Help with installing rear and top ARGB case fans

[Jman1222]

Hey guys,

Hoping someone can help me out with this. I'm planning to install 2 ARGB case fans this week. One to the rear (120mm) and one at the top rear (140mm).

Here is an example of the corsair fans I will be using:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z9SQX7M/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_XF1DFQV386TP90M97MVD

My problem is that I'm unsure how to install them, due to only having one CHA fan left on my mobo (fan mid left on the attached image). Fortunately, I still have both rgb headers (top and bottom)

I have looked at various splitters but cant seem to find one with 2 4 pins (not sure they even exist).

Would my only option here be to buy a hub unless I'm OK with having reduced functionality of one of the fans?

Thanks!

 

[Bhuna50]

I dont know enough to give advice on this, but I expect the experts that can will want to know a little more about the system you have, case, etc - so if you could post your spec ready for them that would be helpful. They may also be able to advise if you actually need those extra fans or not or if its worthwhile just swapping fans out on current case etc.

 

[Jman1222]

Good shout, here is the build:

COOLERMASTER TD500 Mesh
AMD 5900X
Nvidia 3080 10gb (zotac)
32gb 3600mhz vengeance (2 x 16gb)
ROG Strix x570-f gaming
1tb ssd
1tb m.2 nvme
Corsair 1000w rmx modular gold
Corsair plat h115i hydro series
Corsair 1000w Rmx Series modular 80 plus gold


3 intake fans, 0 exhaust fans, rad mounted front low (only way it could be fit into the case .)

 

[Bhuna50]

Is this a PCS build - can you copy the spec from your order page please.

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[Jman1222]

It is but I can't capture the amendments I made, here is it slightly edited:

Case
COOLERMASTER TD500 Mesh
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5900x 12 core (3.7-4.8ghz)
Motherboard
ROG STRIX x570-f gaming
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st Storage Drive
1TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
M.2 drive
1TB Samsung evo plus nvme m.2
Power Supply
Corsair 1000w RMx Gold Modular
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i PRO Cooler w/ PCS Ultra Quiet Fans
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
BullGuard™ Internet Security - Free 90 Day License inc. Gamer Mode
Browser
Firefox™
Cable Management
3 x PCS 1.5M Zip Cable Tidy - Professional Cable Management
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 18 to 21 working days
Promotional Item
Get FarCry 6 with select AMD Ryzen CPUs
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland

 

[Jman1222]

Basically, what I'm asking is whether I can plug the two ARGB fans listed above into a hub like this:

Thermaltake FP -10 Commander Port Hub for PWM Fans, 10 Ports, SATA Power Input, 2 Years Warranty - Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015KG6HP0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_F04TVGG3H2W09ZTXJFXW

Which will occupy my remaining chassis fan. Plug the power cable into the hub and the rgb into the header on the mobo.

 

[RichLan564]

If using Corsair fans you would be better getting a Commander Pro and Lighting node, its all controlled through iCUE then, also the LL fans are better value unless you are dead set on the QL's

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0725HP1J2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Case-Acc-Corsair-RGB-Fan-Noir/dp/B075GWMJ68/ref=psdc_430499031_t2_B07Z9SSKKP

 

[Jman1222]

Thanks for the response, I'm not dead set on those fans so may well switch to those you've suggested.

Nooby question but how would this work? I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible as I've never worked on a pc before. Seems as if I only installed one fan it would be really simple (occupy last fan header and 1 of the two remaining rgb headers) but adding two seems to make things really complex...

 

[RichLan564]

The Commander Pro connects to your MoBo on a USB header, the Fan power goes to the Commander Pro, the RGB to the RGB Hub, both powered via SATA from the PSU, have a look at this thread

Zotty's CORSAIR RGB Hardware and iCUE Eco-System FAQ

Last updated September 14th March 2022 Clickable Direct Links to each section of this Faq (click browser back button to return here, or just keep on scrolling) Commander Pro/Lighting Node Pro/Lighting Node Core/RGB Fan LED Hubs/PSU's/AIO Coolers RGB Fans/RGB Strips/LS100 specs/info iCUE Enabled C...

forum.corsair.com

Basically you would have this, just not as many fans, but you could add more if you wanted to:

 

[Jman1222]

I think I understand, so I would connect the commander pro via USB to the mobo and sata to PSU. Connect the fan hub to the commander pro and connect all of the rgb wires from the fans to the fan hub. Finally connecting the fan control wires to the commander pro.

So basically, does this mean that by using these bits of kit, that no fan or rgb headers are required from the mobo? Just the USB?

