Ask about RGB fans

[Carovie]

Hello

 

Excuse my english and if I make some mistake. These are my first days in forum

 

I would like to ask a couple of questions about Corsair RGB fans if anybody could help me.

I am interested in buy some Corsair RGB fans, and I see that Corsair have three different models available, these:

 

HD:

https://www.corsair.com/es/es/LED-Color/hd-series-rgb-led-config/p/CO-9050068-WW

 

LL:

https://www.corsair.com/es/es/Categor%C3%ADas/Productos/Ventiladores/ml-config/p/CO-9050073-WW

 

ML:

https://www.corsair.com/es/es/LED-Color/ml-pro-rgb-config/p/CO-9050077-WW

 

First of my questions is, LL and ML fans are the most new and recent of Corsair in RGB fans? HD fans are older and "worst" than the other two?

In your opinion, which of the three models of fans, is the one with the best ilumination, more variety of colours, more possibilities and more colorful and spectacular?

 

Could you please tell me a video where I can see them working and I can compare the ilumination of the three?

 

My last question is, do any of the models have ilumination for the two sides of the fan, for the ilumination can be seen from the two sides of the fan?

This is because maybe I could put some of them in the front of a closed case, then the ilumination couldnot be seen from nowhere

 

 

Really thank you very much for your help

[c-attack]

Yes, the HD was the first one to be sold, but you should not think of it as older vs newer and better. All three fans have a different appearance and that is main difference. See this thread and especially the FAQ linked to the lighting requirements.

 

The ML and LL have black rear frames, somewhat diminishing the lighting. The HD has a clear frame and is VERY bright from both sides. There are a lot of YouTube videos demonstrating all three fans.

[DevBiker]

Welcome to the asylum!

 

First, I'd point you to Zotty's RGB FAQ - see the link in my signature. It answers a number of your questions.

 

Second, all of the fans use the same LEDs. There are, however, different configurations and the MLs have the Magnetic Levitation motor (so are quieter). For the best lighting effects on "both sides", however, the HD fans are best, followed by the ML fans. The LL fans, unfortunately, only have the full effect on one side (intake).

[Carovie]

really thank you very much for your replies and help, c-attack and DevBiker

 

I will read the FAQ threads you recommended me, but with your quick comments, I have the first ideas of each type of fan, in fact, now I already know that I have to discard LL fans after DevBiker told me about their ilumination is only visible in the side of the air intake because three of the fans I look for, are going to be put in the front panel of a closed case getting air into the case and then they will not be visible from nowhere

 

Another three fans will be on the top of the case taking air out and I would want that the six fans will be equals (the same model) and their ilumination visible from both sides of the fan.

 

I have to read the FAQs, see videos and decide.

If I have some new doubt, I put it here

 

Thanks again for your help

[c-attack]

It's not quite that there is no illumination on the back side of the fan, it just isn't as stunning. The LL's light ring diffuser is on the front, so that you won't see. Both it and the ML look like any traditional LED fan from the rear. It casts light into the case, but lacks the elegance of the front. For whatever reason (likely the clear frame), I find the HDs significantly better than in this regard and they will put a lot of light in both directions. The clear frame also helps to diminish the structural impediments on both sides.

 

As noted in the FAQs, substantial difference in LED arrangements. Only 4 on the ML, like a traditional LED fan except they are internally mounted. I like that quite a bit more than the old 4 beams in the corner. HD has 12 external little spotlights and they do shine like individual beams of light. LL has 12 external and 4 internal (all diffused). In additional to that, there are also some pigmentation differences in the light. The HD are bright and almost pastel like. I got them at Easter and always associate them with Easter egg colors. The ML are are more neutral and softer. The LL are bright, but colder than the HD. That is the only set I don't own, so I will let others speak the nuances.

Edited November 2, 2018 by c-attack

[Carovie]

I really appreciate your infos, personal opinions and experiences with them, c-attack

Truth now is that I dont know what to do...

 

The situation is that I look for 3 140mm fans for the front of the case (case fans) that could be seen from the back of the case because they will be in the frontal of a closed case and I understand that their main side with the ilumintation, will be covered with the frontal of the case. This is why I would like that these three fans could have good ilumination from the two sides of the fan

 

And I look too, for 3 120mm fans for the top of the case, put together a watercooling taking out the air (radiator fans)

 

I don't know if this info could help to you to give me a better recommendation knowing my situation and the uses for the fans

 

Do you think is a good idea and will look good, three fans of one model and the other three fans of another different model? The ilumination in general could be rare?

