StealthGaming Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 Successfully working LINK with Windows 8.1 I've seen many complaints and comments with regards to Corsair LINK and Windows 8.1 compatibility, so I decided to post a known working LINK to help other members. Background History: Corsair LINK was launched in January 2011 at the CES show in Las Vegas. What you may or may not know is that Corsair LINK software was developed by CoolIT. CoolIT proprietary software is leased by Corsair with their own Branding. CoolIT ECO III solutions encompass the Hydro series H60, H80i, H100i and newly launched H110i GT. With Windows 8.1 came the introduction to power management improvements which helps reduce power consumption and extend battery life on mobile computers. When a USB device presents itself as a Human Interface Device (HID), Windows 8.1 can suspend this device to reduce power. Known issues or symptoms: when you connect a USB device to a computer running Windows 8.1, the device is suspended and doesn't recharge. This feature may be great for portable computers but doesn't benefit nor is it useful for a desktop computer, additionally it has been creating many issues for people who are experiencing problems with the LINK interface. Step 1, Pre-Configuration: - Disable legacy USB devices (UEFI) prior to installation - Install Window 8.1 in UEFI mode Step 2, Connecting devices - Connect devices to Corsair LINK (Corsair LINK Commander or LINK Commander mini, Cooling Node, Fans, Temperature Sensors, Lighting Node with RGB LED Strips, Corsair Hydro USB, and Corsair H100i. When using a LINK Commander with the Hydro series pump, be sure to install into a separate USB connection port). - If your MainBoard doesn't support more than one USB connection, a separate USB port expander would be required (NZXT makes a nice internal USB expansion port that will allow 3 additional USB connections for devices). Step 3, Update Procedure: - Install all MainBoard Firmware Updates (UEFI/BIOS, chipset, USB drivers, etc.) - Apply all available Microsoft Updates for Windows. Allow Windows to restart as necessary while "Configuring Windows". Updates should apply without issues. Step 4, Corsair LINK installation Download the Corsair LINK software. Right click the download and install software via elevated or admin. Allow the Corsair LINK to install correctly including firmware updates for connected components (don't cancel anything during the installation). Restart computer, Corsair LINK should appear (LINK default setting will "Run at Windows Startup", disable this since it's not necessary). The LINK will still run in the background. Open Corsair LINK, the H100i may show all zeroes. Other system information Corsair LINK obtains comes from the MainBoard (CPU Temp, CPU Activity, GPU Temp and Fan, and Hard Drive Temp) should be present and accurate. To confirm information is correct, enter UEFI and compare with the information inside UEFI. FIRMWARE Versions are as follows: Corsair LINK Version 2.7.5361 or 2.7.5339 Corsair Hydro USB - 2.0.0 Corsair H100i - 1.0.7 Corsair Commander - 2.0.6 Corsair Cooling Node - 1.2.5 Corsair Lighting Node - 1.1.9 Step 5, Registry Edit: If the registry edit is required, make sure to follow the instructions below exactly. SGC assumes no responsibility for any issues that would arise from incorrect or improperly entered information which could corrupt the Operating System. Corsair Registry is identified by VID_1B1C. Registry changes are needed to the USB\VID_1B1C&PID_0C02 and USB\VID_1B1C&PID_0C04 Registry items. >Open search and type regedit >Right click and run regedit in elevated or admin >Open registry and look for HKey Local Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_1B1C&PID_0C02. >Edit each path string you see under this (numbers and ampersands smashed together), expand the Device Parameters, then right click and select modify to change the DWORD settings (value data) to 0 (0 = disable). >Next do the same for AllowIdleIrpInD3, DeviceSelectiveSuspended, EnhancedPowerManagementEnabled, SelectiveSuspendEnabled. >Make the same edits for USB\VID_1B1C&PID_0C04. After Registry edit is complete, reboot the computer and all icons should appear on the left side of the Corsair LINK window. Next delete the old icons with the zero's, followed by moving the new icons to their proper location or where you would like them. Save the Profile, Reboot computer, reopen Corsair LINK. Now everything should be working as intended. The only known issue that is not addressed would be H100 saving the user defined color after restarting the computer. Here's a quick workaround: Set the LED color you would like on the Hydro pump head Example RED Adjust - R 255, Adjust - G 1 or 2, Adjust - B 1 or 2 On start the H100 