 

[RichLan564]

I think I understand, so I would connect the commander pro via USB to the mobo and sata to PSU. Connect the fan hub to the commander pro and connect all of the rgb wires from the fans to the fan hub. Finally connecting the fan control wires to the commander pro.

So basically, does this mean that by using these bits of kit, that no fan or rgb headers are required from the mobo? Just the USB?

Correct, just USB to the MoBo as the diagram, the Corsair iCUE controls everything, the RGB Fan hub also needs SATA power.

There is other ways of doing it but this is the easiest with Corsair kit, i have just done the same myself in a Corsair 5000D case, its pretty simple once you get your head around what needs to go where

I'm not sure how all this will work with the 3 fans that come with the case though ? i presume there is another bit of software to control that RGB etc ?

 

[Jman1222]

Great thank you, you've been a massive help and it's all starting to make sense. Just one more thing, I note that I can purchase a 3 pack of LL which come with a lightning node Pro, Am I correct in thinking that this will not give me control of fan speed (as commander pro would)? There commander pro is essential to this (easiest) configuration?

Regards the 3 fans that come with the case, I currently control these through iCUE perhaps they will sync up

 

[RichLan564]

Great thank you, you've been a massive help and it's all starting to make sense. Just one more thing, I note that I can purchase a 3 pack of LL which come with a lightning node Pro, Am I correct in thinking that this will not give me control of fan speed (as commander pro would)? There commander pro is essential to this (easiest) configuration?

Regards the 3 fans that come with the case, I currently control these through iCUE perhaps they will sync up

That will just control the RGB, if you want speed control in iCUE then you will need the Commander Pro if you dont want to use the Commander Pro you could buy a PWM splitter and run that off a fan header on the MB for just the fan speed but would need to use the BIOS or other software to control the speed

 

[SpyderTracks]

The Commander Pro connects to your MoBo on a USB header, the Fan power goes to the Commander Pro, the RGB to the RGB Hub, both powered via SATA from the PSU, have a look at this thread

Zotty's CORSAIR RGB Hardware and iCUE Eco-System FAQ

Last updated September 14th March 2022 Clickable Direct Links to each section of this Faq (click browser back button to return here, or just keep on scrolling) Commander Pro/Lighting Node Pro/Lighting Node Core/RGB Fan LED Hubs/PSU's/AIO Coolers RGB Fans/RGB Strips/LS100 specs/info iCUE Enabled C...

forum.corsair.com

Basically you would have this, just not as many fans, but you could add more if you wanted to:

View attachment 29231

You don't need a lighting node if you've got a commander Pro, the commander Pro does both RGB and fan regulation

 

[Jman1222]

Great thank you. I will go with commander pro, rgb hub and 2-3 corsair LL fans. Seems like this is a really neat way to do it and I won't have to do much work in the 'front' of the machine with all of the wires etc being dealt with behind the back panel

 

[Jman1222]

You don't need a lighting node if you've got a commander Pro, the commander Pro does both RGB and fan regulation

Hey thanks for the note. I have neither atm, but I will go with the rgb hub and commander pro for ease on this I think

 

[SpyderTracks]

Hey thanks for the note. I have neither atm, but I will go with the rgb hub and commander pro for ease on this I think

As said, you don't need a lighting node, that's all done by the commander Pro.

EDIT: ignore me, I'm wrong again!

 

[Jman1222]

It's all very confusing!! I've gone ahead and ordered the commander pro, rgb hub, 1 x 120mm Corsair LL, 1 x 140mm Corsair LL for now (maybe I add an additional 140mm down the road)! Thanks all!!

 

[SpyderTracks]

It's all very confusing!! I've gone ahead and ordered the commander pro, rgb hub, 1 x 120mm Corsair LL, 1 x 140mm Corsair LL for now (maybe I add an additional 140mm down the road)! Thanks all!!

You've done it correctly, apologies and apologies @RichLan564 for stepping on your toes.

I've got the same in my rig so I should know better, one of the silver linings of hitting middle age is you tend to forget the simplest things

 

[RichLan564]

You've done it correctly, apologies and apologies @RichLan564 for stepping on your toes.

I've got the same in my rig so I should know better, one of the silver linings of hitting middle age is you tend to forget the simplest things

It’s fine, I was just going to jump in and correct you and saw your edit !

Edit: Although it is very confusing as the 3 pack of fans can be selected to come with a Lighting Node Pro, which you don't need if using the Commander Pro but you do need the RGB Fan Hub with either setup.