Fixing RGB Lighting Not Working on PC Fans After Restart

RGB lighting is a key aesthetic element in many custom PC builds, but when it starts acting up—especially after a system reboot—it can be frustrating. If you’re experiencing issues where your RGB lighting is not working on PC fans unless you manually run the Intel ME update each time, you’re not alone. Let’s break down why this could be happening and how to fix it.

System Specs Overview

Based on the specs provided, you’re running a powerful build with the following hardware:

• Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX Z590-F GAMING WIFI
• CPU: Intel Core i9-11900K
• Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
• RAM: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz (Corsair)
• SSD: Patriot P400 M.2 NVMe 2TB
• PSU: Cooler Master MWE 850 Gold V2
• Case: Montech AIR 903 MAX RGB

Why the RGB Issue Happens

When your fans are spinning but not lighting up, it’s usually not a power issue—it’s a control or sync issue. Here are some likely causes:

• Software Conflicts: Running both Armoury Crate and iCUE can cause conflicts. Each software tries to control the same devices, leading to inconsistencies.
• Intel ME Firmware Dependency: If re-running the Intel Management Engine (ME) firmware update temporarily fixes your RGB, it may suggest a deeper issue with firmware initialization or driver persistence after reboot.
• BIOS or Chipset Problems: Sometimes, your motherboard’s BIOS needs an update to better handle device initialization, especially when newer peripherals or OS updates are involved.

Recommended Fixes

1. Uninstall One RGB Controller: Pick either Armoury Crate or iCUE—not both. Using multiple lighting apps can lead to device detection failures. Consider using SignalRGB as a unified alternative.
2. BIOS and Chipset Update: Visit ASUS BIOS support page and update to the latest BIOS version.
3. Check Header Connections: Ensure your ARGB headers are securely connected to the motherboard. Sometimes the pins get loose or damaged.
4. Clean Install of Armoury Crate: Fully remove and reinstall using the official Armoury Crate uninstall tool before reinstalling.

Final Thoughts

Your system’s behavior—RGB working only after Intel ME is reapplied—strongly indicates a driver or firmware initialization conflict, not hardware failure. Focus on syncing software and updating system-level drivers. You can also explore community feedback in forums like ASUS ROG Forums and r/pcmasterrace for ongoing discussions and shared fixes.

Resolving RGB lighting not working on PC fans may take some trial and error, but a structured approach focusing on software and firmware layers will usually restore full lighting control.