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

Zotty · #1 01-13-2018, 05:04 PM

Last updated 29th November 2019

We request you refrain from posting questions or requests for help in this thread. It is for reference only, Please start a new thread with any questions or requests for help. Thank You

Links for correct Section's of the Forum for Question's you might want to ask

iCUE 'Click Me

Corsair Cooling & Coolers 'Click Me'

Corsair Link 'Click Me'

Corsair Power Supplies 'Click Me'

Corsair Cases 'Click Me'

Corsair Memory (RAM) 'Click Me'

Corsair Solid State Drives 'Click Me'

Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) 'Click Me'

Again, Please don't ask for help or advice in this Thread as it will make it unmanageable for both my self and the Corsair Administration Team, Start Your own thread in the correct section from above.

To add. I Do not mind taking Pm's for questions or help and will always answer you.. but in the art of helping others we need your questions to be public really so that future members in need of help can find similar questions to their own while searching for answers.. hope this makes sense guys & gals.. and GOOD LUCK!!

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Thought I would Knock this thread up for people to find when searching for Setup help of Corsair iCue & LINK Hardware, RGB Fans, Commander Pro's, Lighting Node Pro's, Corsair LED strips ETC.

I will keep adding to it in an attempt to cover most iCue & Link Wiring/Hardware Setup type Questions.
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iCue & Link Control Products

Button Controllers

Only compatible with HD or SP RGB fans
Must use HD version on HD fans only and SP version on SP fans only
Plugs into the Corsair RGB Fan LED hub
Cannot be used along side Corsair iCue/LINK

Corsair RGB Fan LED Hub

Sata Powered (none Removable)
Connects via an LED channel of either the Commander Pro or Lighting Node Pro and would allow RGB control via Corsair iCue/LINK (SP & HD fans also have a button controller option, Note:- no Corsair iCue/LINK Control when using Button Controllers)
Compatible with All Corsair RGB Fans up to a total of 6
Only 1 type of fan per hub. All SP or All HD etc etc
Ports must be used in order
When bought on it's own you don't get the RGB 3 Pin (twin cable) data connection cable with it for connection to CoPro or NoPro

Corsair Lighting Node Core

Sata Powered (none removable)
Connects to a USB header (none Removable)
Supports 6 of Corsairs RGB Fans.
Allows RGB Control via Corsair iCue/LINK
Auto Detected in iCUE

Lighting Node Pro (NoPro)

Sata Powered (none Removable)
Connects to a USB header (Removable)
Support 2 LED channels. Each channel supports a single RGB Fan Hub or up to 4 strips in LINK and 6 Strips Limit in iCue
Allows RGB Control via Corsair iCue/LINK
Auto Detected in iCUE
If you have 6 QL fans on the Lighting Node Pro then you can not use the other RGB Channel. it becomes unavailable in iCUE

Commander Pro (CoPro)

1, Sata Powered (none Removable) with 4.5a Limit for the entire unit... this includes its MCU as well as a 1a limit per fan header. (note.Not Officially supported but there is no reason why you can not use Fan header Splitter cables but its been noted triple fan splitters cause issues) imho no more that 8 fans in total.

2, Connects via USB Header (none Removable)

3, Has 2 USB headers

4, 2 LED channels. Each channel supports a single RGB Fan Hub or up to 4 strips in LINK and 6 Strips Limit in iCue

5, 4 Temp Probe Channels and 4 Supplied Probes

6, Comes with 2 RGB data connection cables for RGB Fan LED Hubs.

7, Allows RGB/Fan RPM Control & System Monitoring via Corsair iCue/LINK

8, The LED on the Commander Pro will Flash green upon boot and any time it communicates with the Host PC.. it will go Red when in Boot loader Mode or has a communications Error. it is not illuminated normally

Corsair I Series Power Supply's

Connects Via a Mini usb Connection or Supplied 4 pin connector
lets You monitor and log fan speed, voltages, power consumption and Temperatures.
Lets you control fan speed.
Lets You configure +12V rail operation.
Auto Detected in iCUE

Corsair I Series Hydro Coolers

Pro Series Coolers Have a Single Zone RGB Pump head only, No RGB Fans are Supplied
Platinum Series Coolers Have a Multi Zone RGB Pump head and ML RGB Fans are Supplied
Connects Via a Micro Usb for the Pro/Platinum Series and Mini usb for older versions
lets You monitor and log fan/Pump speed and Liquid Temperatures.
Lets you control fan & Pump speed.
Lets You configure the Pump Heads RGB Lighting (and The fans RGB on Platinum coolers)
Auto Detected in iCUE
(Note.. some coolers are not compatible with iCue currently. more info to follow Compatibility List)

