Changing Strimer color through the controller or software

The Lian Li Strimer is an RGB lighting strip for PC cables, and you change its color using either a physical controller that came with the product or the Lian Li Strimer Plus software on your computer. Which method you use depends on which Strimer model you own — the original Strimer uses a small wireless remote, while Strimer Plus connects directly to your motherboard and uses software control.

If you have the original Strimer with the wireless remote, press the power button to turn the lights on, then use the color wheel buttons on the remote to cycle through preset colors. The remote has a small circular pad with arrows pointing to different color zones. If you have Strimer Plus, you will need to download the Lian Li Strimer Plus software from Lian Li's website, install it on your PC, and use the software interface to select colors, brightness, and lighting effects.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Strimer models use a wireless remote with a color wheel to change colors, while Strimer Plus requires software downloaded from Lian Li's website.
  • Strimer Plus connects to your motherboard via a 5V RGB header, so you need a compatible motherboard with an available RGB connector.
  • The Lian Li Strimer Plus software lets you create custom colors, adjust brightness, and set lighting effects like breathing or strobing.
  • If the software does not recognize your Strimer Plus, check that the USB cable is connected to your motherboard header and that you have installed the latest software version.

Setting up Strimer Plus software on Windows or Mac

To use the Strimer Plus software, first visit the official Lian Li website and download the Strimer Plus application for your operating system. Windows and Mac versions are available. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

After installation, connect your Strimer Plus to your motherboard using the 5V RGB header cable that came in the box. This is a small three-pin or four-pin connector on your motherboard — check your motherboard manual to locate it. Plug the Strimer Plus cable into this header, then launch the software. The software should detect your Strimer Plus automatically. If it does not, restart the software or check that the cable is fully seated in the header.

Using the color picker and preset options

Once the software opens and detects your Strimer Plus, you will see a color selection interface. The software includes a color picker wheel where you can click to choose any color you want, or you can select from preset color options that Lian Li has built in. Presets typically include solid colors like red, blue, green, white, and purple.

To apply a color, click on it in the software and then click an "Apply" or "Confirm" button — the exact label depends on your software version. The change takes effect immediately on your Strimer Plus cables. You can also adjust the brightness slider to make the color brighter or dimmer without changing the color itself.

Creating custom lighting effects and animations

The Strimer Plus software includes animation modes beyond solid colors. Common effects include breathing (the light fades in and out), strobing (rapid on-and-off flashing), and color cycling (the light moves through a spectrum of colors). To access these, look for an "Effects" or "Mode" tab in the software interface.

Select the effect you want, then choose a color or color range for that effect to use. Some effects let you control the speed of the animation — a slider will appear if this option is available. Once you have set up the effect the way you want it, apply the changes and the Strimer Plus will begin the animation immediately.

Troubleshooting when the software does not detect your Strimer

If you launch the software and it says your Strimer Plus is not connected, first check the physical cable. Make sure the 5V RGB header cable is fully plugged into both the Strimer Plus connector and your motherboard's RGB header. A loose connection is the most common reason the software cannot find the device.

Next, restart your computer and launch the software again. Sometimes the connection is not recognized until after a reboot. If the software still does not detect the Strimer Plus, check the Lian Li website to see if a newer version of the software is available — download and install the latest version, as older versions may not work with your motherboard or Windows/Mac version.

If you are using a motherboard from a manufacturer like ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte, check whether your motherboard has an RGB header at all. Older motherboards or budget models may not include one. In that case, you can only use the original Strimer with the wireless remote, not the Strimer Plus.

Switching between the wireless remote and software control

If you own the original Strimer with a wireless remote, you cannot use the Strimer Plus software — the two products are not compatible. The original Strimer is a standalone product that works without a computer connection. The Strimer Plus is a different product designed specifically for motherboard integration and software control.

If you want to switch from remote control to software control, you would need to purchase a Strimer Plus kit instead. Conversely, if you own a Strimer Plus but prefer not to use software, you cannot use a wireless remote with it — the Strimer Plus is designed to be controlled only through the software or through your motherboard's RGB control panel if your motherboard manufacturer provides one.

Saving and loading color profiles

The Strimer Plus software allows you to save your custom color and effect settings as profiles. This is useful if you want to switch between different looks — for example, a calm blue color for everyday use and a bright red for gaming sessions. Look for a "Save Profile" or "Save Settings" option in the software menu.

Give your profile a name and save it. The software will store it locally on your computer. Later, you can load that profile by selecting it from a "Load Profile" or "Profiles" menu, and all your custom colors and effects will apply immediately. This saves you from having to recreate the same settings each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Strimer Plus without downloading software?

No, Strimer Plus requires the software to change colors and effects. However, some motherboards with built-in RGB control panels may let you control Strimer Plus through the motherboard's own software instead of the Lian Li software — check your motherboard manual to see if this is an option.

What if my motherboard does not have an RGB header?

Strimer Plus will not work without an RGB header connection. If your motherboard lacks one, you can only use the original Strimer with the wireless remote. Budget motherboards and older models often do not include RGB headers, so check your motherboard manual before purchasing Strimer Plus.

Can I change the color on the original Strimer without the remote?

No, the original Strimer requires the wireless remote to change colors. There is no software alternative for the original model. If you lose the remote, you will need to purchase a replacement remote or upgrade to Strimer Plus.

Does Strimer Plus work on Mac?

The Strimer Plus software is available for Mac, but you still need a compatible motherboard with an RGB header. This limits Mac users since most Macs do not have standard PC motherboards. The software itself runs on Mac, but the hardware connection is the limiting factor.

How do I make the Strimer color match my other RGB components?

If your motherboard supports it, you may be able to control both Strimer Plus and other RGB components through your motherboard manufacturer's software — ASUS Aura, MSI Dragon Center, or Gigabyte RGB Fusion, for example. Check your motherboard manual to see if this unified control is available, as it lets you sync all RGB devices to the same color.