 

Thanks again for your help

[DevBiker]

Considering what you described and what you are looking for, I'd lean towards the HD fans and possibly the MLs for the radiator.

[Carovie]

thanks for your recommendation DevBiker

 

but the different ilumination from the HD and ML fans don't you think it will be rare?

 

By the way, for case fans, better is how much more CFM (fan airflow) better and for radiator fans how much more mmH2O (static pressure) better? Am I right?

 

Checking these data in each model of fan, it seems HD fans are really much better in everything than LL and ML.

 

I don't know what to think or if I am wrong

[c-attack]

Sort of... Airflow is always the most important and what determines the cooling effect (or air exchange rate) of the fan. However, those published specifications are taken with zero fan resistance. All mountings have some and radiators can pose quite a bit. Static pressure is an attempt to indicate how the fan is affected by that resistance. Fan A moves 60 cfm of air at 1000 rpm with no restriction, but only 25 cfm when mounted to a radiator. Fan B moves only 48 cfm of air at 1000 rpm, but moves 30 when mounted to the radiator. So Fan B has a slight advantage for radiator use despite lower specifications.

 

There is no equation to turn static pressure into number of degrees reduced from coolant temperature. There are way too many other involved factors. Static pressure should be viewed a rough comparison tool. A fan that has a rating of 2.5 mm H20 is going to be stronger against resistance than one with a rating of 1.0. Unfortunately, the real meaning of static pressure is the amount of opposite pressure required to reduce the fan's speed from XXX rpm to 0. That makes the value completely RPM dependent. I have a little 40x40mm fan that a better static pressure rating than most radiator appropriate fans. This is the result of its 4000 rpm maximum speed. It still only moves 9 cfm at 4000 and you certainly wouldn't put it on a radiator. Differences like 1.4 vs 1.5 vs 1.6 at similar RPMs will not have any bearing. Typically, when you mathematically equalize them, it winds up being the same. Any value at 1.0 mm of H20 or lower is not appropriate for radiator use without some other measures.

 

Well, this has probably gone from helpful to unnecessarily detailed, but the general drift of things is this: Look at the fan blade. Wide, flat blades do better against resistance, like a radiator. Thin, steep blades will move more air with less air noise, but will be greatly affected by radiators. Most fans are a combination of the two, with medium angle and 9 blades or so. That is the HD and LL series. There are hybrid fans. They don't move the most air as a case fan and they don't move the most as a radiator fan, but you can use them anywhere successfully. The ML series has a flatter blade and is better for radiator duty, but not quite as effective as a case fan. However, like the others it most certainly can be used as both.

 

That sort of brings you back to the lighting and control requirements. Mixing these fan types together is a really tedious thing to do, so it is helpful to put the same type all around. Take a look at this review of the LL. I like how this person sets up his data. Now, it is a bit critical in the conclusion, but keep in mind +30 fpm airflow does not mean you drop 5C in coolant temperature or anything else. It takes a pretty good chunk of air to make a difference. That exists between the highest performer and the lowest, but most of the pack is all together and likely indistinguishable. I have the top of the chart fans as well. My temps do not drop even 2C when using them.

 

This one is for HD120s, but note the Corsair comparison at the bottom of the page. It was pre-LL release, but note the curves are aligned and thus the expected performance is the same. The increased length of the ML is because that model is the 2000 PRM PRO, not the 1200 rpm RGB version. You should not need (or want) more than 1200 rpm on the ML unless noise is of absolutely no consequence at all.

[Carovie]

really really thanks for your message, your infos and your help, c-attack

 

Well, this is much more complicated than I thought, I have a lot to understand and decide before to do anything

 

c-attack, do you have the review from thermalbench.com for the ML fans, just the same of the two reviews you sent me for HD and LL? To compare the three models of fans withe the same review

 

And I have a last question if you allow me, why do I need exactly, to control six fans (ilumination and speed) and four led strips and I can synchronize between them and with other Corsair components like keyboard or mouse?

I only read a bit about the Corsair devices, because of this I am not sure, and my question is, with a Commander Pro is enough to make all this (control and synchronize six fans, ilumination and speed and four led strips) I ask, or I need anything else?

 

Thanks again for all your help

[DevBiker]

To see all of the different pieces and components that you need, go to the RGB FAQ linked in my signature (and linked by c-attack earlier). There is so much there that we couldn't repeat it here effectively.

[c-attack]

How's your German? Mine is weak at best, but this is still a good video for seeing a side by side comparison of fan lighting.