Corsair RGB RAM

All of Corsairs RGB Ram is Compatible with iCUE
Requires No Cables to connect
Auto Detected in iCUE

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RGB Fan & LED Strip Specifications

Note. None of the below Fans/Fan Kits are supplied with a Voltage/Pwm Fan controller of any type. For this sort of control (in Corsair iCue/LINK) you would need a Commander Pro
And all Corsair's RGB fans need to be Connected to a Corsair RGB Fan LED Hub and the RGB Fan LED Hub goes to either the Button controller (HD RGB and SP RGB fans only) or Corsair's Commander Pro or Lighting Node Pro

Triple (120mm) & Double (140mm) packs of Fans come with, SP/HD fans 1x RGB Fan LED Hub & 1x Button controller... LL/ML fans 1x RGB Fan LED Hub & 1 Lighting Node Pro

All Corsair RGB fans have these 2 x 4pin connections and Strips and Dominator Airflow Platinum RGB Fan have just 1x 3pin RGB connection)

Note (Strip's RGB plug is 3 pin and Fan's RGB plug is 4 PIN. Strips work with Strips... Fans work with Fans... simples)

Click Me For Devbikers Guide to RGB Fan power usage

.
SP RGB Fans: 4 LEDs around the centre hub. all 4 LED's display the same colour at the same time, These are 3-pin, DC-controlled fans and cannot be controlled from the Corsair Liquid Cooler fan connectors. The RGB effect is visible on both intake and exhaust. Only available as 120mm. Rated current for the fan: 0.30A. Can NOT be mixed with Corsairs other RGB Fans including SP Pro RGB Fans on the same Lighting Node Core or RGB Fan LED Hub
.
SP Pro RGB Fans: 8 Individually addressed LEDs around the centre of the hub, These are 3-pin, DC-controlled fans and cannot be controlled from the Corsair Liquid Cooler fan connectors. The RGB effect is visible on both intake and exhaust. Available as 120mm or 120mm. Rated current for the fan: 0.30A. Can NOT be mixed with Corsairs other RGB Fans including SP RGB Fans on the same Lighting Node Core or RGB Fan LED Hub
.
HD RGB Fans: 12 Individually addressed LEDs around the outside of the fan. These are 4-pin PWM fans and can be controlled from any 4-pin PWM header or 3-pin DC header (PWM is preferred and provides better control). They have a clear fan body and are visible from both intake and exhaust. Available in 140mm and 120mm versions. Rated current for the fan: 0.30A.
.
LL RGB Fans: 16 Individually addressed LEDs, 12 around the outside and 4 around the hub. These are 4-pin PWM fans and can be controlled from any 4-pin PWM header or 3-pin DC header (PWM is preferred and provides better control). The RGB effect is only visible from the intake side of the fan. Available in 140mm and 120mm versions. Rated current for the fan: 0.30A.
.
QL RGB Fans: 34 Individually addressed LEDs, 12 around the outside and 4 around the hub on the front and 12 around the outside and 6 around the hub on the inside of the fan. These are 4-pin PWM fans and can be controlled from any 4-pin PWM header or 3-pin DC header (PWM is preferred and provides better control). The RGB effect is visible from the intake and exhaust sides of the fan. Available in 140mm and 120mm versions. Rated current for the fan: 0.30A. Note. If Using 6 QL Fans on the Lighting Node Pro. you can not have anything on the Lighting Node Pro's other Rgb Channel. Can be Used with RGB Fan LED Hubs Like any other Corsair RGB iCUE enabled Fan
.
ML RGB Fans: 4 Individually addressed LEDs around the hub of the fan. Optimized for the best combination of performance and silence, using the same technology as the Corsair ML Pro fans but with reduced speed. They are identical to the fans that ship with the new series of PRO coolers. These are 4-pin PWM fans and require a 4-pin PWM connection for control; the magnetic levitation requires the full 12V to operate properly. The RGB effect is visible on both intake and exhaust. Available in 140mm and 120mm versions. Rated current for the fan: 0.225A.
.
Pro RGB Strip: 10 Individually addressed LEDs, Length: 410mm, IP65-rated transparent silicone coated, 4 magnets per strip and full-strip tape, 5v. 4 strip Limit in LINK and 6 Strip Limit in iCue
NOTE*
(not to be confused with the older and now EOL CORSAIR Link RGB LED Lighting Kit which only contains 2 Strips.. this kit will NOT work with the Commander Pro or Lighting Node Pro..)
.
Dominator Airflow Platinum RGB Fan: 6 Individually addressed LEDs per Fan. Dual 50mm RGB Fans. Designed for Cooling Corsair Dominator Platinum memory modules (but will fit over most other Ram types. Clips to the Clips that hold the Ram in place. RPM: 3700, PWM controllable. Voltage: 5-12V (DC) comes with a supplied Lighting Node Pro and is selected in LINK as an 'Airflow Platinum' or in iCUE as an LED strip. it would then appear as a single RGB Strip.. Effects similar to a HD series fan. . can be chained onto the end of up to 4 strips (maybe 5!)

