BPags52

New build turned out great (aside from a bad stick of RAM that took me longer than I care to admit to troubleshoot). Ended up using 6 total fans (3 ML at front intake and 3 QL exhausting top/rear), all connected to the Commander Core. Thanks again for the input! My 5 y/o picked "Vader red" as his favorite scene.

I started the build this morning and I've decided to only use 6 fans (3ML as front intake pushing air through radiator + 3 QLs exhausting out the top and rear. Quick follow-up dumb question: since I'm only using 6 fans, should I: (1) only use the Commander Core? If I understand your #2 response about individually controlled RGB headers, mixing the QLs and MLs on this controller won't prevent me from using all the QLs features. or (2) connect the MLs RGB to the Commander Core and the QLs' RGB to the Lighting Node Core? Thanks again for all the help. I'll post a picture of the build when she's done.

I'll do that ^. Thank you!

Ok, I think I'll find a powered PWM hub if I decide to go PWM on all 8 fans but may just leave 2 exhaust fans off PWM. That gives me options, thanks again!

Haha, no problem! I checked again and it looks like the 5000D comes with the PWM repeater but not the 4000D. If that's true, what should I use for PWM for fans 7 and 8? Maybe purchase a 2nd Commander Core and don't use the Lighting Node Core? Thanks again and sorry for all novice questions.

Thanks for clarifying the syncing c-attack. I'll go with all 5 QLs visible from side panel connected to the Lighting Node Core and the 3 MLs at the front intake on the Commander Core. Also, thanks for pointing out the 4000D Airflow does have the pwm repeater (I haven't opened the box yet). I think I have everything I need! Regarding the alternative setup, that won't work for me because the 4000D doesn't have a MB side-wall intake/mount for a radiator (the 5000D does). The h150i can only be mounted on the front. Thanks again, all!

Thanks for the input. Your setup looks great. I agree, it would probably be easier to use all QL fans, but I keep hearing about thermal issues with the i9-12900k and I didn't want to risk sacrificing performance for aesthetics (nor buy more fans). The 3 ML fans will be at the front intake and depending on how I position the tower, might not be visible to me, so I think I'll be ok with those 3 not being QLs.

Thanks for the quick and informative response, that helps a lot! Quick clarification and follow up: I bought the 4000D Airflow, which I'm now realizing doesn't come with a fan controller. So I think I will need another controller for PWM for fans 7 and 8. Is that right? If so, which? For RGB, I do want to be able to take full advantage of the iCUE software and send waves/etc across the fans, or at least the 5 QLs visible from the side panel. It sounds like I need to choose between all 5 QL120s on the Lighting Node Core w/ 3 MLs on the Commander Core, *OR* just the 3 exhaust QL120s (rear and top mounted) connected to the Lighting Node Core, with all 5 radiator fans (3 ML at front intake pushing air through radiator and 2 QL pulling) connected to the Commander Core. If all 5 QLs are on the Lighting Node Core (to be able to send waves across all the interior fans visible from side panel), will the 3 MLs on the Commander Core still be synched with the QLs (but obviously not able to do the same effects b/c no rings and less LEDs/etc)? Which connection setup would you recommend? Thanks again for the info, it's greatly appreciated!

Hi all, I'm starting a new build in a week or two (first one in over 10 years), and first one using RGB. I'm new to the various Corsair fan controllers/etc and trying to make sure I have everything I need. If this question has already been answered, if anyone could link it, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm planning to end up with 8 fans. Here's my setup: Corsair 4000d Airflow case Corsair h150i elite capellix cooler and I will use the 3 ML fans it comes with. The cooler comes with iCUE Commander CORE. Corsair DDR5 5200 Dominator Platinum 2x32gb memory 5x Corsair QL120mm (bought these in a 3pack that included the Lighting Node Core, and 2x individual QL120s). The ML120s will be mounted in the front of the case pushing air through the radiator, and I'll have 3 QL120s exhausting out the top/rear. I'm considering adding 2 QL120s to pull through the radiator to match the rest of the interior case fans (but won't if mixing the push/pull fan types could cause noise/performance issues, and if so, I'll eventually track down 2 more of the same model ML120s that the cooler uses). Is the iCUE Commander CORE that came with the cooler and the Lighting Node Core that came with the 3 pack of QL120s all I'll need to setup my iCUE RBG? Or do I need to purchase another hub/controller? Is there a guide somewhere on how I'd setup the connections? I recall reading somewhere not to mix the QLs and MLs on a single controller and trying to avoid a lengthy troubleshooting process once I start building. Thanks in advance for any help.