWD-IT has a wide range of PC cases, including many options with pre-installed ARGB fans.
RGB memory doesn't automatically perform better either
Does RGB RAM Perform Better?
RGB memory doesn't automatically perform better either.
A 6000MHz DDR5 kit without lighting isn't slower simply because another 6000MHz kit has RGB.
When choosing gaming RAM, specifications such as capacity, speed and latency matter far more than whether the sticks light up.
RGB is mainly there for looks.
And there's nothing wrong with that.
Average FPS vs 1% Low
Here’s a simple example:
| Gaming PC | Average FPS | 1% Low |
|
PC A
|
160 FPS
|
65 fps
|
|
PC B
|
145 FPS
|
110 FPS
|
At first glance, PC A looks faster because it has the higher average FPS.
But PC B maintains much stronger performance during demanding moments.
For someone actually playing the game, PC B may therefore provide the smoother and more consistent experience.
This is one reason AWD-IT's existing performance guides sometimes refer to maintaining strong 1% lows alongside average FPS.
Why Is RGB So Popular Then?
Because customising a gaming PC is part of the fun.
Unlike most consoles, PCs can look completely different depending on the person building them.
You could have:
All-black stealth build
Clean white setup
Full rainbow RGB
Single-colour lighting
No lighting at all
None of these automatically performs better than another.
It's simply another way to make your gaming setup your own.
What Actually Makes Your Gaming PC Faster?
If performance is your priority, spend your budget on the components that actually affect gaming first.
Graphics Card
Your graphics card usually has the biggest influence on gaming performance, particularly at 1440p and 4K.
Processor
Your CPU becomes especially important in high-FPS competitive games and CPU-heavy titles.
RAM
Having enough fast memory helps games and background applications run smoothly.
Cooling
Good airflow helps your components maintain reliable temperatures during demanding workloads.
SSD
An SSD won't magically increase your GPU's rendering power, but it can dramatically improve loading times and general system responsiveness.
Then add as much RGB as your heart desires.
Your CPU becomes especially important in high-FPS competitive games and CPU-heavy titles
What About 0.1% Lows?
If you've watched detailed PC benchmark videos, you might have also seen 0.1% low FPS.
This looks at even rarer slow frames.
For the average customer comparing gaming PCs, you don't need to obsess over it.
The easiest way to think about the numbers is:
Average FPS = How fast does it normally run?
1% low = How well does it hold up when things get demanding?
That's really all you need to know.
Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials
You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.
1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
Don't Forget Your Monitor
Your PC can produce hundreds of frames every second, but your monitor also needs to be capable of displaying high refresh rates for you to fully benefit from them.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
If you're unsure what Hz means, read AWD-IT's guide to why monitor refresh rate matters, or browse the latest gaming monitors.
A smoother combination of strong FPS, consistent frame delivery and an appropriate refresh rate can make games feel significantly better.
Expected Gaming Performance
|
Game
|
1440p High
|
1440p Ultra
|
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
120 FPS
|
90 FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
120 FPS
|
95 FPS
|
|
Black Ops 7
|
180+ FPS
|
150+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
240+ FPS
|
200+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on drivers, game updates and graphics settings.
1440p Gaming
1440p provides a sharper image than 1080p but requires additional graphics power.
The AWD-IT Ares Ryzen 5 RX 9060 XT Gaming PC is a suitable option for players who want higher graphical settings, stronger frame rates and the ability to move into 1440p gaming.
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT
High-End Gaming
Players targeting high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K should look towards graphics cards such as the Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT.
These cards provide the additional performance needed for demanding modern games, detailed graphical settings and higher-resolution monitors.
Browse AWD-IT’s range of RX 9070 XT gaming PCs.
Should You Pair Radeon with Ryzen?
A Radeon graphics card does not need an AMD Ryzen processor, but pairing the two can create a well-balanced all-AMD gaming system.
The most important consideration is balance. Your processor should be powerful enough to support the graphics card, while sufficient RAM, SSD storage and cooling will help the entire system perform reliably.
You can explore AWD-IT’s AMD Ryzen and Radeon gaming PCs for complete systems using both technologies.
Prebuilt or Build Your Own?
Building a PC gives you control over every individual component, but it also requires additional research, assembly and troubleshooting.
A prebuilt gaming PC arrives assembled and tested, making it a more convenient option for many first-time buyers.
It also gives you one main point of contact if you require technical support or warranty assistance.
Should You Spend Extra on RGB?
That depends entirely on what you want from your PC.
If you're working with a strict budget, prioritising a stronger GPU or CPU over extra lighting usually makes more sense.
But if you've already got the performance you need and want your PC to look great on your desk, RGB can be worth paying a little extra for.
Gaming PCs aren't only about benchmark numbers.
For many people, building a setup they're proud to look at is part of the hobby.
Try This Before Upgrading Your GPU
If a new game isn't running as well as you expected, don't immediately assume you need a new graphics card.
Try changing your settings first.
Start with:
Ultra → High
Then test the game again.
If performance is still lower than you'd like, reduce demanding settings such as ray tracing, shadows and volumetric effects individually.
You might discover that your current PC still has plenty of life left in it.
And if you're genuinely reaching the limits of your hardware, you can compare AWD-IT's latest graphics cards or browse our range of gaming PCs.
The Simple Answer
So, does RGB make your gaming PC faster?
No.
Will the PC gaming community continue pretending it adds at least 20 FPS?
Absolutely.
RGB is about personalisation, not performance.
If you're looking for more FPS, invest in your GPU, CPU, RAM and cooling.
If you're looking for more style?
Turn the RGB up to maximum.
Explore AWD-IT's range of gaming PCs, PC cases and PC components to build a setup that performs - and looks - exactly how you want.
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- GTA 6 PC System Requirements (Predicted)