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iCUE Enabled Cases

1.

Obsidian 1000D

Supplied Devices, 1000D edition Commander Pro. This differs from the normal Commander Pro as it also has a Chassis Lighting option to control the 22 RGB LED's in the Sails Logo and Front IO. this is is connected to LED channel one the 1000D Commander Pro. in the Following order, Sails Logo/Front IO and then there is a Pass through Female RGB socket hanging towards the front of the Case which is Lighting Channel 1 in iCUE.

more info here My 1000D build Log

2.

Obsidian 500D SE

Supplied Devices, 1 x Commander Pro, 3 x LL 120mm RGB Fans, 1 RGB Fan LED Hub

More info here Obsidian 500d SE Faq

3.

570x Mirror Black

Supplied Devices, 3 x SP 120mm RGB Fans, 1 x RGB Fan LED Hub, RGB PSU Shroud and Sails Logo's and the Sp Button controller

More info here 570x Mirror Black Faq

4.

280X

Supplied Devices
, 1 x Lighting Node Pro, RGB Fan LED Hub, 2 x LL 120mm RGB Fans

5.

Spec Omega RGB

Supplied Devices, 1 x Spec Omega edition Lighting Node Pro. This differs from a Normal Lighting Node pro as it's LED channel 1 is set to power the front chassis lighting's 30 LED's, it appears in iCUE as the Spec Omega rather than a normal Lighting Node Pro.

2 x HD 120 RGB Fans, 1 x RGB Fan LED Hub

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Some Basic Questions Answered.

