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NZXT kicks RGB lighting up (another) notch with the HUE 2

by: Zach - posted: 8/21/2018 5:58:00 PM
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In the modern era of PC hardware and accessories, RGB has become king. Computer cases now tend to be filled to the brim with RGB components, presenting flashy colors determined to create the perfect aesthetic.

If you're in this category (and I most certainly am), NZXT's launch of their new HUE 2 Lighting Kits should catch your eye. NZXT's been in the RGB game for a while, but it looks like they're really trying to elevate their game with the HUE 2 products.

First off, the HUE 2 RGB Lighting Kit serves to help you light up your case. It acts as a sort of hub you can run all your LED's through, which can be managed from NZXT's CAM software. They even have special LED products designed specially to integrate with different areas of a build, such as an underglow and cable combs. The end result is case lighting solution that gives builder's an easier path to setup, plus a lot of bonus features from the ability to synchronize the RGB effects. The RGB Lighting Kit comes with four HUE 2 RGB strips, but builder's can opt to buy more individually to continue customizing their case.

The second offering in the HUE 2 line is the HUE 2 Ambient RGB Lighting Kit. This kit is focused primarily on utilizing the walls behind the player's monitors to bring more color into the space. Builder's can line the backs of their monitors with LED's and use the Ambient Kit to keep them all synchronized. This is also managed through CAM and brings some incredible functionality, like the ability to extend the color from the edges of your monitor, creating an expanded ambient effect.

The last kit is the Aer RGB 2 kit, which includes the RGB-ring Aer fans. This is directed towards those who want to bring a little color to their fan setup. The kit comes in sets of 2 x 120mm, 2 x 140mm, or 3 x 120mm fans.

If you're interested in pricing, there are a lot of different combinations and it's pretty mix and match, but the different starter kits are going to run you around $100, plus any additional LED pieces you might want to include. Feel free to check out the full news to see the press release with all the pricing.

There's no way around it, these kits and the LED accessories in general are going to cost you a pretty penny. That being said, LED's like this are definitely a luxury item, so a high price tag isn't unexpected. If you're trying to make the perfect battle station, the whole HUE 2 ecosystem looks like it's bringing a level of RGB customization that is well worth the price.

See Your Battlestation In A Whole New Light

Aug 21, 2018, Los Angeles, CA – NZXT, a leading developer of software-powered hardware solutions for PC gaming, today announces the HUE 2 family of RGB accessories for the PC, powered by CAM. Consisting of 10 new products, including the four-channel HUE 2 RGB controller and the external HUE 2 ambient light controller, along with several new accessories, the new HUE 2 ecosystem provides PC builders more options for customizing their systems. 

 

“If our H Series cases provide a canvas for people to build the gaming PC of their dreams, then our new HUE 2 family provides the palette they paint with,” said Johnny Hou, founder of NZXT. “We love to celebrate the creativity of PC builders and we can’t wait to see the amazing battlestations they create with this complete line of RGB lighting accessories.”

 

A New Approach to RGB Accessories

One of the key innovations in the new HUE 2 family is the addition of a microcontroller to every single RGB accessory. This innovative, patent-pending feature allows each HUE 2 component to identify its specific LED configuration, breaking the limits faced by existing RGB components available today.

 

In addition to allowing for different LED counts and unique accessories, this feature lets the user mix-and-match different components on a single channel making installation easier and allowing lighting modes to be synchronized across channels.

 

Powered by CAM

HUE 2 products are seamlessly integrated into CAM, the free control and monitoring application from NZXT. The easy-to-use interface makes it simple to select from a variety of lighting modes, including preset, system, and custom modes. With lighting synchronization across channels and accessories and individually addressable RGB LEDs, there are nearly a limitless number of lighting setups to make your PC truly unique.

 

Light the inside (and outside) of your PC

At the heart of the HUE 2 ecosystem are four complete RGB kits that include everything you need to get started: the HUE 2 RGB Lighting Kit, HUE 2 Ambient Lighting Kit, Aer RGB 2 Starter Kit (120mm), and Aer RGB 2 Starter Kit (140mm). Choose one to get started and add accessories to complete and perfect your PC’s lighting.

 

 

HUE 2 RGB Products:

 

HUE 2 RGB Lighting Kit

The HUE 2 RGB Lighting Kit is the heart of the new ecosystem and includes everything needed to add amazing RGB lighting to your PC. Each kit contains:

 

  • HUE 2 RGB controller with four channels, each supporting up to 40 LEDs and six accessories
  • High-performance microprocessor delivers virtually instantaneous response and incredibly smooth lighting effects
  • Four easy-to-mount HUE 2 RGB strips with individually addressable LEDs
  • All necessary cables
  • Backward-compatibility with existing HUE+ LED strips and Aer RGB fans.

(Note: older HUE+ accessories cannot be mixed on the same channel with HUE 2 accessories)

 

Aer RGB 2 Starter Kit (120mm or 140mm versions)

The Starter kits include everything you need to add amazing RGB fans to your PC and are available in three configurations: 120mm with two fans, 120mm with three fans, and 140mm with two fans.

 

  • HUE 2 RGB controller with four channels, each supporting up to 40 LEDs and six accessories
  • Aer RGB 2 fans with individually addressable LEDs
  • All necessary cables
  • Backward-compatibility with existing HUE+ LED strips and Aer RGB fans.