 

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[Carovie]

yes you are right DevBiker, I know, and I checked the FAQs before make the question, but I don't see it clear.

 

Checking again very slowly the pictures, I think for I want, I need a Commander Pro, a Lighting Node Pro and a device that I didnt know called RGB Fan Led Hub

 

But checking more pictures, my situation gets more complicated because I would like to connect a power supply too and three of the six fans that I want to synchronize are from the water cooling

 

I am going to check it better and I ask if I have some doubt yet

 

thanks for your help

[Carovie]

How's your German? Mine is weak at best, but this is still a good video for seeing a side by side comparison of fan lighting.

 

 

my german doesn't exists c-attack, hehehehe, but watching the video you recommended me, I think I don't need it, because only watching the images of the video without sound, I can compare the differences between the lights of each type of fan

 

Thank you very much c-attack, because I didnot know aboout the existence of this video and it is great. I must see it this afternoon

[DevBiker]

yes you are right DevBiker, I know, and I checked the FAQs before make the question, but I don't see it clear.

 

Checking again very slowly the pictures, I think for I want, I need a Commander Pro, a Lighting Node Pro and a device that I didnt know called RGB Fan Led Hub

 

But checking more pictures, my situation gets more complicated because I would like to connect a power supply too and three of the six fans that I want to synchronize are from the water cooling

 

I am going to check it better and I ask if I have some doubt yet

 

thanks for your help

 

The Commander Pro (CoPro) isn't necessary to control the RGB. However, it has fan speed control, additional USB ports and temperature probes that do make it a worthwhile investment.

 

The multipacks of the fans are all going to come with an RGB LED Fan Hub. You can also get them separately from Corsair.com. This device simply provides power and signal to the fans; it's actually quite a dumb device in itself. The multipacks of the ML-RGB fans come with a Lighting Node Pro (NoPro). The NoPro has the same RGB-controlling functionality as the CoPro - both have 2 lighting channels available.

[c-attack]

If you end up buying the HD fans, those will not come with a Lighting Node Pro (LNP) like the ML and LL. The multi-pack price is lower to compensate. In that circumstance, I would recommend buying a Commander Pro instead of the LNP. It's a small difference in price, but you get a 6 port fan controller tied into the software. That has been the most useful thing of all in this and I use it even when I don't have RGB fans in the case.

[Carovie]

The Commander Pro (CoPro) isn't necessary to control the RGB. However, it has fan speed control, additional USB ports and temperature probes that do make it a worthwhile investment.

 

The multipacks of the fans are all going to come with an RGB LED Fan Hub. You can also get them separately from Corsair.com. This device simply provides power and signal to the fans; it's actually quite a dumb device in itself. The multipacks of the ML-RGB fans come with a Lighting Node Pro (NoPro). The NoPro has the same RGB-controlling functionality as the CoPro - both have 2 lighting channels available.

 

I see, thank you very much for your explanation, DevBiker.

Truth is that I have a little mental mess and doubts with up to three different devices to connect and control fans and strips.

And another thing that complicates me the situation is that I don't understand perfectly english

[Carovie]

If you end up buying the HD fans, those will not come with a Lighting Node Pro (LNP) like the ML and LL. The multi-pack price is lower to compensate. In that circumstance, I would recommend buying a Commander Pro instead of the LNP. It's a small difference in price, but you get a 6 port fan controller tied into the software. That has been the most useful thing of all in this and I use it even when I don't have RGB fans in the case.

 

I see, thanks for the info c-attack. First I must to decide what fans are best for me and after this, which is the right way to connect, control and synchronize the six fans (ilumination and speed) and the four led strips

After read your comment, I understand Commander Pro is good idea to dispose it

 

EDIT: If any extra doubt appears me, I write it over here

 

Thanks to all for your comments and help

Edited November 4, 2018 by Carovie

[Carovie]

I asked to the spanish customer service of Corsair (for my best language understanding and I pretended I did not know anything) about if they could tell me about all devices I need for total control and synchronization of six fans (ilumination and speed) and four led strips and they told me that with a Commander Pro was enough and I didnot need a Lighting Node Pro neither a Fan Led Hub

 

Could you please confirm me if this is true? Because sometimes they answer fast and concrete

 

Thanks for your help again

 

EDIT: Well, I am totally lost already after the new message of the spanish service about the fans. They told me that the more spectacular ilumination of the three fans is the LL because it has two rings of light (ok, I undertand this), but that the ilumination of the LL fan is visible from the two sides of the fan and it doesnot matter how I put the fan in the case that it would be visible from both sides