None of the below items are compatible with the older Commander Mini and Lighting Node Products.. Do NOT attempt to mix the two product ranges. The Commander Mini and Lighting Node are now discontinued, You may get help for these items by asking in the Corsair Link Section 'Click Me'
.
4 strip Limit in LINK and 6 Strip Limit in iCue
.
Commander Pro's can be Daisy chained.
.
Can have as many Commander Pro's and/or Lighting Node Pro's as you like.
.
You can NOT mix fan types on the Corsair RGB Fan LED Hub.
.
Corsair RGB fans have 2 Cables.. one for power/rpm control and one for RGB control
.
Fans must be plugged into the Corsair RGB Fan LED Hub in order, You must not miss ports out.. 3 fans? ports 1 to 3!.
.
Do Not Hot Swap Fans and Strips into the Commander Pro or Lighting Node Pro while Your system is powered up.
.
Fans & Strips must be added Into iCue/LINK in the Correct devices 'Lighting Setup' Tab.
.
Pro Strips will NOT work in the Corsair RGB Fan LED Hub and will result in a damaged Pro Strip should you attempt this.
.
RGB fans will NOT work plugged directly in to the Lighting Node Pro or Commander Pro, you MUST use the Corsair RGB Fan LED Hub which then Plugs into a Commander Pro or Lighting Node Pro
.
ML and LL multipack kits come with both the RGB Fan LED Hub & a Lighting Node Pro .
.
SP and HD Multipack Kits come the RGB Fan LED Hub & a Button controller.
.
SP/HD/ML RGB Fan's and Pro LED strips have Hardware playback, Meaning they will will continue to display Custom Profiles when iCue/LINK isn't Running.
.
LL RGB Fan's Have no Hardware Playback meaning they will not display Custom Profiles when iCue/LINK isn't running
.
Button Controllers, SP button Controller only operates the SP RGB Fans & the HD button Controller only operates the HD RGB Fans and are in NO way compatible with LL or ML RGB Fan's
.
If you have one bad fan (LED's) it could possibly effect the following fans on the RGB Fan LED Hub, Bad fan in port 1? fans on the following ports may not light up correctly.
.
Not Officially supported but there is no reason why you can not use Fan header Splitter cables on the Commander Pro (note there is a 1A limitation per fan header and a 4.5A limitation for the entire unit (including it's MCU and any Corsair RGB Strips you have attached) and I recommend no more than 2 Fans on any one Channel (note, seen plenty of issues when trying to use triple PWM splitters or more).
.
iCue/LINK Is also a Hardware Monitoring Program. It's not recommended you run other monitoring programs along side it. To do so risks Software Conflicts.
.
When encountering problems like coolers not being detected by iCue/LINK, it's worth heading to Device Manager/Universal Serial Bus Controllers and look for the Corsair USBXp driver, Even if it is present and enabled, disable/re-enable and see if that helps. General Cooler FAQ: By DevBiker
.
Lighting Node Pro not appearing or failing to Update in Corsair iCue/LINK? Try This Video for how to Reflash it's Firmware.. This can also apply to the Commander Pro. same procedure but different Firmware, Both Commander Pro and Node Pro Firmware can be found here
.
Need More USB Headers?. You could use the ones on the back of your case by routing a standard Mini Usb Cable out to it.. Or You could Try this Click Me
.
Corsair 570x Mirror Black RGB logo's are Connected as a Single SP RGB fan. they are Plugged into Port 4 of the supplied Corsair RGB Fan LED Hub along with the Supplied SP RGB Fans. You would need to Add a Lighting Node Pro or a Commander Pro for iCue/LINK control. Should you replace the stock SP RGB fans with other Corsair RGB fans you would need them on a Second RGB Fan LED Hub and you would need to Move the Logo's to port 1 of the RGB Fan LED hub it's connected to.

More to Follow.

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Diagrams

Note. Fan Type does not matter in these Diagrams. the Wiring is the same across all 4 fan types (see Button Controllers in 'Some Basic Questions Answered' at the top of this thread for other connectivity details on these items and compatibility)

Lighting Node Core Setup

Lighting Node Pro Setup.

This allows RGB control of 4 Pro Strips in Corsair iCue/LINK

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Corsair Lighting Node Pro & Pro Expansion Kit Setup

This allows RGB control of 8 Pro Strips in Corsair LINK/iCue

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Corsair RGB Fan & Lighting Node Pro Setup.

This allows RGB control of 6 RGB Fan's in Corsair iCue/LINK

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Corsair RGB Fan & Commander Pro Setup.

This allows RGB & RPM control of 6 RGB Fan's in Corsair iCue/LINK

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Corsair RGB Fan & Commander Pro & Pro Expansion Kit Setup.

This allows RGB & RPM control of 6 RGB Fan's and RGB control of 4 Pro Strips in Corsair iCue/LINK

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Advanced Node Core Setups using Corsair Platinum/Pro series AIO's to control all Fan Speeds..

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Corsair 570x Mirror Black Setup.

Standard

With Commander Pro Giving iCUE Control of 6 SP RGB Fans and the Case Logo's

this one shows use of a Custom Cable to allow the use of a Single RGB Fan LED Hub.

it must be noted that the Custom cable can only be used with fans/logo's of the same type!

the Logo's in the 570x Mirror black are technically an SP RGB Fan. this is how they are connected and also detected in iCUE/LINK and indeed by the SP button Controller..YOU MUST NOT MIX SP Fan RGB fan connections with any of Corsairs other RGB Fans/Strips. and of course this is in no way Supported by Corsair in anyway.. this is a custom modification!. at your own risk guys!

and another taking things a step further by adding the Custom SP RGB Fan splitter Cable and also a Commander Pro and Pro Lighting Expansion Pack

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Advanced Corsair RGB Setups

This show's the use of Multiple Lighting Node Pro's and RGB Fan LED Hub's. The plan with this one is to have two of the Lighting Node Pro's outside the case Powering 12 x Pro Led strips spread across the back of all Monitors and 12 x Pro Led strips under the desks and behind the TV on the Wall.

updated

diagram below shows use of DevBikers RGB Fan LED Hub Splitter Cable.

more info here http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showthread.php?t=174759