will start with a White color for a few seconds until Corsair LINK software is initialized, it will then apply the color that was selected. Once everything is working properly, correct values will be displayed and you will now be able control fans with custom curve profiles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvillaveces Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 What a great post, it should be made sticky. It's sad that it had to come from a user rather than from Corsair itself, but that doesn't make it any less valuable for those who still want to try to make Link work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phillychuck Posted April 29, 2015 Share Posted April 29, 2015 Thanks for your post and time. I gave up on Corsair link ages ago, but today decided to give this new 3.xx version a shot and amazingly it doesn't work. I'm not modding registry to fix it. Original system was Z77 and now on a X99 build (running 8.1) it still doesn't recognize the pump. Saw the Kraken cooler UI in a YouTube video and was very impressed with it. Even if it worked, the Corsair Link aesthetic is pretty bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthGaming Posted April 29, 2015 Author Share Posted April 29, 2015 Philly, The new release of LINK software is no better than the previous releases with regards to Windows 8.1. Unfortunately Corsair LINK installation on a Windows 8.1 computer will require registry edits for the extended power management, otherwise it will not work as intended. The registry edit only disables the USB device power management feature which is not needed. The Hydro series pump will work properly without the LINK software (just connect the 3-pin connector and SATA power cable). The mini USB cable and software isn't needed unless you choose to install the LINK software. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthGaming Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share Posted May 8, 2015 With this post i'll be adding some pictures showing the Corsair LINK working as it should after the registry edit has been done. Operating System: >Windows 8.1 Pro Software installed: >Corsair LINK >Aida64 Extreme (installed to see how accurate the LINK information was being reported) Hardware installed: >LINK Commander >LINK cooling node >LINK lighting node >Corsair Force GT SSD >Corsair Hydro H100I >Asus Maximus V MainBoard >Asus ROG GTX 760 GPU As you can see everything is detected and adjustable without any additional software installed. LINK showing all connected devices http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag445/BlackOpsBoxes/Corsair%20Guide/57640fb2-c339-48ff-b837-a167b71b0ade_zpsmdeparfn.png Fully operating LINK showing the same data as obtained by Aida64 Extreme http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag445/BlackOpsBoxes/Corsair%20Guide/7612f63c-032c-4784-8696-1659d447c635_zpsyvrrgpeq.png Here are the firmware versions installed on this system http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag445/BlackOpsBoxes/Corsair%20Guide/e5cb9ba9-09a8-491e-9160-fb8b8566e8b6_zps7hoiylw6.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aoch88 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Can you help me please? My Corsair Commander Mini keeps on detecting the sensors as a new group over and over again :( http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141663 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coco-Ta Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Hello, as I was reading for any solution to my problems with CL, I just saw this post of you. But in W7 I do not have those registry entries you say, I have for the VID_1B1 only this: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_1B1C&PID_0C03 I understand that what you meant with that was to disable suspended mode, and other power saving features that may cause the USB port where CL is connected to disable or "sleep"; I have set no USB suspended mode in OS previously. Also, I cannot find those "AllowIdleIrpInD3, DeviceSelectiveSuspended, EnhancedPowerManagementEnabled, SelectiveSuspendEnabled" in registry on that VID_1B1C&PID_0C03 entry... I looked on the device manager into USB but truly I do not know which port/hub is the one I am connected (CL) and also it shows an standalone "USB" as "Corsair Hydro Series 7289 USB Device", but there I cannot set but "see" properties: actual state D0, and different "energy assignments" allowed... DO you know what may I have to change in order to avoid rediscovering new devices? It happens when restarting, but not always... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red-ray Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 The H100iGTX is a USB Class 255.0.0 device rather than Class 3.0.0 (HID) so does not have EnhancedPowerManagementEnabled, etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aergan Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Working out of the box here with Corsair Link 3.1.5570 and H100i GTX: http://i.imgur.com/4PMcTPCl.png http://i.imgur.com/b7fqACB.png I had numerous issues with getting the H100i to work but the H100i GTX has not had the same issues at all. Also, my colour changes are persisting with this product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthGaming Posted June 6, 2015 Author Share Posted June 6, 2015 The 3rd generation coolers GT/GTX series should work out of box without the need for registry edits. The registry edit would be for the 2nd generation coolers which most people are experiencing issues with the interface. If you're using a 2nd generation cooler with Windows 8.1 LINK commander registry> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_1B1C&PID_0C02 Hydro series pump registry> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID1B1C&PID_0C04 It normally will require registry edit for the two paths above, obviously if you're using just the pump without the LINK commander there will only be VID1B1C&PID_0C04 listed inside registry. On Z87/Z97 MainBoards, when configuring UEFI prior to Windows 8.1 installation i disable all " Legacy BIOS features including eHCI and xHCI controllers since they are supported natively inside the O.S. " However the hardware selected for your build would need to fully support UEFI in order to disable all legacy devices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coco-Ta Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 The 3rd generation coolers GT/GTX series should work out of box without the need for registry edits. The registry edit would be for the 2nd generation coolers which most people are experiencing issues with the interface. If you're using a 2nd generation cooler with Windows 8.1 LINK commander registry> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID_1B1C&PID_0C02 Hydro series pump registry> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\VID1B1C&PID_0C04 It normally will require registry edit for the two paths above, obviously if you're using just the pump without the LINK commander there will only be VID1B1C&PID_0C04 listed inside registry. On Z87/Z97 MainBoards, when configuring UEFI prior to Windows 8.1 installation i disable all " Legacy BIOS features including eHCI and xHCI controllers since they are supported natively inside the O.S. " However the hardware selected for your build would need to fully support UEFI in order to disable all legacy devices. Hello, I am using W7 64b and as it is said here, I will check that eHCI is disabled (I think I left it on "auto"; and GB mobos are quite tricky with that...), as both you and in that link say some USB 3.0 controller appeared and disappeared (I think more or less what happens to Corsair Link -but I have it plugged to an internal USB 2.0/1.1 port). The issue I have when sensors appear to read "0" and after creating them and then restarting system and being there wrong again have been solved by ERASING all profiles I have that are related to "old sensors" (...) and then recreate new ones so when OS loads up and CL starts uses the last oan "good one" profile. But this is not "a solution"... I will try then disabling eHCI. Tnak you. The driver version appears just like you on my W7, by the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthGaming Posted June 6, 2015 Author Share Posted June 6, 2015 Windows 7, eHCI can be disabled since all O.S. from Windows XP SP2 have support built in. xHCI will need to be enabled since it's required for the intel usb 3.0 driver. The next time icons display "0", right click and select reset vs remove. Did you install Windows 7 in UEFI mode or Legacy ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coco-Ta Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Windows 7, eHCI can be disabled since all O.S. from Windows XP SP2 have support built in. xHCI will need to be enabled since it's required for the intel usb 3.0 driver. The next time icons display "0", right click and select reset vs remove. Did you install Windows 7 in UEFI mode or Legacy ? As I told I have W7 64b and NEVER have passed through W8 or other mobile/touch screen (crap) OS (like W8 is) so I used to have "normal" BIOS in old AMD configuration. Once installing the W7 OS again over the Intel system I saw that "modern (for me) UEFI/BIOS" versions that I do not know what difference they have quite well. I read that "UEFI" was related to W8 "advanced" options but I can tell you that yes, my actual BIOS has graphical interface and uses mouse (not as previous BIOS with blue screen, keyboard only support and all