 

Well after their messages about the devices needed to control and synchronize and the other about the LL fans, they lost me totally

Edited November 5, 2018 by Carovie

[c-attack]

1) You must always have the 6 port RGB lighting hub. The only way you can place this many LEDs on a fan is to make the fan and lighting power separate. Each fan will have 2 wires - one for fan power, one for lighting power. The RGB Lighting Hub will have a SATA connection for its power and is required for ALL fan types. You get this for free when you buy any of the multi-pack fan sets. Each one has 6 ports and can handle 6 fans, thus 1 should be enough for you. The only way to miss out is by buying 6 single pack fans.

 

2) Technically the HD series does not need a LNP or Commander Pro. It has its own very limited thumb sized remote. However, I would strongly encourage anyone buying them to get either the Commander Pro or LNP. Without those, you have no software control. For ML-RGB and LL fans, it is a requirement. For all practical purposes you are going to need one or the other. From a lighting options point of view, it doesn't matter which you get. Both have the same lighting controller, but the Commander Pro is also a fan controller and has 4 thermal probes that can be used as control variables for fans. Since the LL and ML-RGB multi-packs also come with a LNP, you don't need to buy one. 1 is all you will need, so a single three pack of whichever fan you choose will give you the RGB hub and a LNP. The one exception is the less expensive HD, which does not come with a LNP. That was my earlier point. I don't see any reason to buy the LNP when the C-Pro is just a few dollars more. It is a very useful tool. The only reason not to might be in a micro-atx kind of build where every centimeter is precious. The C-Pro is about the size of a cigarette box while the LNP is just slightly larger than a matchbox.

 

3) The lighting thing you will need to judge for yourself. All fans show light on both sides. However, the LL's diffuser ring is on the front, so you won't really see the complex effects from the rear. The ML is pretty much the same on both sides, but of course you will see the black frame like any other fan. The HD spotlights and clear frame reflect light everywhere. This makes them much more interesting from the back side since the fan frame is effectively lit. However, that also means it reflects light everywhere. Not everyone likes and while it is my favorite, it can be tiring. I am rather enjoying the muted colors of my ML-RGB right now.

[Carovie]

well c-attack, only perfect is the word that sum up the explanations you wrote here to me, really thank you for your help, because the messages from the spanish customer service, confused to me and you clarified to me the main concepts

 

Then it is clear than when I buy a, for example, three fans pack, in the package, I will found a Fan Led Hub and a Lighting Node Pro (I understand that the package with led strips will include a LNP too) and after this, is very advisable or recommendable to buy the Commander Pro besides these two devices (another history will be how to connect all of this, but this will worry me when the moment comes, now I have enough with the theoretical concepts)

 

I see now that 140mm fans, doesnot exists in a three fan pack, then I will have to buy a two fan pack and another single. I suppose the two fan pack, includes the two devices (Lighting Node Pro and Fan Led Hub) we talked, the same than a three fan pack does

 

Perfectly understood about the different ilumination from the two sides of each model of fan. Currently my decisión is between ML and HD. I know LL could have the "best" or more spectacular ilumination, but the problem is about that from one side of the fan as you told me is not very visible and I think that this LL fan, is the less efficient (talking about numbers and work) from the three RGB models of fans that exist

 

Thanks again for your help c-attack. I f any other problem or doubt appears to me, I post it here that I imagine it will happen

 

Thanks again

[c-attack]

Sorry, that is correct. The 140x2 "twin pack" and 120x3 "triple pack" each come with a RGB lighting Hub and the ML versions will have a LNP. Always buy the packs if it fits your numbers. It is good to have an extra LNP or RGB Hub.

 

You only need to buy a LNP or C-Pro, if you decide to get the HD fans.

[Carovie]

thanks again for your reply, c-attack

 

To be honest, I still don't know what model of fan to buy

 

Then after reading you, I understand that if a buy a ML pack, will I not have a RGB lightning Hub in the package or will I have both devices LNP and this RGB lightning Hub?

You see I have a little mess in my head

 

I take note of your recommendation about that it is a good idea to have an extra LNP or RGB Hub

 

Thanks again c-attack

[DevBiker]

All of the multipacks come with a fan hub. Period.

 

The ML and the LL fans also come with a Lighting Node Pro. The HD fans do not; they have a push-button connector.

[Carovie]

I see, thanks for your confirmation DevBiker