(Note: older HUE+ accessories cannot be mixed on the same channel with HUE 2 accessories)

 

HUE 2 RGB Ambient Lighting Kit

Available in two configurations, one for 21” to 26” monitors and one for 27” to 35”, the HUE 2 RGB Ambient Lighting Kit adds gorgeous lighting to your gaming PC and provides a more immersive in-game experience* by projecting the colors from the edges of your display to your walls.

 

  • HUE 2 RGB Ambient Lighting controller
  • Faster microprocessor enables incredibly smooth lighting effects and virtually instantaneous response changes to colors on the screen in ambient mode
  • Multiple LED strips in various lengths, along with easy-to-follow configuration and installation instructions for various monitor sizes and aspect ratios
  • AC power adapter
  • All necessary cables
  • Compatible with all HUE 2 accessories and CAM lighting modes

* Ambient lighting modes are available only with the HUE 2 Ambient Lighting controller and require the use of CAM as a registered user, including acceptance of the then-current NZXT Terms of Service.

 

More accessories, more options, more RGB!

 

Choose from a variety of RGB accessories to express your creativity and build the perfect lighting for your gaming PC. All HUE 2 accessories require a HUE 2 RGB controller, purchased separately in one of the HUE 2 kits.

 

Aer RGB 2 Fans

Known for their distinctive RGB ring, our Aer RGB fans have been updated with a new microcontroller and full HUE 2 compatibility, allowing the new Aer RGB 2 fans to be mixed with other HUE 2 accessories on the same channel.

 

  • Uniquely shaped RGB light guide provides bright, even light dispersion
  • Custom-engineered winglet-tip blades deliver high airflow with reduced fan noise
  • Precisely control fan speeds using pulse-width modulation (PWM)
  • Available in 120mm and 140mm sizes

 

HUE 2 Underglow Accessory

The easy-to-install HUE 2 Underglow accessory incorporates a diffuser to provide a softer, more even glow under your case, and is compatible with all HUE 2 lighting modes. Available in two models, one for ATX and EATX cases and the other for mATX and mini-ITX cases.

 

  • Two custom-designed HUE 2 underglow strips with diffuser
  • PCI pass-through bracket to make installation easier
  • All necessary cables

 

HUE 2 Cable Comb Accessory

Nothing finishes off a fully-custom PC build like braided PSU cables—except braided PSU cables with RGB lighting. This new HUE 2 accessory adds RGB lighting to cable combs for the 24-, 4+4- and 6+2-pin PSU cables.

 

  • Supports 3mm diameter braided PSU cables
  • Includes two 24-pin (motherboard), two 4+4-pin (CPU), and two 6+2 (GPU) cable combs

 

Key Features of the HUE 2 RGB and Ambient Lighting Controllers

 

  • Faster processors deliver virtually instantaneous response and more lighting modes
  • Two additional channels on the HUE 2 RGB Lighting Controller allow for even more HUE 2 accessories to be connected.
  • Each channel supports up to six HUE 2 accessories or 40 LEDs
  • Backward compatibility with existing HUE+ accessories
  • Multiple HUE 2 family starter kits are available, including:
    • HUE 2 RGB Lighting Kit
    • HUE 2 Ambient Lighting Kit (in two configurations)
    • Aer RGB 2 120mm Starter Kits (2x120mm and 3x120mm)
    • Aer RGB 2 140mm Starter Kits (2x140mm)
  • The HUE 2 family accessories include:
    • RGB LED strips
    • 120mm and 140mm RGB fans
    • Case underglow strips for ATX and mATX/ITX cases
    • RGB cable comb accessories

 

Pricing:

Product Name

Model Number

MSRP

HUE 2 RGB Lighting Kit

AC-HUEP2-M1

$74.99

HUE 2 Ambient Lighting Kit for 21” to 26” monitors

AC-HUEHU-B1

$99.99

HUE 2 Ambient Lighting Kit for 27” to 35” monitors

AC-HUEHU-A1

$99.99

HUE 2 RGB LED strip accessory

AH-2SA30-D1

$24.99

HUE 2 Case RGB Underglow Accessory for ATX cases

AH-2UGKK-A1

$34.99

HUE 2 Case RGB Underglow Accessory for mATX/ITX cases

AH-2UGKD-B1

$29.99

HUE 2 RGB Cable Comb Accessory

AH-2PCCA-01

$29.99

Aer RGB 2 120mm Starter Kit (2x120mm)

HF-2812C-D1

$99.99

Aer RGB 2 140mm Starter Kit (3x120mm)

HF-2812C-T1

$129.99

Aer RGB 2 140mm Starter Kit (2x140mm)

HF-2814C-D1

$109.99

Aer RGB 2 120mm Fan (1x120mm)

HF-28120-B1

$29.99

Aer RGB 2 140mm Fan (1x140mm)

HF-28140-B1

$32.99

 

For details on the HUE 2 family or any of NZXT’s products, please visit NZXT.com.

 

  

About NZXT

Founded in 2004, NZXT is a leading PC developer building an ecosystem of smart products and services, each fueled by a passion for PC gaming. Their award-winning products include computer cases, PC cooling solutions, RGB lighting kits, ATX power supplies, and their free PC monitoring software CAM. NZXT loves gaming PCs and the people who build them and is dedicated to improving their products and services to make building extraordinary PCs achievable and fun for everyone.