I have also run a Usb cable from my Wifes Lighting Node Pro in her PC to my Rear IO so I control her Node Pro in My iCue, meaning her RGB is synced with mine

Note. When using PWM splitters please do your Math to make sure any power you are drawing from a device (Pump/CoPro etc) is with in the devices specs

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Other Faqs/Guides

My 1000D Build Guide

iCue FAQ

DevBikers General Cooler FAQ

Inheritance's iCUE Tutorial

Community iCUE Tutorials/Guides

iCUE Early Access - Video Tutorials

Worth the watch.. certainly for new 570x owners ;)

My Discord Channel

Corsair Case Owners Club

https://discord.gg/b6x8HpM

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If anyone else has anything to add and can see something that needs editing, just PM me and I will add it in for You and of course add Your name to the Contributors Credits :)

If You found this Thread/Faq Helpful then please head back to the top and Rate it please.. Helps show others it's of use :)

Contributors So Far:- DevBiker - Fan Specs

DevBiker · #2 01-13-2018, 05:21 PM

Yes, should definitely be a sticky.

Corsair CJ · #3 01-13-2018, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevBiker

Yes, should definitely be a sticky.

Great suggestion and excellent work Zotty. Pinned to serve as a reference. If anyone needs help, please create a new thread with any questions.

vholif2137 · #4 01-15-2018, 09:02 PM

Very Thorough Zotty! Great work!

eddieblade21 · #5 01-15-2018, 09:38 PM

Zotty

Awesome design, job and explanation

Zotty · #6 01-30-2018, 06:18 AM

Information/Specs added for the Corsair Dominator Airflow Platinum RGB Fan.. More info on this product to follow

Zotty · #7 01-31-2018, 08:16 AM

Edits/info made and DevBikers Cooler Faq Links added.

Zotty · #8 02-01-2018, 07:00 AM

Info/Images added for Corsair i Series Psu's and Hyfdro Coolers

Zotty · #9 02-13-2018, 10:56 AM

Resetting/Reflashing the Commander Pro and the Lighting Node Pro Info added to: Some Basic Questions Answered. #21

Zotty · #10 02-14-2018, 06:32 AM

Edit's made and Advanced RGB setup Diagram updated

Zotty · #11 03-17-2018, 03:30 AM

last updated March 17th

Zotty · #12 04-02-2018, 03:11 AM

more added to keep in line with iCue. also added links for iCue Faqs/guides

Zotty · #13 04-24-2018, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7MILES2U

Hi,

I have a 460x with 6x SP120 LED fans. I'm thinking to get a Commander Pro to control the LED effects. I have read on some people's posts that SP120 fans doesn't really work with the Commander Pro as they won't light at all, even though Commander Pro says it supports SPs.

Can you please explain me if the issues still exist? Does Commander Pro work with SP fans?

Thanks in advanced!

Please delete this post buddy and either start your own thread or send me a PM ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zotty

Last updated 2nd April 2018.

We request you refrain from posting questions or requests for help in this thread. It is for reference only, Please start a new thread with any questions or requests for help. Thank You

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zotty

Again, Please don't ask for help or advice in this Thread as it will make it unmanageable for both my self and the Corsair Administration Team, Start Your own thread in the correct section from above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zotty

To add. I Do not mind taking Pm's for questions or help and will always answer you.. but in the art of helping others we need your questions to be public really so that future members in need of help can find similar questions to their own while searching for answers.. hope this makes sense guys & gals.. and GOOD LUCK!!

Zotty · #14 05-01-2018, 04:12 AM

Edits made

Zotty · #15 05-17-2018, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donatas

Is there a diagram for using 12 LL 140 fans, 8 LL120 fans, H110i CPU Cooler, HX850i PSU, and Dominator Air Flow Memory Cooler?

Please delete this post buddy and either start your own thread or send me a PM ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zotty

Last updated 2nd April 2018.

We request you refrain from posting questions or requests for help in this thread. It is for reference only, Please start a new thread with any questions or requests for help. Thank You

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zotty

Again, Please don't ask for help or advice in this Thread as it will make it unmanageable for both my self and the Corsair Administration Team, Start Your own thread in the correct section from above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zotty

To add. I Do not mind taking Pm's for questions or help and will always answer you.. but in the art of helping others we need your questions to be public really so that future members in need of help can find similar questions to their own while searching for answers.. hope this makes sense guys & gals.. and GOOD LUCK!!

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