features where you can find them as always instead these new "BIOS" with thing in different places and visualization modes. Also, checking BIOS today I see that I already had: -xHCI: Enabled -eHCI: Disabled -Under Windows 8 features: -OS: Other OS (as I was going to install W7) -Legacy and UEFI So I do not know exactly if that is right or not for the Corsar Link good functioning. I can tell you that I had never had such "fast boot or ultra fast boot" options and I HAD to set it as "FAST" as my BIOS did not allow to set usage of USB devices (nor PS2 devices seemed to work...) prior to OS load: I could use mouse and keyboard in BIOS even before installing OS but with "normal boot" (so I could see the POST checkings AS ALWAYS I HAD SEEN THEM: listing IDE devices, memory checking...) my BIOS does not allow USB usage so when I first went to isntall W7 I COULDN'T do it because mouse/keyboard were not responding (disabled) when OS DVD disc (I use old times DVD installation disc) asked me to set language and "next"... So I had to set "fast boot" and once this was done I had the choice to allow or not PS2 (seemed to be enabled, but didn't work for me on "normal boot") and USB PRIOR to OS load... So, may I have configured something wrong for the CL proper functioning? Thank you. PS: For the "reset" option... I do not get that, I get: hide, remove, that's all; so I have to "remove". Also note that yesterday I left my lowest noise profile in CL (of the 3 I have) with default fans (=quiet) and quiet pump. When I open the CL today using shortcut (I have not system tray icon... ¿?) I saw the fans were too high rpm for the "quiet" and they were working in balanced mode... I check and the profile was well configured and it was selected; so I selected another than the one I "thougth" I had and then changed to quiet fans... Is this "normal"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthGaming Posted June 8, 2015 Author Share Posted June 8, 2015 As I told I have W7 64b and NEVER have passed through W8 or other mobile/touch screen (crap) OS (like W8 is) so I used to have "normal" BIOS in old AMD configuration. This is off topic, however you may or may not know that Microsoft integrated Tablet features in every Operating system dating back to Windows XP Tablet edition. With the release of Windows Vista came the integration of Tablet pc features and media center in the Operation system without purchasing separate software. Here's the path where it can be found: Start > Uninstall a program > Turn Windows features on or off additionally it can be found on the start menu: Start menu > tablet pc features Once installing the W7 OS again over the Intel system I saw that "modern (for me) UEFI/BIOS" versions that I do not know what difference they have quite well. I read that "UEFI" was related to W8 "advanced" options Unfortunately the Operating system would have to be reinstalled under UEFI to take full advantage of the system hardware. The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a specification that defines a software interface between an operating system and platform firmware. UEFI is meant to replace the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) firmware interface. More information can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Extensible_Firmware_Interface Also, checking BIOS today I see that I already had: -xHCI: Enabled -eHCI: Disabled -Under Windows 8 features: -OS: Other OS (as I was going to install W7) -Legacy and UEFI Everything looks correct since O.S. was installed in Legacy mode through the UEFI Compatibility Support Module (CSM) - which provides legacy BIOS compatibility. Prior to installing the O.S. in UEFI mode turn off all legacy usb devices including legacy boot, these aren't needed unless the system has older hardware that isn't supported. I HAD to set it as "FAST" as my BIOS did not allow to set usage of USB devices (nor PS2 devices seemed to work...) prior to OS load: I could use mouse and keyboard in BIOS even before installing OS but with "normal boot" This is a misconfiguration inside UEFI/BIOS. Check under boot options > USB devices > select full initialization vs partial initialization. when I first went to isntall W7 I COULDN'T do it because mouse/keyboard were not responding (disabled) when OS DVD disc If the UEFI/BIOS are configured properly with mouse/keyboard connected to the device port, then they will be fully functional prior to entering the O.S. Regardless the mouse/keyboard should not be disabled. So, may I have configured something wrong for the CL proper functioning? Z87/Z97 chipset have been known to conflict with legacy devices when they are not disabled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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